1 Proverbs of Solomon
1 The proverbs of Solomon: 1 A wise son brings joy to his father, 1 but a foolish son grief to his mother.
2 Ill-gotten treasures are of no value, 2 but righteousness delivers from death.
3 The Lord does not let the righteous go hungry 3 but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.
4 Lazy hands make a man poor, 4 but diligent hands bring wealth.
5 He who gathers crops in summer is a wise son, 5 but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.
6 Blessings crown the head of the righteous, 6 but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.[a]
7 The memory of the righteous will be a blessing, 7 but the name of the wicked will rot.
8 The wise in heart accept commands, 8 but a chattering fool comes to ruin.
9 The man of integrity walks securely, 9 but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.
10 He who winks maliciously causes grief, 10 and a chattering fool comes to ruin.
11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, 11 but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.
12 Hatred stirs up dissension, 12 but love covers over all wrongs.
13 Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, 13 but a rod is for the back of him who lacks judgment.
14 Wise men store up knowledge, 14 but the mouth of a fool invites ruin.
15 The wealth of the rich is their fortified city, 15 but poverty is the ruin of the poor.
16 The wages of the righteous bring them life, 16 but the income of the wicked brings them punishment.
17 He who heeds discipline shows the way to life, 17 but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.
18 He who conceals his hatred has lying lips, 18 and whoever spreads slander is a fool.
19 When words are many, sin is not absent, 19 but he who holds his tongue is wise.
20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, 20 but the heart of the wicked is of little value.
21 The lips of the righteous nourish many, 21 but fools die for lack of judgment.
22 The blessing of the Lord brings wealth, 22 and he adds no trouble to it.
23 A fool finds pleasure in evil conduct, 23 but a man of understanding delights in wisdom.
24 What the wicked dreads will overtake him; 24 what the righteous desire will be granted.
25 When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, 25 but the righteous stand firm forever.
26 As vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, 26 so is a sluggard to those who send him.
27 The fear of the Lord adds length to life, 27 but the years of the wicked are cut short.
28 The prospect of the righteous is joy, 28 but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing.
29 The way of the Lord is a refuge for the righteous, 29 but it is the ruin of those who do evil.
30 The righteous will never be uprooted, 30 but the wicked will not remain in the land.
31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, 31 but a perverse tongue will be cut out.
32 The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, 32 but the mouth of the wicked only what is perverse.
1 The Lord abhors dishonest scales, 1 but accurate weights are his delight.
2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, 2 but with humility comes wisdom.
3 The integrity of the upright guides them, 3 but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.
4 Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, 4 but righteousness delivers from death.
5 The righteousness of the blameless makes a straight way for them, 5 but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness.
6 The righteousness of the upright delivers them, 6 but the unfaithful are trapped by evil desires.
7 When a wicked man dies, his hope perishes; 7 all he expected from his power comes to nothing.
8 The righteous man is rescued from trouble, 8 and it comes on the wicked instead.
9 With his mouth the godless destroys his neighbor, 9 but through knowledge the righteous escape.
10 When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices; 10 when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy.
11 Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, 11 but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed.
12 A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, 12 but a man of understanding holds his tongue.
13 A gossip betrays a confidence, 13 but a trustworthy man keeps a secret.
14 For lack of guidance a nation falls, 14 but many advisers make victory sure.
15 He who puts up security for another will surely suffer, 15 but whoever refuses to strike hands in pledge is safe.
16 A kindhearted woman gains respect, 16 but ruthless men gain only wealth.
17 A kind man benefits himself, 17 but a cruel man brings trouble on himself.
18 The wicked man earns deceptive wages, 18 but he who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.
19 The truly righteous man attains life, 19 but he who pursues evil goes to his death.
20 The Lord detests men of perverse heart 20 but he delights in those whose ways are blameless.
21 Be sure of this: The wicked will not go unpunished, 21 but those who are righteous will go free.
22 Like a gold ring in a pig's snout 22 is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion.
23 The desire of the righteous ends only in good, 23 but the hope of the wicked only in wrath.
24 One man gives freely, yet gains even more; 24 another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.
25 A generous man will prosper; 25 he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.
26 People curse the man who hoards grain, 26 but blessing crowns him who is willing to sell.
27 He who seeks good finds goodwill, 27 but evil comes to him who searches for it.
28 Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, 28 but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.
29 He who brings trouble on his family will inherit only wind, 29 and the fool will be servant to the wise.
30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, 30 and he who wins souls is wise.
31 If the righteous receive their due on earth, 31 how much more the ungodly and the sinner!
1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, 1 but he who hates correction is stupid.
