Proverbs 14

1 The wise woman builds her house,

but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.

2 Whoever fears the Lord walks uprightly,

but those who despise him are devious in their ways.

3 A fool’s mouth lashes out with pride,

but the lips of the wise protect them.

4 Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty,

but from the strength of an ox come abundant harvests.

5 An honest witness does not deceive,

but a false witness pours out lies.

6 The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none,

but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.

7 Stay away from a fool,

for you will not find knowledge on their lips.

8 The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways,

but the folly of fools is deception.

9 Fools mock at making amends for sin,

but goodwill is found among the upright.

10 Each heart knows its own bitterness,

and no one else can share its joy.

11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed,

but the tent of the upright will flourish.

12 There is a way that appears to be right,

but in the end it leads to death.

13 Even in laughter the heart may ache,

and rejoicing may end in grief.

14 The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways,

and the good rewarded for theirs.

15 The simple believe anything,

but the prudent give thought to their steps.

16 The wise fear the Lord and shun evil,

but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure.

17 A quick-tempered person does foolish things,

and the one who devises evil schemes is hated.

18 The simple inherit folly,

but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

19 Evildoers will bow down in the presence of the good,

and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

20 The poor are shunned even by their neighbors,

but the rich have many friends.

21 It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor,

but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.

22 Do not those who plot evil go astray?

But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness.

23 All hard work brings a profit,

but mere talk leads only to poverty.

24 The wealth of the wise is their crown,

but the folly of fools yields folly.

25 A truthful witness saves lives,

but a false witness is deceitful.

26 Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress,

and for their children it will be a refuge.

27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life,

turning a person from the snares of death.

28 A large population is a king’s glory,

but without subjects a prince is ruined.

29 Whoever is patient has great understanding,

but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.

30 A heart at peace gives life to the body,

but envy rots the bones.

31 Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker,

but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.

32 When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down,

but even in death the righteous seek refuge in God.

33 Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning

and even among fools she lets herself be known.

34 Righteousness exalts a nation,

but sin condemns any people.

35 A king delights in a wise servant,

but a shameful servant arouses his fury.

1 Every wise woman buildeth her house:

But the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.

2 He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the Lord:

But he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him.

3 In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride:

But the lips of the wise shall preserve them.

4 Where no oxen are, the crib is clean:

But much increase is by the strength of the ox.

5 A faithful witness will not lie:

But a false witness will utter lies.

6 A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not:

But knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth.

7 Go from the presence of a foolish man,

When thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.

8 The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way:

But the folly of fools is deceit.

9 Fools make a mock at sin:

But among the righteous there is favour.

10 The heart knoweth his own bitterness;

And a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy.

11 The house of the wicked shall be overthrown:

But the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish.

12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man,

But the end thereof are the ways of death.

13 Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful;

And the end of that mirth is heaviness.

14 The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways:

And a good man shall be satisfied from himself.

15 The simple believeth every word:

But the prudent man looketh well to his going.

16 A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil:

But the fool rageth, and is confident.

17 He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly:

And a man of wicked devices is hated.

18 The simple inherit folly:

But the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

19 The evil bow before the good;

And the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

20 The poor is hated even of his own neighbour:

But the rich hath many friends.

21 He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth:

But he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.

22 Do they not err that devise evil?

But mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.

23 In all labour there is profit:

But the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.

24 The crown of the wise is their riches:

But the foolishness of fools is folly.

25 A true witness delivereth souls:

But a deceitful witness speaketh lies.

26 In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence:

And his children shall have a place of refuge.

27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life,

To depart from the snares of death.

28 In the multitude of people is the king’s honour:

But in the want of people is the destruction of the prince.

29 He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding:

But he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.

30 A sound heart is the life of the flesh:

But envy the rottenness of the bones.

31 He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker:

But he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.

32 The wicked is driven away in his wickedness:

But the righteous hath hope in his death.

33 Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding:

But that which is in the midst of fools is made known.

34 Righteousness exalteth a nation:

But sin is a reproach to any people.

35 The king’s favour is toward a wise servant:

But his wrath is against him that causeth shame.

1 A wise woman builds her home,

but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands.

