Chapter
Verse

Proverbs 14-18

New American Standard Bible

Chapter 14

1The wise woman builds her house, But the foolish tears it down with her own hands. 2One who walks in his uprightness fears the Lord, But one who is devious in his ways despises Him. 3In the mouth of the foolish is a rod for his back, But the lips of the wise will protect them. 4Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean; But much revenue comes by the strength of the ox. 5A trustworthy witness will not lie, But a false witness declares lies. 6A scoffer seeks wisdom and finds none, But knowledge is easy for one who has understanding. 7Leave the presence of a fool, Or you will not discern words of knowledge. 8The wisdom of the sensible is to understand his way, But the foolishness of fools is deceit. 9Fools mock at sin, But among the upright there is goodwill. 10The heart knows its own bitterness, And a stranger does not share its joy. 11The house of the wicked will be destroyed, But the tent of the upright will flourish. 12There is a way which seems right to a person, But its end is the way of death. 13Even in laughter the heart may be in pain, And the end of joy may be grief. 14One with a wayward heart will have his fill of his own ways, But a good person will be satisfied with his. 15The naive believes everything, But the sensible person considers his steps. 16A wise person is cautious and turns away from evil, But a fool is arrogant and careless. 17A quick-tempered person acts foolishly, And a person of evil devices is hated. 18The naive inherit foolishness, But the sensible are crowned with knowledge. 19The evil will bow down before the good, And the wicked at the gates of the righteous. 20The poor is hated even by his neighbor, But those who love the rich are many. 21One who despises his neighbor sins, But one who is gracious to the poor is blessed. 22Will they who devise evil not go astray? But kindness and truth will be to those who devise good. 23In all labor there is profit, But mere talk leads only to poverty. 24The crown of the wise is their riches, But the foolishness of fools is simply foolishness. 25A truthful witness saves lives, But one who declares lies is deceitful. 26In 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, By which one may avoid the snares of death. 28In a multitude of people is a king’s glory, But in the scarcity of people is a prince’s ruin. 29One who is slow to anger has great understanding; But one who is quick-tempered exalts foolishness. 30A tranquil heart is life to the body, But jealousy is rottenness to the bones. 31One who oppresses the poor taunts his Maker, But one who is gracious to the needy honors Him. 32The wicked is thrust down by his own wrongdoing, But the righteous has a refuge when he dies. 33Wisdom rests in the heart of one who has understanding, But among fools it is made known. 34Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a disgrace to any people. 35The king’s favor is toward a servant who acts wisely, But his anger is toward him who acts shamefully.

Chapter 15

1A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. 2The tongue of the wise makes knowledge pleasant, But the mouth of fools spouts foolishness. 3The eyes of the Lord are in every place, Watching the evil and the good. 4A soothing tongue is a tree of life, But perversion in it crushes the spirit. 5A fool rejects his father’s discipline, But he who complies with rebuke is sensible. 6Great wealth is in the house of the righteous, But trouble is in the income of the wicked. 7The lips of the wise spread knowledge, But the hearts of fools are not so. 8The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, But the prayer of the upright is His delight. 9The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, But He loves the one who pursues righteousness. 10There is severe punishment for one who abandons the way; One who hates a rebuke will die. 11 Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the Lord, How much more the hearts of mankind! 12A scoffer does not love one who rebukes him; He will not go to the wise. 13A joyful heart makes a cheerful face, But when the heart is sad, the spirit is broken. 14The mind of the intelligent seeks knowledge, But the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness. 15All the days of the needy are bad, But a cheerful heart has a continual feast. 16Better is a little with the fear of the Lord Than great treasure, and turmoil with the treasure. 17Better is a portion of vegetables where there is love, Than a fattened ox served with hatred. 18A hot-tempered person stirs up strife, But the slow to anger calms a dispute. 19The way of the lazy one is like a hedge of thorns, But the path of the upright is a highway. 20A wise son makes a father glad, But a foolish man despises his mother. 21Foolishness is joy to one who lacks sense, But a person of understanding walks straight. 22Without consultation, plans are frustrated, But with many counselors they succeed. 23A person has joy in an apt answer, And how delightful is a timely word! 24The path of life leads upward for the wise, So that he may keep away from Sheol below. 25The Lord will tear down the house of the proud, But He will set the boundary of the widow. 26Evil plans are an abomination to the Lord, But pleasant words are pure. 27He who profits illicitly troubles his own house, But he who hates bribes will live. 28The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, But the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things. 29The Lord is far from the wicked, But He hears the prayer of the righteous. 30 Bright eyes gladden the heart; Good news refreshes the bones. 31 One whose ear listens to a life-giving rebuke Will stay among the wise. 32One who neglects discipline rejects himself, But one who listens to a rebuke acquires understanding. 33 The fear of the Lord is the instruction for wisdom, And before honor comes humility.