2 A good man obtains favor from the Lord, 2 but the Lord condemns a crafty man.
3 A man cannot be established through wickedness, 3 but the righteous cannot be uprooted.
4 A wife of noble character is her husband's crown, 4 but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.
5 The plans of the righteous are just, 5 but the advice of the wicked is deceitful.
6 The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, 6 but the speech of the upright rescues them.
7 Wicked men are overthrown and are no more, 7 but the house of the righteous stands firm.
8 A man is praised according to his wisdom, 8 but men with warped minds are despised.
9 Better to be a nobody and yet have a servant 9 than pretend to be somebody and have no food.
10 A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal, 10 but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.
11 He who works his land will have abundant food, 11 but he who chases fantasies lacks judgment.
12 The wicked desire the plunder of evil men, 12 but the root of the righteous flourishes.
13 An evil man is trapped by his sinful talk, 13 but a righteous man escapes trouble.
14 From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things 14 as surely as the work of his hands rewards him.
15 The way of a fool seems right to him, 15 but a wise man listens to advice.
16 A fool shows his annoyance at once, 16 but a prudent man overlooks an insult.
17 A truthful witness gives honest testimony, 17 but a false witness tells lies.
18 Reckless words pierce like a sword, 18 but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
19 Truthful lips endure forever, 19 but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.
20 There is deceit in the hearts of those who plot evil, 20 but joy for those who promote peace.
21 No harm befalls the righteous, 21 but the wicked have their fill of trouble.
22 The Lord detests lying lips, 22 but he delights in men who are truthful.
23 A prudent man keeps his knowledge to himself, 23 but the heart of fools blurts out folly.
24 Diligent hands will rule, 24 but laziness ends in slave labor.
25 An anxious heart weighs a man down, 25 but a kind word cheers him up.
26 A righteous man is cautious in friendship,[b] 26 but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
27 The lazy man does not roast[c] his game, 27 but the diligent man prizes his possessions.
28 In the way of righteousness there is life; 28 along that path is immortality.
1 A wise son heeds his father's instruction, 1 but a mocker does not listen to rebuke.
2 From the fruit of his lips a man enjoys good things, 2 but the unfaithful have a craving for violence.
3 He who guards his lips guards his life, 3 but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.
4 The sluggard craves and gets nothing, 4 but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.
5 The righteous hate what is false, 5 but the wicked bring shame and disgrace.
6 Righteousness guards the man of integrity, 6 but wickedness overthrows the sinner.
7 One man pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; 7 another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.
8 A man's riches may ransom his life, 8 but a poor man hears no threat.
9 The light of the righteous shines brightly, 9 but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.
10 Pride only breeds quarrels, 10 but wisdom is found in those who take advice.
11 Dishonest money dwindles away, 11 but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow.
12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, 12 but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.
13 He who scorns instruction will pay for it, 13 but he who respects a command is rewarded.
14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, 14 turning a man from the snares of death.
15 Good understanding wins favor, 15 but the way of the unfaithful is hard.[d]
16 Every prudent man acts out of knowledge, 16 but a fool exposes his folly.
17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble, 17 but a trustworthy envoy brings healing.
18 He who ignores discipline comes to poverty and shame, 18 but whoever heeds correction is honored.
19 A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul, 19 but fools detest turning from evil.
20 He who walks with the wise grows wise, 20 but a companion of fools suffers harm.
21 Misfortune pursues the sinner, 21 but prosperity is the reward of the righteous.
22 A good man leaves an inheritance for his children's children, 22 but a sinner's wealth is stored up for the righteous.
23 A poor man's field may produce abundant food, 23 but injustice sweeps it away.
24 He who spares the rod hates his son, 24 but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.
25 The righteous eat to their hearts' content, 25 but the stomach of the wicked goes hungry.
1 The wise woman builds her house, 1 but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.
2 He whose walk is upright fears the Lord, 2 but he whose ways are devious despises him.
3 A fool's talk brings a rod to his back, 3 but the lips of the wise protect them.
4 Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, 4 but from the strength of an ox comes an abundant harvest.
5 A truthful witness does not deceive, 5 but a false witness pours out lies.
6 The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, 6 but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.
7 Stay away from a foolish man, 7 for you will not find knowledge on his lips.
8 The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, 8 but the folly of fools is deception.
9 Fools mock at making amends for sin, 9 but goodwill is found among the upright.
10 Each heart knows its own bitterness, 10 and no one else can share its joy.
11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed, 11 but the tent of the upright will flourish.
