- 1A wise woman builds her home,but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands.
- 2Those who follow the right path fear the Lord;those who take the wrong path despise him.
- 3A fool’s proud talk becomes a rod that beats him,but the words of the wise keep them safe.
- 4Without oxen a stable stays clean,but you need a strong ox for a large harvest.
- 5An honest witness does not lie;a false witness breathes lies.
- 6A mocker seeks wisdom and never finds it,but knowledge comes easily to those with understanding.
- 7Stay away from fools,for you won’t find knowledge on their lips.
- 8The prudent understand where they are going,but fools deceive themselves.
- 9Fools make fun of guilt,but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation.
- 10Each heart knows its own bitterness,and no one else can fully share its joy.
- 11The house of the wicked will be destroyed,but the tent of the godly will flourish.
- 12There is a path before each person that seems right,but it ends in death.
- 13Laughter can conceal a heavy heart,but when the laughter ends, the grief remains.
- 14Backsliders get what they deserve;good people receive their reward.
- 15Only simpletons believe everything they’re told!The prudent carefully consider their steps.
- 16The wise are cautious and avoid danger;fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence.
- 17Short-tempered people do foolish things,and schemers are hated.
- 18Simpletons are clothed with foolishness,but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
- 19Evil people will bow before good people;the wicked will bow at the gates of the godly.
- 20The poor are despised even by their neighbors,while the rich have many “friends.”
- 21It is a sin to belittle one’s neighbor;blessed are those who help the poor.
- 22If you plan to do evil, you will be lost;if you plan to do good, you will receive unfailing love and faithfulness.
- 23Work brings profit,but mere talk leads to poverty!
- 24Wealth is a crown for the wise;the effort of fools yields only foolishness.
- 25A truthful witness saves lives,but a false witness is a traitor.
- 26Those who fear the Lord are secure;he will be a refuge for their children.
- 27Fear of the Lord is a life-giving fountain;it offers escape from the snares of death.
- 28A growing population is a king’s glory;a prince without subjects has nothing.
- 29People with understanding control their anger;a hot temper shows great foolishness.
- 30A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body;jealousy is like cancer in the bones.
- 31Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker,but helping the poor honors him.
- 32The wicked are crushed by disaster,but the godly have a refuge when they die.
- 33Wisdom is enshrined in an understanding heart;wisdom is not found among fools.
- 34Godliness makes a nation great,but sin is a disgrace to any people.
- 35A king rejoices in wise servantsbut is angry with those who disgrace him.