Chapter 16

1The plans of the heart belong to a person, But the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. 2All the ways of a person are clean in his own sight, But the Lord examines the motives. 3 Commit your works to the Lord, And your plans will be established. 4The Lord has made everything for its own purpose, Even the wicked for the day of evil. 5Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord; Be assured, he will not go unpunished. 6By mercy and truth atonement is made for wrongdoing, And by the fear of the Lord one keeps away from evil. 7When a person’s ways are pleasing to the Lord, He causes even his enemies to make peace with him. 8Better is a little with righteousness Than great income with injustice. 9The mind of a person plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps. 10A divine verdict is on the lips of the king; His mouth should not err in judgment. 11A just balance and scales belong to the Lord; All the weights of the bag are His concern. 12It is an abomination for kings to commit wicked acts, Because a throne is established on righteousness. 13Righteous lips are the delight of kings, And one who speaks right is loved. 14The fury of a king is like messengers of death; But a wise person will appease it. 15In the light of a king’s face is life, And his favor is like a cloud with the spring rain. 16How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver. 17The highway of the upright is to turn away from evil; One who watches his way protects his life. 18Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before stumbling. 19It is better to be humble in spirit with the needy Than to divide the spoils with the proud. 20One who pays attention to the word will find good, And blessed is one who trusts in the Lord. 21The wise in heart will be called understanding, And sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness. 22Understanding is a fountain of life to those who have it, But the discipline of fools is foolishness. 23The heart of the wise instructs his mouth And adds persuasiveness to his lips. 24Pleasant words are a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. 25There is a way which seems right to a person, But its end is the way of death. 26A worker’s appetite works for him, For his hunger urges him on. 27A worthless person digs up evil, While his words are like scorching fire. 28A perverse person spreads strife, And a slanderer separates close friends. 29A person of violence entices his neighbor And leads him in a way that is not good. 30He who winks his eyes does so to devise perverse things; He who compresses his lips brings evil to pass. 31A gray head is a crown of glory; It is found in the way of righteousness. 32One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And one who rules his spirit, than one who captures a city. 33The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from the Lord.

Chapter 17

1Better is a dry morsel and quietness with it Than a house full of feasting with strife. 2A servant who acts wisely will rule over a son who acts shamefully, And will share in the inheritance among brothers. 3The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, But the Lord tests hearts. 4An evildoer listens to wicked lips; A liar pays attention to a destructive tongue. 5One who mocks the poor taunts his Maker; One who rejoices at disaster will not go unpunished. 6Grandchildren are the crown of the old, And the glory of sons is their fathers. 7 Excellent speech is not fitting for a fool, Much less are lying lips to a prince. 8A bribe is a charm in the sight of its owner; Wherever he turns, he prospers. 9One who conceals an offense seeks love, But one who repeats a matter separates close friends. 10A rebuke goes deeper into one who has understanding Than a hundred blows into a fool. 11A rebellious person seeks only evil, So a cruel messenger will be sent against him. 12Let a person meet a bear robbed of her cubs, Rather than a fool in his foolishness. 13One who returns evil for good, Evil will not depart from his house. 14The beginning of strife is like letting out water, So abandon the quarrel before it breaks out. 15One who justifies the wicked and one who condemns the righteous, Both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord. 16Why is there money in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, When he has no sense? 17A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity. 18A person lacking in sense shakes hands And becomes guarantor in the presence of his neighbor. 19One who loves wrongdoing loves strife; One who makes his doorway high seeks destruction. 20One who has a crooked mind finds nothing good, And one who is corrupted in his language falls into evil. 21He who fathers a fool does so to his sorrow, And the father of a fool has no joy. 22A joyful heart is good medicine, But a broken spirit dries up the bones. 23A wicked person accepts a bribe from an inside pocket To pervert the ways of justice. 24Wisdom is in the presence of one who has understanding, But the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth. 25A foolish son is a grief to his father, And bitterness to her who gave birth to him. 26It is also not good to fine the righteous, Nor to strike the noble for their uprightness. 27One who withholds his words has knowledge, And one who has a cool spirit is a person of understanding. 28Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; When he closes his lips, he is considered prudent.