2 Those who follow the right path fear the Lord;

those who take the wrong path despise him.

3 A fool’s proud talk becomes a rod that beats him,

but the words of the wise keep them safe.

4 Without oxen a stable stays clean,

but you need a strong ox for a large harvest.

5 An honest witness does not lie;

a false witness breathes lies.

6 A mocker seeks wisdom and never finds it,

but knowledge comes easily to those with understanding.

7 Stay away from fools,

for you won’t find knowledge on their lips.

8 The prudent understand where they are going,

but fools deceive themselves.

9 Fools make fun of guilt,

but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation.

10 Each heart knows its own bitterness,

and no one else can fully share its joy.

11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed,

but the tent of the godly will flourish.

12 There is a path before each person that seems right,

but it ends in death.

13 Laughter can conceal a heavy heart,

but when the laughter ends, the grief remains.

14 Backsliders get what they deserve;

good people receive their reward.

15 Only simpletons believe everything they’re told!

The prudent carefully consider their steps.

16 The wise are cautious and avoid danger;

fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence.

17 Short-tempered people do foolish things,

and schemers are hated.

18 Simpletons are clothed with foolishness,

but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

19 Evil people will bow before good people;

the wicked will bow at the gates of the godly.

20 The poor are despised even by their neighbors,

while the rich have many “friends.”

21 It is a sin to belittle one’s neighbor;

blessed are those who help the poor.

22 If you plan to do evil, you will be lost;

if you plan to do good, you will receive unfailing love and faithfulness.

23 Work brings profit,

but mere talk leads to poverty!

24 Wealth is a crown for the wise;

the effort of fools yields only foolishness.

25 A truthful witness saves lives,

but a false witness is a traitor.

26 Those who fear the Lord are secure;

he will be a refuge for their children.

27 Fear of the Lord is a life-giving fountain;

it offers escape from the snares of death.

28 A growing population is a king’s glory;

a prince without subjects has nothing.

29 People with understanding control their anger;

a hot temper shows great foolishness.

30 A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body;

jealousy is like cancer in the bones.

31 Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker,

but helping the poor honors him.

32 The wicked are crushed by disaster,

but the godly have a refuge when they die.

33 Wisdom is enshrined in an understanding heart;

wisdom is not found among fools.

34 Godliness makes a nation great,

but sin is a disgrace to any people.

35 A king rejoices in wise servants

but is angry with those who disgrace him.

1 The wise woman builds her house,

But the foolish pulls it down with her hands.

2 He who walks in his uprightness fears the Lord,

But he who is perverse in his ways despises Him.

3 In the mouth of a fool is a rod of pride,

But the lips of the wise will preserve them.

4 Where no oxen are, the trough is clean;

But much increase comes by the strength of an ox.

5 A faithful witness does not lie,

But a false witness will utter lies.

6 A scoffer seeks wisdom and does not find it,

But knowledge is easy to him who understands.

7 Go from the presence of a foolish man,

When you do not perceive in him the lips of knowledge.

8 The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way,

But the folly of fools is deceit.

9 Fools mock at sin,

But among the upright there is favor.

10 The heart knows its own bitterness,

And a stranger does not share its joy.

11 The house of the wicked will be overthrown,

But the tent of the upright will flourish.

12 There is a way that seems right to a man,

But its end is the way of death.

13 Even in laughter the heart may sorrow,

And the end of mirth may be grief.

14 The backslider in heart will be filled with his own ways,

But a good man will be satisfied from above.

15 The simple believes every word,

But the prudent considers well his steps.

16 A wise man fears and departs from evil,

But a fool rages and is self-confident.

17 A quick-tempered man acts foolishly,

And a man of wicked intentions is hated.

18 The simple inherit folly,

But the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

19 The evil will bow before the good,

And the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

20 The poor man is hated even by his own neighbor,

But the rich has many friends.

21 He who despises his neighbor sins;

But he who has mercy on the poor, happy is he.

22 Do they not go astray who devise evil?

But mercy and truth belong to those who devise good.

23 In all labor there is profit,

But idle chatter leads only to poverty.

24 The crown of the wise is their riches,

But the foolishness of fools is folly.

25 A true witness delivers souls,

But a deceitful witness speaks lies.