12 There is a way that seems right to a man, 12 but in the end it leads to death.
13 Even in laughter the heart may ache, 13 and joy may end in grief.
14 The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways, 14 and the good man rewarded for his.
15 A simple man believes anything, 15 but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.
16 A wise man fears the Lord and shuns evil, 16 but a fool is hotheaded and reckless.
17 A quick-tempered man does foolish things, 17 and a crafty man is hated.
18 The simple inherit folly, 18 but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
19 Evil men will bow down in the presence of the good, 19 and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
20 The poor are shunned even by their neighbors, 20 but the rich have many friends.
21 He who despises his neighbor sins, 21 but blessed is he who is kind to the needy.
22 Do not those who plot evil go astray? 22 But those who plan what is good find[e] love and faithfulness.
23 All hard work brings a profit, 23 but mere talk leads only to poverty.
24 The wealth of the wise is their crown, 24 but the folly of fools yields folly.
25 A truthful witness saves lives, 25 but a false witness is deceitful.
26 He who fears the Lord has a secure fortress, 26 and for his children it will be a refuge.
27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, 27 turning a man from the snares of death.
28 A large population is a king's glory, 28 but without subjects a prince is ruined.
29 A patient man has great understanding, 29 but a quick-tempered man displays folly.
30 A heart at peace gives life to the body, 30 but envy rots the bones.
31 He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, 31 but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.
32 When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, 32 but even in death the righteous have a refuge.
33 Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning 33 and even among fools she lets herself be known.[f]
34 Righteousness exalts a nation, 34 but sin is a disgrace to any people.
35 A king delights in a wise servant, 35 but a shameful servant incurs his wrath.
1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, 1 but a harsh word stirs up anger.
2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, 2 but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.
3 The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, 3 keeping watch on the wicked and the good.
4 The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, 4 but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.
5 A fool spurns his father's discipline, 5 but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.
6 The house of the righteous contains great treasure, 6 but the income of the wicked brings them trouble.
7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge; 7 not so the hearts of fools.
8 The Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked, 8 but the prayer of the upright pleases him.
9 The Lord detests the way of the wicked 9 but he loves those who pursue righteousness.
10 Stern discipline awaits him who leaves the path; 10 he who hates correction will die.
11 Death and Destruction[g] lie open before the Lord3S —= 11 how much more the hearts of men!
12 A mocker resents correction; 12 he will not consult the wise.
13 A happy heart makes the face cheerful, 13 but heartache crushes the spirit.
14 The discerning heart seeks knowledge, 14 but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.
15 All the days of the oppressed are wretched, 15 but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.
16 Better a little with the fear of the Lord 16 than great wealth with turmoil.
17 Better a meal of vegetables where there is love 17 than a fattened calf with hatred.
18 A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, 18 but a patient man calms a quarrel.
19 The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns, 19 but the path of the upright is a highway.
20 A wise son brings joy to his father, 20 but a foolish man despises his mother.
21 Folly delights a man who lacks judgment, 21 but a man of understanding keeps a straight course.
22 Plans fail for lack of counsel, 22 but with many advisers they succeed.
23 A man finds joy in giving an apt reply— 23 and how good is a timely word!
24 The path of life leads upward for the wise 24 to keep him from going down to the grave.[h]
25 The Lord tears down the proud man's house 25 but he keeps the widow's boundaries intact.
26 The Lord detests the thoughts of the wicked, 26 but those of the pure are pleasing to him.
27 A greedy man brings trouble to his family, 27 but he who hates bribes will live.
28 The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, 28 but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.
29 The Lord is far from the wicked 29 but he hears the prayer of the righteous.
30 A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, 30 and good news gives health to the bones.
31 He who listens to a life-giving rebuke 31 will be at home among the wise.
32 He who ignores discipline despises himself, 32 but whoever heeds correction gains understanding.
33 The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom,[i] 33 and humility comes before honor.
1 To man belong the plans of the heart, 1 but from the Lord comes the reply of the tongue.
2 All a man's ways seem innocent to him, 2 but motives are weighed by the Lord.
3 Commit to the Lord whatever you do, 3 and your plans will succeed.
4 The Lord works out everything for his own ends— 4 even the wicked for a day of disaster.
5 The Lord detests all the proud of heart. 5 Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.
6 Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; 6 through the fear of the Lord a man avoids evil.
7 When a man's ways are pleasing to the Lord, 7 he makes even his enemies live at peace with him.
8 Better a little with righteousness 8 than much gain with injustice.
9 In his heart a man plans his course, 9 but the Lord determines his steps.
10 The lips of a king speak as an oracle, 10 and his mouth should not betray justice.
11 Honest scales and balances are from the Lord; 11 all the weights in the bag are of his making.
12 Kings detest wrongdoing, 12 for a throne is established through righteousness.
13 Kings take pleasure in honest lips; 13 they value a man who speaks the truth.
14 A king's wrath is a messenger of death, 14 but a wise man will appease it.
15 When a king's face brightens, it means life; 15 his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.
16 How much better to get wisdom than gold, 16 to choose understanding rather than silver!
17 The highway of the upright avoids evil; 17 he who guards his way guards his life.
18 Pride goes before destruction, 18 a haughty spirit before a fall.
19 Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed 19 than to share plunder with the proud.
20 Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, 20 and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord.