Chapter 18

1One who separates himself seeks his own desire; He quarrels against all sound wisdom. 2A fool does not delight in understanding, But in revealing his own mind. 3When a wicked person comes, contempt also comes, And with dishonor comes taunting. 4The words of a person’s mouth are deep waters; The fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook. 5To show partiality to the wicked is not good, Nor to suppress the righteous in judgment. 6A fool’s lips bring strife, And his mouth invites beatings. 7A fool’s mouth is his ruin, And his lips are the snare of his soul. 8The words of a gossiper are like dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts of the body. 9He also who is lax in his work Is a brother to him who destroys. 10The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it and is safe. 11A rich person’s wealth is his strong city, And like a high wall in his own imagination. 12Before destruction the heart of a person is haughty, But humility goes before honor. 13One who gives an answer before he hears, It is foolishness and shame to him. 14The spirit of a person can endure his sickness, But as for a broken spirit, who can endure it? 15The mind of the discerning acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. 16A person’s gift makes room for him And brings him before great people. 17The first to plead his case seems right, Until another comes and examines him. 18The cast lot puts an end to quarrels, And decides between the mighty ones. 19A brother who is offended is harder to be won than a strong city, And quarrels are like the bars of a citadel. 20With the fruit of a person’s mouth his stomach will be satisfied; He will be satisfied with the product of his lips. 21Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit. 22He who finds a wife finds a good thing And obtains favor from the Lord. 23A poor person utters pleadings, But a rich person answers defiantly. 24A person of too many friends comes to ruin, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
King James Version
Christian Standard Bible
New Living Translation
English Standard Version

Chapter 14

1 The wisest of women builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down. 2Whoever walks in uprightness fears the Lord, but he who is devious in his ways despises him. 3By the mouth of a fool comes a rod for his back, but the lips of the wise will preserve them. 4Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean, but 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 a man of understanding. 7Leave the presence of a fool, for there you do not meet words of knowledge. 8The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools is deceiving. 9 Fools mock at the guilt offering, but the upright enjoy acceptance. 10The heart knows its own bitterness, and no stranger shares 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 seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. 13Even in laughter the heart may ache, and the end of joy may be grief. 14The backslider in heart will be filled with the fruit of his ways, and a good man will be filled with the fruit of his ways. 15 The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps. 16 One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless. 17A man of quick temper acts foolishly, and a man of evil devices is hated. 18The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. 19 The evil bow down before the good, the wicked at the gates of the righteous. 20 The poor is disliked even by his neighbor, but the rich has many friends. 21Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor. 22Do they not go astray who devise evil? Those who devise good meet steadfast love and faithfulness. 23In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty. 24The crown of the wise is their wealth, but the folly of fools brings folly. 25A truthful witness saves lives, but one who breathes out lies is deceitful. 26In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge. 27The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death. 28In a multitude of people is the glory of a king, but without people a prince is ruined. 29Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly. 30A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot. 31Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him. 32 The wicked is overthrown through his evildoing, but the righteous finds refuge in his death. 33Wisdom rests in the heart of a man of understanding, but it makes itself known even in the midst of fools. 34Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people. 35A servant who deals wisely has the king 's favor, but his wrath falls on one who acts shamefully.