26 In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence,

And His children will have a place of refuge.

27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life,

To turn one away from the snares of death.

28 In a multitude of people is a king’s honor,

But in the lack of people is the downfall of a prince.

29 He who is slow to wrath has great understanding,

But he who is impulsive exalts folly.

30 A sound heart is life to the body,

But envy is rottenness to the bones.

31 He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker,

But he who honors Him has mercy on the needy.

32 The wicked is banished in his wickedness,

But the righteous has a refuge in his death.

33 Wisdom rests in the heart of him who has understanding,

But what is in the heart of fools is made known.

34 Righteousness exalts a nation,

But sin is a reproach to any people.

35 The king’s favor is toward a wise servant,

But his wrath is against him who causes shame.

1 A wise woman strengthens her family,

but a foolish woman destroys hers by what she does.

2 People who live good lives respect the Lord,

but those who live evil lives don’t.

3 Fools will be punished for their proud words,

but the words of the wise will protect them.

4 When there are no oxen, no food is in the barn.

But with a strong ox, much grain can be grown.

5 A truthful witness does not lie,

but a false witness tells nothing but lies.

6 Those who make fun of wisdom look for it and do not find it,

but knowledge comes easily to those with understanding.

7 Stay away from fools,

because they can’t teach you anything.

8 A wise person will understand what to do,

but a foolish person is dishonest.

9 Fools don’t care if they sin,

but honest people work at being right.

10 No one else can know your sadness,

and strangers cannot share your joy.

11 The wicked person’s house will be destroyed,

but a good person’s tent will still be standing.

12 Some people think they are doing right,

but in the end it leads to death.

13 Someone who is laughing may be sad inside,

and joy may end in sadness.

14 Evil people will be paid back for their evil ways,

and good people will be rewarded for their good ones.

15 Fools will believe anything,

but the wise think about what they do.

16 Wise people are careful and stay out of trouble,

but fools are careless and quick to act.

17 Someone with a quick temper does foolish things,

but someone with understanding remains calm.

18 Fools are rewarded with nothing but more foolishness,

but the wise are rewarded with knowledge.

19 Evil people will bow down to those who are good;

the wicked will bow down at the door of those who do right.

20 The poor are rejected, even by their neighbors,

but the rich have many friends.

21 It is a sin to hate your neighbor,

but being kind to the needy brings happiness.

22 Those who make evil plans will be ruined,

but those who plan to do good will be loved and trusted.

23 Those who work hard make a profit,

but those who only talk will be poor.

24 Wise people are rewarded with wealth,

but fools only get more foolishness.

25 A truthful witness saves lives,

but a false witness is a traitor.

26 Those who respect the Lord will have security,

and their children will be protected.

27 Respect for the Lord gives life.

It is like a fountain that can save people from death.

28 A king is honored when he has many people to rule,

but a prince is ruined if he has none.

29 Patient people have great understanding,

but people with quick tempers show their foolishness.

30 Peace of mind means a healthy body,

but jealousy will rot your bones.

31 Whoever mistreats the poor insults their Maker,

but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.

32 The wicked are ruined by their own evil,

but those who do right are protected even in death.

33 Wisdom lives in those with understanding,

and even fools recognize it.

34 Doing what is right makes a nation great,

but sin will bring disgrace to any people.

35 A king is pleased with a wise servant,

but he will become angry with one who causes him shame.

1 Every wise woman buildeth her house;

But the foolish plucketh it down with her own hands.

2 He that walketh in his uprightness feareth Jehovah;

But he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him.

3 In the mouth of the foolish is a rod for his pride;

But the lips of the wise shall preserve them.

4 Where no oxen are, the crib is clean;

But much increase is by the strength of the ox.

5 A faithful witness will not lie;

But a false witness uttereth lies.

6 A scoffer seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not;

But knowledge is easy unto him that hath understanding.

7 Go into the presence of a foolish man,

And thou shalt not perceive in him the lips of knowledge.

8 The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way;

But the folly of fools is deceit.

9 A trespass-offering mocketh fools;

But among the upright there is good will.

10 The heart knoweth its own bitterness;

And a stranger doth not inter-meddle with its joy.