21 The wise in heart are called discerning, 21 and pleasant words promote instruction.[j]
22 Understanding is a fountain of life to those who have it, 22 but folly brings punishment to fools.
23 A wise man's heart guides his mouth, 23 and his lips promote instruction.[k]
24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb, 24 sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
25 There is a way that seems right to a man, 25 but in the end it leads to death.
26 The laborer's appetite works for him; 26 his hunger drives him on.
27 A scoundrel plots evil, 27 and his speech is like a scorching fire.
28 A perverse man stirs up dissension, 28 and a gossip separates close friends.
29 A violent man entices his neighbor 29 and leads him down a path that is not good.
30 He who winks with his eye is plotting perversity; 30 he who purses his lips is bent on evil.
31 Gray hair is a crown of splendor; 31 it is attained by a righteous life.
32 Better a patient man than a warrior, 32 a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.
33 The lot is cast into the lap, 33 but its every decision is from the Lord.
1 Better a dry crust with peace and quiet 1 than a house full of feasting,[l] with strife.
2 A wise servant will rule over a disgraceful son, 2 and will share the inheritance as one of the brothers.
3 The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, 3 but the Lord tests the heart.
4 A wicked man listens to evil lips; 4 a liar pays attention to a malicious tongue.
5 He who mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker; 5 whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished.
6 Children's children are a crown to the aged, 6 and parents are the pride of their children.
7 Arrogant[m] lips are unsuited to a fool— 7 how much worse lying lips to a ruler!
8 A bribe is a charm to the one who gives it; 8 wherever he turns, he succeeds.
9 He who covers over an offense promotes love, 9 but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.
10 A rebuke impresses a man of discernment 10 more than a hundred lashes a fool.
11 An evil man is bent only on rebellion; 11 a merciless official will be sent against him.
12 Better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs 12 than a fool in his folly.
13 If a man pays back evil for good, 13 evil will never leave his house.
14 Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; 14 so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.
15 Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent— 15 the Lord detests them both.
16 Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, 16 since he has no desire to get wisdom?
17 A friend loves at all times, 17 and a brother is born for adversity.
18 A man lacking in judgment strikes hands in pledge 18 and puts up security for his neighbor.
19 He who loves a quarrel loves sin; 19 he who builds a high gate invites destruction.
20 A man of perverse heart does not prosper; 20 he whose tongue is deceitful falls into trouble.
21 To have a fool for a son brings grief; 21 there is no joy for the father of a fool.
22 A cheerful heart is good medicine, 22 but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
23 A wicked man accepts a bribe in secret 23 to pervert the course of justice.
24 A discerning man keeps wisdom in view, 24 but a fool's eyes wander to the ends of the earth.
25 A foolish son brings grief to his father 25 and bitterness to the one who bore him.
26 It is not good to punish an innocent man, 26 or to flog officials for their integrity.
27 A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, 27 and a man of understanding is even-tempered.
28 Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, 28 and discerning if he holds his tongue.
1 An unfriendly man pursues selfish ends; 1 he defies all sound judgment.
2 A fool finds no pleasure in understanding 2 but delights in airing his own opinions.
3 When wickedness comes, so does contempt, 3 and with shame comes disgrace.
4 The words of a man's mouth are deep waters, 4 but the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
5 It is not good to be partial to the wicked 5 or to deprive the innocent of justice.
6 A fool's lips bring him strife, 6 and his mouth invites a beating.
7 A fool's mouth is his undoing, 7 and his lips are a snare to his soul.
8 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; 8 they go down to a man's inmost parts.
9 One who is slack in his work 9 is brother to one who destroys.
10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower; 10 the righteous run to it and are safe.
11 The wealth of the rich is their fortified city; 11 they imagine it an unscalable wall.
12 Before his downfall a man's heart is proud, 12 but humility comes before honor.
13 He who answers before listening— 13 that is his folly and his shame.
14 A man's spirit sustains him in sickness, 14 but a crushed spirit who can bear?
15 The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; 15 the ears of the wise seek it out.
16 A gift opens the way for the giver 16 and ushers him into the presence of the great.
17 The first to present his case seems right, 17 till another comes forward and questions him.
18 Casting the lot settles disputes 18 and keeps strong opponents apart.
19 An offended brother is more unyielding than a fortified city, 19 and disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.
20 From the fruit of his mouth a man's stomach is filled; 20 with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied.
21 The tongue has the power of life and death, 21 and those who love it will eat its fruit.
22 He who finds a wife finds what is good 22 and receives favor from the Lord.
23 A poor man pleads for mercy, 23 but a rich man answers harshly.
24 A man of many companions may come to ruin, 24 but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
1 Better a poor man whose walk is blameless 1 than a fool whose lips are perverse.
2 It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, 2 nor to be hasty and miss the way.
