Proverbs14

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.