11 The house of the wicked shall be overthrown;

But the tent of the upright shall flourish.

12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man;

But the end thereof are the ways of death.

13 Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful;

And the end of mirth is heaviness.

14 The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways;

And a good man shall be satisfied from himself.

15 The simple believeth every word;

But the prudent man looketh well to his going.

16 A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil;

But the fool beareth himself insolently, and is confident.

17 He that is soon angry will deal foolishly;

And a man of wicked devices is hated.

18 The simple inherit folly;

But the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

19 The evil bow down before the good;

And the wicked, at the gates of the righteous.

20 The poor is hated even of his own neighbor;

But the rich hath many friends.

21 He that despiseth his neighbor sinneth;

But he that hath pity on the poor, happy is he.

22 Do they not err that devise evil?

But mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.

23 In all labor there is profit;

But the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.

24 The crown of the wise is their riches;

But the folly of fools is only folly.

25 A true witness delivereth souls;

But he that uttereth lies causeth deceit.

26 In the fear of Jehovah is strong confidence;

And his children shall have a place of refuge.

27 The fear of Jehovah is a fountain of life,

That one may depart from the snares of death.

28 In the multitude of people is the king’s glory;

But in the want of people is the destruction of the prince.

29 He that is slow to anger is of great understanding;

But he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.

30 A tranquil heart is the life of the flesh;

But envy is the rottenness of the bones.

31 He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker;

But he that hath mercy on the needy honoreth him.

32 The wicked is thrust down in his evil-doing;

But the righteous hath a refuge in his death.

33 Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding;

But that which is in the inward part of fools is made known.

34 Righteousness exalteth a nation;

But sin is a reproach to any people.

35 The king’s favor is toward a servant that dealeth wisely;

But his wrath will be against him that causeth shame.

1 The wisdom of women buildeth their house; but folly plucketh it down with her hands.

2 He that walketh in his uprightness feareth Jehovah; but he that is perverted in his ways despiseth him.

3 In the fool’s mouth is a rod of pride; but the lips of the wise shall preserve them.

4 Where no oxen are, the crib is clean; but much increase is by the strength of the ox.

5 A faithful witness will not lie; but a false witness uttereth lies.

6 A scorner seeketh wisdom, and there is none for him; but knowledge is easy unto the intelligent.

7 Go from the presence of a foolish man, in whom thou perceivest not the lips of knowledge.

8 The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way; but the folly of the foolish is deceit.

9 Fools make a mock at trespass; but for the upright there is favour.

10 The heart knoweth its own bitterness, and a stranger doth not intermeddle with its joy.

11 The house of the wicked shall be overthrown; but the tent of the upright shall flourish.

12 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof is the ways of death.

13 Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful, and the end of mirth is sadness.

14 The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways, and the good man from what is in himself.

15 The simple believeth every word; but the prudent man heedeth his going.

16 A wise man feareth and departeth from evil; but the foolish is overbearing and confident.

17 He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly, and a man of mischievous devices is hated.

18 The simple inherit folly; but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

19 The evil bow before the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous man.

20 He that is poor is hated even of his own neighbour; but the rich hath many friends.

21 He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth; but he that is gracious to the afflicted, happy is he.

22 Do they not err that devise evil? but loving-kindness and truth are for those that devise good.

23 In all labour there is profit; but the talk of the lips tendeth only to want.

24 The crown of the wise is their riches; the folly of the foolish is folly.

25 A true witness delivereth souls; but deceit uttereth lies.

26 In the fear of Jehovah is strong confidence, and his children shall have a place of refuge. 27 The fear of Jehovah is a fountain of life, to turn away from the snares of death.

28 In the multitude of people is the king’s glory; but in the lack of people is the ruin of a prince.

29 He that is slow to anger is of great understanding; but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.

30 A sound heart is the life of the flesh; but envy the rottenness of the bones.

31 He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker; but he that honoureth Him is gracious to the needy.

32 The wicked is driven away by his evil-doing; but the righteous trusteth, even in his death.

33 Wisdom resteth in the heart of the intelligent man; but that which is in the foolish maketh itself known.

34 Righteousness exalteth a nation; but sin is a reproach to peoples.

35 The king’s favour is toward a wise servant; but his wrath is against him that causeth shame.

1 The wisest of women builds up her home, 

but a stupid one tears it down with her own hands. 