Chapter 15

1 A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. 2The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly. 3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good. 4 A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit. 5 A fool despises his father 's instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is prudent. 6In the house of the righteous there is much treasure, but trouble befalls the income of the wicked. 7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools. 8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is acceptable to him. 9The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but he loves him who pursues righteousness. 10There is severe discipline for him who forsakes the way; whoever hates reproof will die. 11Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the Lord; how much more the hearts of the children of man! 12 A scoffer does not like to be reproved; he will not go to the wise. 13 A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed. 14 The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly. 15All the days of the afflicted are evil, but the cheerful of heart has a continual feast. 16 Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble with it. 17 Better is a dinner of herbs where love is than a fattened ox and hatred with it. 18 A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention. 19The way of a sluggard is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a level highway. 20 A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish man despises his mother. 21 Folly is a joy to him who lacks sense, but a man of understanding walks straight ahead. 22 Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed. 23To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is! 24The path of life leads upward for the prudent, that he may turn away from Sheol beneath. 25The Lord tears down the house of the proud but maintains the widow 's boundaries. 26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord, but gracious words are pure. 27Whoever is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own household, but he who hates bribes will live. 28The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things. 29The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous. 30 The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and good news refreshes the bones. 31 The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. 32Whoever ignores instruction despises himself, but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence. 33 The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor.

Chapter 16

1The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. 2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit. 3 Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. 4 The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble. 5Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord; be assured, he will not go unpunished. 6By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the Lord one turns away from evil. 7When a man 's ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. 8 Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice. 9 The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. 10 An oracle is on the lips of a king; his mouth does not sin in judgment. 11 A just balance and scales are the Lord 's; all the weights in the bag are his work. 12It is an abomination to kings to do evil, for the throne is established by righteousness. 13 Righteous lips are the delight of a king, and he loves him who speaks what is right. 14 A king 's wrath is a messenger of death, and a wise man will appease it. 15 In the light of a king 's face there is life, and his favor is like the clouds that bring the spring rain. 16 How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. 17The highway of the upright turns aside from evil; whoever guards his way preserves his life. 18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. 19 It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud. 20Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord. 21The wise of heart is called discerning, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness. 22Good sense is a fountain of life to him who has it, but the instruction of fools is folly. 23 The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious and adds persuasiveness to his lips. 24 Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. 25There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. 26A worker 's appetite works for him; his mouth urges him on. 27 A worthless man plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire. 28 A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends. 29A man of violence entices his neighbor and leads him in a way that is not good. 30Whoever winks his eyes plans dishonest things; he who purses his lips brings evil to pass. 31 Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life. 32 Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. 33 The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.

Chapter 17

1 Better is a dry morsel with quiet than a house full of feasting with strife. 2A servant who deals wisely will rule over a son who acts shamefully and will share the inheritance as one of the brothers. 3 The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the Lord tests hearts. 4An evildoer listens to wicked lips, and a liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue. 5Whoever mocks the poor insults his Maker; he who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished. 6 Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers. 7Fine speech is not becoming to a fool; still less is false speech to a prince. 8 A bribe is like a magic stone in the eyes of the one who gives it; wherever he turns he prospers. 9Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends. 10A rebuke goes deeper into a man of understanding than a hundred blows into a fool. 11An evil man seeks only rebellion, and a cruel messenger will be sent against him. 12Let a man meet a she-bear robbed of her cubs rather than a fool in his folly. 13If anyone returns evil for good, evil will not depart from his house. 14The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so quit before the quarrel breaks out. 15He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous are both alike an abomination to the Lord. 16Why should a fool have money in his hand to buy wisdom when he has no sense? 17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. 18One who lacks sense gives a pledge and puts up security in the presence of his neighbor. 19Whoever loves transgression loves strife; he who makes his door high seeks destruction. 20 A man of crooked heart does not discover good, and one with a dishonest tongue falls into calamity. 21He who sires a fool gets himself sorrow, and the father of a fool has no joy. 22 A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. 23The wicked accepts a bribe in secret to pervert the ways of justice. 24 The discerning sets his face toward wisdom, but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth. 25 A foolish son is a grief to his father and bitterness to her who bore him. 26 To impose a fine on a righteous man is not good, nor to strike the noble for their uprightness. 27Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. 28Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.

