The Wise Words of Solomon

10 These are the wise words of Solomon:

Wise children make their father happy,

but foolish children make their mother sad.

2  Riches gotten by doing wrong have no value,

but right living will save you from death.

3  The Lord does not let good people go hungry,

but he keeps evil people from getting what they want.

4  A lazy person will end up poor,

but a hard worker will become rich.

5  Those who gather crops on time are wise,

but those who sleep through the harvest are a disgrace.

6  Good people will have rich blessings,

but the wicked will be overwhelmed by violence.

7  Good people will be remembered as a blessing,

but evil people will soon be forgotten.

8  The wise do what they are told,

but a talkative fool will be ruined.

9  The honest person will live in safety,

but the dishonest will be caught.

10  A wink may get you into trouble,

and foolish talk will lead to your ruin.

11  The words of a good person give life, like a fountain of water,

but the words of the wicked contain nothing but violence.

12  Hatred stirs up trouble,

but love forgives all wrongs.

13  Wise people speak with understanding,

but people without wisdom should be punished.

14  The wise don’t tell everything they know,

but the foolish talk too much and are ruined.

15  Having lots of money protects the rich,

but having no money destroys the poor.

16  Good people are rewarded with life,

but evil people are paid with punishment.

17  Whoever accepts correction is on the way to life,

but whoever ignores correction will lead others away from life.

18  Whoever hides hate is a liar.

Whoever tells lies is a fool.

19  If you talk a lot, you are sure to sin;

if you are wise, you will keep quiet.

20  The words of a good person are like pure silver,

but an evil person’s thoughts are worth very little.

21  Good people’s words will help many others,

but fools will die because they don’t have wisdom.

22  The Lord’s blessing brings wealth,

and no sorrow comes with it.

23  A foolish person enjoys doing wrong,

but a person with understanding enjoys doing what is wise.

24  Evil people will get what they fear most,

but good people will get what they want most.

25  A storm will blow the evil person away,

but a good person will always be safe.

26  A lazy person affects the one he works for

like vinegar on the teeth or smoke in the eyes.

27  Whoever respects the Lord will have a long life,

but the life of an evil person will be cut short.

28  A good person can look forward to happiness,

but an evil person can expect nothing.

29  The Lord will protect good people

but will ruin those who do evil.

30  Good people will always be safe,

but evil people will not remain in the land.

31  A good person says wise things,

but a liar’s tongue will be stopped.

32  Good people know the right thing to say,

but evil people only tell lies.