2 Whoever lives right fears the Lord, 

but a person who is devious in his ways despises him. 

3 Because of a stubborn fool’s words a whip is lifted against him, 

but wise people are protected by their speech. 

4 Where there are no cattle, the feeding trough is empty, 

but the strength of an ox produces plentiful harvests. 

5 A trustworthy witness does not lie, 

but a dishonest witness breathes lies. 

6 A mocker searches for wisdom without finding it, 

but knowledge comes easily to a person who has understanding. 

7 Stay away from a fool, 

because you will not receive knowledge from his lips. 

8 The wisdom of a sensible person guides his way of life, 

but the stupidity of fools misleads them. 

9 Stubborn fools make fun of guilt, 

but there is forgiveness among decent people. 

10 The heart knows its own bitterness, 

and no stranger can share its joy. 

11 The houses of wicked people will be destroyed, 

but the tents of decent people will continue to expand. 

12 There is a way that seems right to a person, 

but eventually it ends in death. 

13 Even while laughing a heart can ache, 

and joy can end in grief. 

14 A heart that turns ⸤from God⸥ becomes bored with its own ways, 

but a good person is satisfied with God’s ways. 

15 A gullible person believes anything, 

but a sensible person watches his step. 

16 A wise person is cautious and turns away from evil, 

but a fool is carelessand overconfident. 

17 A short-tempered person acts stupidly, 

and a person who plots evil is hated. 

18 Gullible people are gifted with stupidity, 

but sensible people are crowned with knowledge. 

19 Evil people will bow to good people. 

Wicked people will bow at the gates of a righteous person. 

20 A poor person is hated even by his neighbor, 

but a rich person is loved by many. 

21 Whoever despises his neighbor sins, 

but blessed is the one who is kind to humble people. 

22 Don’t those who stray plan what is evil, 

while those who are merciful and faithful plan what is good? 

23 In hard work there is always something gained, 

but idle talk leads only to poverty. 

24 The crown of wise people is their wealth. 

The stupidity of fools is just that—stupidity! 

25 An honest witness saves lives, 

but one who tells lies is dangerous. 

26 In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, 

and his children will have a place of refuge. 

27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life 

to turn ⸤one⸥ away from the grasp of death. 

28 A large population is an honor for a king, 

but without people a ruler is ruined. 

29 A person of great understanding is patient, 

but a short temper is the height of stupidity. 

30 A tranquil heart makes for a healthy body, 

but jealousy is ⸤like⸥ bone cancer. 

31 Whoever oppresses the poor insults his maker, 

but whoever is kind to the needy honors him. 

32 A wicked person is thrown down by his own wrongdoing, 

but even in his death a righteous person has a refuge. 

33 Wisdom finds rest in the heart of an understanding person. 

Even fools recognize this. 

34 Righteousness lifts up a nation, 

but sin is a disgrace in any society. 

35 A king is delighted with a servant who acts wisely, 

but he is furious with one who acts shamefully. 

1 Every wise woman builds her house,

but a foolish one tears it down with her own hands.

2 Whoever lives with integrity fears the Lord,

but the one who is devious in his ways despises Him.

3 The proud speech of a fool brings a rod of discipline,

but the lips of the wise protect them.

4 Where there are no oxen, the feeding trough is empty,

but an abundant harvest comes

through the strength of an ox.

5 An honest witness does not deceive,

but a dishonest witness utters lies.

6 A mocker seeks wisdom and doesn’t find it,

but knowledge comes easily to the perceptive.

7 Stay away from a foolish man;

you will gain no knowledge from his speech.

8 The sensible man’s wisdom is to consider his way,

but the stupidity of fools deceives them.

9 Fools mock at making restitution,

but there is goodwill among the upright.

10 The heart knows its own bitterness,

and no outsider shares in its joy.

11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed,

but the tent of the upright will stand.

12 There is a way that seems right to a man,

but its end is the way to death.

13 Even in laughter a heart may be sad,

and joy may end in grief.

14 The disloyal one will get what his conduct deserves,

and a good man, what his deeds deserve.