Chapter 18

1Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment. 2A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion. 3When wickedness comes, contempt comes also, and with dishonor comes disgrace. 4The words of a man 's mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook. 5It is not good to be partial to the wicked or to deprive the righteous of justice. 6A fool 's lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating. 7 A fool 's mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul. 8 The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body. 9Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys. 10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe. 11 A rich man 's wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his imagination. 12 Before destruction a man 's heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor. 13If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame. 14A man 's spirit will endure sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear? 15An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. 16A man 's gift makes room for him and brings him before the great. 17The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him. 18 The lot puts an end to quarrels and decides between powerful contenders. 19A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle. 20 From the fruit of a man 's mouth his stomach is satisfied; he is satisfied by the yield of his lips. 21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. 22He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord. 23The poor use entreaties, but the rich answer roughly. 24A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
New International Version
New King James Version

Chapter 14

1The wise woman builds her house, But the foolish pulls it down with her hands. 2He who walks in his uprightness fears the Lord, But he who is perverse in his ways despises Him. 3In the mouth of a fool is a rod of pride, But the lips of the wise will preserve them. 4Where no oxen are, the trough is clean; But much increase comes by the strength of an ox. 5A faithful witness does not lie, But a false witness will utter lies. 6A scoffer seeks wisdom and does not find it, But knowledge is easy to him who understands. 7Go from the presence of a foolish man, When you do not perceive in him the lips of knowledge. 8The 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. 10The 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. 13Even in laughter the heart may sorrow, And the end of mirth may be grief. 14The backslider in heart will be filled with his own ways, But a good man will be satisfied from above. 15The 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. 17A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, And a man of wicked intentions is hated. 18The simple inherit folly, But the prudent are crowned with knowledge. 19The 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. 21He who despises his neighbor sins; But he who has mercy on the poor, happy is he. 22Do they not go astray who devise evil? But mercy and truth belong to those who devise good. 23In all labor there is profit, But idle chatter leads only to poverty. 24The crown of the wise is their riches, But the foolishness of fools is folly. 25A true witness delivers souls, But a deceitful witness speaks lies. 26In 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. 28In 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. 30A 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. 32The wicked is banished in his wickedness, But the righteous has a refuge in his death. 33Wisdom rests in the heart of him who has understanding, But what is in the heart of fools is made known. 34Righteousness 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.

Chapter 15

1A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. 2The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness. 3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place, Keeping watch on the evil and the good. 4A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, But perverseness in it breaks the spirit. 5 A fool despises his father’s instruction, But he who receives correction is prudent. 6 In the house of the righteous there is much treasure, But in the revenue of the wicked is trouble. 7The lips of the wise disperse knowledge, But the heart of the fool does not do so. 8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, But the prayer of the upright is His delight. 9The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, But He loves him who follows righteousness. 10 Harsh discipline is for him who forsakes the way, And he who hates correction will die. 11 Hell and Destruction are before the Lord; So how much more the hearts of the sons of men. 12 A scoffer does not love one who corrects him, Nor will he go to the wise. 13 A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, But by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. 14The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, But the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness. 15All the days of the afflicted are evil, But he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast. 16 Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, Than great treasure with trouble. 17 Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, Than a fatted calf with hatred. 18 A wrathful man stirs up strife, But he who is slow to anger allays contention. 19 The way of the lazy man is like a hedge of thorns, But the way of the upright is a highway. 20 A wise son makes a father glad, But a foolish man despises his mother. 21 Folly is joy to him who is destitute of discernment, But a man of understanding walks uprightly. 22 Without counsel, plans go awry, But in the multitude of counselors they are established. 23A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, And a word spoken in due season, how good it is! 24 The way of life winds upward for the wise, That he may turn away from hell below. 25 The Lord will destroy the house of the proud, But He will establish the boundary of the widow. 26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord, But the words of the pure are pleasant. 27 He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, But he who hates bribes will live. 28The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, But the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil. 29 The Lord is far from the wicked, But He hears the prayer of the righteous. 30The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, And a good report makes the bones healthy. 31The ear that hears the rebukes of life Will abide among the wise. 32He who disdains instruction despises his own soul, But he who heeds rebuke gets understanding. 33 The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom, And before honor is humility.