15 The inexperienced one believes anything,

but the sensible one watches his steps.

16 A wise man is cautious and turns from evil,

but a fool is easily angered and is careless.

17 A quick-tempered man acts foolishly,

and a man who schemes is hated.

18 The inexperienced inherit foolishness,

but the sensible are crowned with knowledge.

19 The evil bow before those who are good,

the wicked, at the gates of the righteous.

20 A poor man is hated even by his neighbor,

but there are many who love the rich.

21 The one who despises his neighbor sins,

but whoever shows kindness to the poor will be happy.

22 Don’t those who plan evil go astray?

But those who plan good find loyalty and faithfulness.

23 There is profit in all hard work,

but endless talk leads only to poverty.

24 The crown of the wise is their wealth,

but the foolishness of fools produces foolishness.

25 A truthful witness rescues lives,

but one who utters lies is deceitful.

26 In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence

and his children have a refuge.

27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life,

turning people away from the snares of death.

28 A large population is a king’s splendor,

but a shortage of people is a ruler’s devastation.

29 A patient person shows great understanding,

but a quick-tempered one promotes foolishness.

30 A tranquil heart is life to the body,

but jealousy is rottenness to the bones.

31 The one who oppresses the poor person insults his Maker,

but one who is kind to the needy honors Him.

32 The wicked one is thrown down by his own sin,

but the righteous one has a refuge in his death.

33 Wisdom resides in the heart of the discerning;

she is known even among fools.

34 Righteousness exalts a nation,

but sin is a disgrace to any people.

35 A king favors a wise servant,

but his anger falls on a disgraceful one.

1 The wise woman builds her house,

but the foolish tears it down with her own hands.

2 Those who walk uprightly fear the Lord,

but one who is devious in conduct despises him.

3 The talk of fools is a rod for their backs,

but the lips of the wise preserve them.

4 Where there are no oxen, there is no grain;

abundant crops come by the strength of the ox.

5 A faithful witness does not lie,

but a false witness breathes out lies.

6 A scoffer seeks wisdom in vain,

but knowledge is easy for one who understands.

7 Leave the presence of a fool,

for there you do not find words of knowledge.

8 It is the wisdom of the clever to understand where they go,

but the folly of fools misleads.

9 Fools mock at the guilt offering,

but the upright enjoy God’s favor.

10 The heart knows its own bitterness,

and no stranger shares its joy.

11 The house of the wicked is destroyed,

but the tent of the upright flourishes.

12 There is a way that seems right to a person,

but its end is the way to death.

13 Even in laughter the heart is sad,

and the end of joy is grief.

14 The perverse get what their ways deserve,

and the good, what their deeds deserve.

15 The simple believe everything,

but the clever consider their steps.

16 The wise are cautious and turn away from evil,

but the fool throws off restraint and is careless.

17 One who is quick-tempered acts foolishly,

and the schemer is hated.

18 The simple are adorned with folly,

but the clever are crowned with knowledge.

19 The evil bow down before the good,

the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

20 The poor are disliked even by their neighbors,

but the rich have many friends.

21 Those who despise their neighbors are sinners,

but happy are those who are kind to the poor.

22 Do not those who plan evil err?

Those who plan good find loyalty and faithfulness.

23 In all toil there is profit,

but mere talk leads only to poverty.

24 The crown of the wise is their wealth,

but folly is the garland of fools.

25 A truthful witness saves lives,

but one who utters lies is a betrayer.

26 In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence,

and one’s children will have a refuge.

27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life,

so that one may avoid the snares of death.

28 The glory of a king is a multitude of people;

without people a prince is ruined.

29 Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding,

but one who has a hasty temper exalts folly.

30 A tranquil mind gives life to the flesh,

but jealousy makes the bones rot.

31 Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker,

but those who are kind to the needy honor him.

32 The wicked are overthrown by their evildoing,

but the righteous find a refuge in their integrity.

33 Wisdom is at home in the mind of one who has understanding,

but it is not known in the heart of fools.

34 Righteousness exalts a nation,

but sin is a reproach to any people.

35 A servant who deals wisely has the king’s favor,

but his wrath falls on one who acts shamefully.

1 The wisest of women builds her house,

but the foolish tears it down with her hands.

2 He who walks in uprightness fears Yahweh,

but he who is devious in his ways displeases him.

3 In the mouth of a fool is the rod of pride,

but the lips of the wise preserve them.

4 When there are no oxen the manger is empty,

but an abundance of crops comes by the strength of an ox.

5 A faithful witness does not lie,

but he who breathes out falsehood is a witness of deceit.

6 A scoffer seeks wisdom, but there is none,

but knowledge comes easily to him who understands.

7 Leave the presence of a foolish man,

for you will not come to know words of knowledge.

8 The wisdom of the clever is understanding his ways,

but the folly of fools is deceit.

9 Fools mock the guilt offering,

but among the upright, it is favorable.

10 The heart knows the bitterness of its soul,

but in its joy, it will not share itself with a stranger.

11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed,

but the tent of the upright will flourish.

12 There is a way that seems upright to a man,

but its end is the way of death.

13 Even in laughter, a heart may be sad,

and the end of joy may be grief.

14 From his ways, the perverse of heart will be satisfied,

and from his own, so shall a good man.

15 The simple will believe every word,

but the clever will consider his step.

16 The wise is cautious and turns from evil,

but the fool throws off restraint and is confident.

17 He who is short of temper will act foolishly,

and the man who schemes will be hated.

18 The simple are adorned with folly,

but the clever are crowned with knowledge.

19 The evil bow down before the good,

and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

20 The poor is disliked even by his neighbor,

but the lovers of the rich are many.

21 He who despises his neighbor is a sinner,

but he who has mercy on the poor blesses him.

22 Have they not erred, those who plan evil?

But loyalty and faithfulness belong to those who plan good.

23 In all toil, there is profit,

but the talk of lips leads only to poverty.

24 The crown of the wise is their wealth;

the folly of fools is folly.

25 He who saves lives is a witness of truth,

but he who utters lies is a betrayer.

26 In the fear of Yahweh, there is confidence of strength,

and for his children, there will be refuge.

27 The fear of Yahweh is a fountain of life,

in order to turn from the snares of death.

28 In the multitude of people is the glory of the king,

but without a population, a prince is ruined.

29 He who is slow to anger has great understanding,

but the hasty of spirit exalts folly.

30 A heart of tranquility is life to the flesh,

but causes bones of passion to rot.

31 He who oppresses the poor insults him who made him,

but he who has mercy on the poor honors him.

32 By his evildoing, the wicked will be overthrown,

and the righteous will find refuge in his death.

33 In the heart of him who has understanding, wisdom rests,

but even in the midst of fools it becomes known.

34 Righteousness will exalt a nation,

but sin is a reproach to a people.

35 The favor of a king is for the servant who deals wisely,

but his wrath will be on him who acts shamefully.

1 A wise woman builds her house.

But a foolish woman tears hers down with her own hands.

2 An honest person has respect for the Lord.

But a person whose paths are crooked hates him.

3 Foolish people are punished for what they say.

But the things wise people say keep them safe.

4 Where there are no oxen, the feed box is empty.

But a strong ox brings in a great harvest.

5 An honest witness does not lie.

But a dishonest witness pours out lies.

6 Those who make fun of others look for wisdom and don’t find it.

But knowledge comes easily to those who understand what is right.

7 Stay away from a foolish man.

You won’t find knowledge in what he says.

8 People are wise and understanding when they think about the way they live.

But people are foolish when their foolish ways trick them.

9 Foolish people laugh at making things right when they sin.

But honest people try to do the right thing.

10 Each heart knows its own sadness.

And no one else can share its joy.

11 The houses of sinners will be destroyed.

But the tents of honest people will stand firm.

12 There is a way that may seem right to a man.

But in the end it leads to death.

13 Even when you laugh, your heart can be hurting.

And your joy can end in sadness.

14 Those who aren’t faithful will be paid back

for what they’ve done.

And good men will receive rewards

for how they’ve lived.

15 A childish person believes anything.

But a wise person thinks about how he lives.

16 A wise person has respect for the Lord and avoids evil.

But a foolish person gets mad and is thoughtless.

17 Anyone who gets angry quickly does foolish things.

And a man who is tricky is hated.