Chapter 16

1The preparations of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. 2All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, But the Lord weighs the spirits. 3 Commit your works to the Lord, And your thoughts will be established. 4The Lord has made all for Himself, Yes, even the wicked for the day of doom. 5 Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord; Though they join forces, none will go unpunished. 6 In mercy and truth Atonement is provided for iniquity; And by the fear of the Lord one departs from evil. 7When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. 8 Better is a little with righteousness, Than vast revenues without justice. 9 A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps. 10Divination is on the lips of the king; His mouth must not transgress in judgment. 11 Honest weights and scales are the Lord’s; All the weights in the bag are His work. 12 It is an abomination for kings to commit wickedness, For a throne is established by righteousness. 13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings, And they love him who speaks what is right. 14As messengers of death is the king’s wrath, But a wise man will appease it. 15In the light of the king’s face is life, And his favor is like a cloud of the latter rain. 16 How much better to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. 17The highway of the upright is to depart from evil; He who keeps his way preserves his soul. 18Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. 19Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, Than to divide the spoil with the proud. 20He who heeds the word wisely will find good, And whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he. 21The wise in heart will be called prudent, And sweetness of the lips increases learning. 22Understanding is a wellspring of life to him who has it. But the correction of fools is folly. 23The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, And adds learning to his lips. 24Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones. 25There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. 26The person who labors, labors for himself, For his hungry mouth drives him on. 27An ungodly man digs up evil, And it is on his lips like a burning fire. 28A perverse man sows strife, And a whisperer separates the best of friends. 29A violent man entices his neighbor, And leads him in a way that is not good. 30He winks his eye to devise perverse things; He purses his lips and brings about evil. 31 The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, If it is found in the way of righteousness. 32 He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. 33The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from the Lord.

Chapter 17

1Better is a dry morsel with quietness, Than a house full of feasting with strife. 2A wise servant will rule over a son who causes shame, And will share an inheritance among the brothers. 3The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, But the Lord tests the hearts. 4An evildoer gives heed to false lips; A liar listens eagerly to a spiteful tongue. 5 He who mocks the poor reproaches his Maker; He who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished. 6 Children’s children are the crown of old men, And the glory of children is their father. 7Excellent speech is not becoming to a fool, Much less lying lips to a prince. 8A present is a precious stone in the eyes of its possessor; Wherever he turns, he prospers. 9 He who covers a transgression seeks love, But he who repeats a matter separates friends. 10 Rebuke is more effective for a wise man Than a hundred blows on a fool. 11An evil man seeks only rebellion; Therefore a cruel messenger will be sent against him. 12Let a man meet a bear robbed of her cubs, Rather than a fool in his folly. 13Whoever rewards evil for good, Evil will not depart from his house. 14The beginning of strife is like releasing water; Therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts. 15 He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just, Both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord. 16Why is there in the hand of a fool the purchase price of wisdom, Since he has no heart for it? 17 A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity. 18 A man devoid of understanding shakes hands in a pledge, And becomes surety for his friend. 19He who loves transgression loves strife, And he who exalts his gate seeks destruction. 20He who has a deceitful heart finds no good, And he who has a perverse tongue falls into evil. 21He who begets a scoffer does so to his sorrow, And the father of a fool has no joy. 22A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones. 23A wicked man accepts a bribe behind the back To pervert the ways of justice. 24 Wisdom is in the sight of him who has understanding, But the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth. 25A foolish son is a grief to his father, And bitterness to her who bore him. 26Also, to punish the righteous is not good, Nor to strike princes for their uprightness. 27 He who has knowledge spares his words, And a man of understanding is of a calm spirit. 28 Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive.

Chapter 18

1A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; He rages against all wise judgment. 2A fool has no delight in understanding, But in expressing his own heart. 3When the wicked comes, contempt comes also; And with dishonor comes reproach. 4 The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; The wellspring of wisdom is a flowing brook. 5 It is not good to show partiality to the wicked, Or to overthrow the righteous in judgment. 6A fool’s lips enter into contention, And his mouth calls for blows. 7 A fool’s mouth is his destruction, And his lips are the snare of his soul. 8 The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, And they go down into the inmost body. 9He who is slothful in his work Is a brother to him who is a great destroyer. 10The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe. 11The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, And like a high wall in his own esteem. 12 Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, And before honor is humility. 13He who answers a matter before he hears it, It is folly and shame to him. 14The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness, But who can bear a broken spirit? 15The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. 16 A man’s gift makes room for him, And brings him before great men. 17The first one to plead his cause seems right, Until his neighbor comes and examines him. 18Casting lots causes contentions to cease, And keeps the mighty apart. 19A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, And contentions are like the bars of a castle. 20 A man’s stomach shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth; From the produce of his lips he shall be filled. 21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit. 22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing, And obtains favor from the Lord. 23The poor man uses entreaties, But the rich answers roughly. 24A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
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