18 Childish people act in keeping with their foolish ways.

But knowledge makes wise people feel like kings.

19 Evil people will bow down in front of good people.

And those who do wrong will bow down at the gates of those who do right.

20 Poor people are avoided even by their neighbors.

But rich people have many friends.

21 Anyone who hates his neighbor commits sin.

But blessed is the person who is kind to those in need.

22 Those who plan evil go down the wrong path.

But those who plan good find love and truth.

23 All hard work pays off.

But if all you do is talk, you will be poor.

24 The wealth of wise people is their crown.

But the foolish ways of foolish people lead to what is foolish.

25 An honest witness saves lives.

But a dishonest witness tells lies.

26 Anyone who shows respect for the Lord has a strong tower.

It will be a safe place for his children.

27 Respect for the Lord is like a fountain that gives life.

It turns you away from the jaws of death.

28 A large population is a king’s glory.

But a prince without followers is destroyed.

29 Anyone who is patient has great understanding.

But anyone who gets angry quickly shows how foolish he is.

30 A peaceful heart gives life to the body.

But jealousy rots the bones.

31 Anyone who crushes poor people makes fun of their Maker.

But anyone who is kind to those in need honors God.

32 When trouble comes, sinners are brought down.

But godly people have a safe place even when they die.

33 Wisdom rests in the hearts of those who understand what is right.

And even among foolish people she makes herself known.

34 Doing what is right lifts people up.

But sin brings shame to any nation.

35 A king is pleased with a wise servant.

But a servant who is full of shame invites the king’s anger.

1 The wise woman builds her house,

But the foolish tears it down with her own hands.

2 He who walks in his uprightness fears the Lord,

But he who is devious in his ways despises Him.

3 In the mouth of the foolish is a rod for his back,

But the lips of the wise will protect them.

4 Where no oxen are, the manger is clean,

But much revenue comes by the strength of the ox.

5 A trustworthy witness will not lie,

But a false witness utters lies.

6 A scoffer seeks wisdom and finds none,

But knowledge is easy to one who has understanding.

7 Leave the presence of a fool,

Or you will not discern words of knowledge.

8 The wisdom of the sensible is to understand his way,

But the foolishness of fools is deceit.

9 Fools mock at sin,

But among the upright there is good will.

10 The heart knows its own bitterness,

And a stranger does not share its joy.

11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed,

But the tent of the upright will flourish.

12 There is a way which seems right to a man,

But its end is the way of death.

13 Even in laughter the heart may be in pain,

And the end of joy may be grief.

14 The backslider in heart will have his fill of his own ways,

But a good man will be satisfied with his.

15 The naive believes everything,

But the sensible man considers his steps.

16 A wise man is cautious and turns away from evil,

But a fool is arrogant and careless.

17 A quick-tempered man acts foolishly,

And a man of evil devices is hated.

18 The naive inherit foolishness,

But the sensible are crowned with knowledge.

19 The evil will bow down before the good,

And the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

20 The poor is hated even by his neighbor,

But those who love the rich are many.

21 He who despises his neighbor sins,

But happy is he who is gracious to the poor.

22 Will they not go astray who devise evil?

But kindness and truth will be to those who devise good.

23 In all labor there is profit,

But mere talk leads only to poverty.

24 The crown of the wise is their riches,

But the folly of fools is foolishness.

25 A truthful witness saves lives,

But he who utters lies is treacherous.

26 In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence,

And his children will have refuge.

27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life,

That one may avoid the snares of death.

28 In a multitude of people is a king’s glory,

But in the dearth of people is a prince’s ruin.

29 He who is slow to anger has great understanding,

But he who is quick-tempered exalts folly.

30 A tranquil heart is life to the body,

But passion is rottenness to the bones.

31 He who oppresses the poor taunts his Maker,

But he who is gracious to the needy honors Him.

32 The wicked is thrust down by his wrongdoing,

But the righteous has a refuge when he dies.

33 Wisdom rests in the heart of one who has understanding,

But in the hearts of fools it is made known.

34 Righteousness exalts a nation,

But sin is a disgrace to any people.

35 The king’s favor is toward a servant who acts wisely,

But his anger is toward him who acts shamefully.