Proverbs 1

The Purpose of Proverbs

1These are the proverbs of Solomon, David’s son, king of Israel.

2Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline,

to help them understand the insights of the wise.

3Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives,

to help them do what is right, just, and fair.

4These proverbs will give insight to the simple,

knowledge and discernment to the young.

5Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser.

Let those with understanding receive guidance

6by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables,

the words of the wise and their riddles.

7Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge,

but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

A Father’s Exhortation: Acquire Wisdom

8My child,*1:8 Hebrew My son; also in 1:10, 15. listen when your father corrects you.

Don’t neglect your mother’s instruction.

9What you learn from them will crown you with grace

and be a chain of honor around your neck.

10My child, if sinners entice you,

turn your back on them!

11They may say, “Come and join us.

Let’s hide and kill someone!

Just for fun, let’s ambush the innocent!

12Let’s swallow them alive, like the grave*1:12 Hebrew like Sheol.;

let’s swallow them whole, like those who go down to the pit of death.

13Think of the great things we’ll get!

We’ll fill our houses with all the stuff we take.

14Come, throw in your lot with us;

we’ll all share the loot.”

15My child, don’t go along with them!

Stay far away from their paths.

16They rush to commit evil deeds.

They hurry to commit murder.

17If a bird sees a trap being set,

it knows to stay away.

18But these people set an ambush for themselves;

they are trying to get themselves killed.

19Such is the fate of all who are greedy for money;

it robs them of life.

Wisdom Shouts in the Streets

20Wisdom shouts in the streets.

She cries out in the public square.

21She calls to the crowds along the main street,

to those gathered in front of the city gate:

22“How long, you simpletons,

will you insist on being simpleminded?

How long will you mockers relish your mocking?

How long will you fools hate knowledge?

23Come and listen to my counsel.

I’ll share my heart with you

and make you wise.

24“I called you so often, but you wouldn’t come.

I reached out to you, but you paid no attention.

25You ignored my advice

and rejected the correction I offered.

26So I will laugh when you are in trouble!

I will mock you when disaster overtakes you—

27when calamity overtakes you like a storm,

when disaster engulfs you like a cyclone,

and anguish and distress overwhelm you.

28“When they cry for help, I will not answer.

Though they anxiously search for me, they will not find me.

29For they hated knowledge

and chose not to fear the Lord.

30They rejected my advice

and paid no attention when I corrected them.

31Therefore, they must eat the bitter fruit of living their own way,

choking on their own schemes.

32For simpletons turn away from me—to death.

Fools are destroyed by their own complacency.

33But all who listen to me will live in peace,

untroubled by fear of harm.”

Proverbs 2

The Benefits of Wisdom

1My child,*2:1 Hebrew My son. listen to what I say,

and treasure my commands.

2Tune your ears to wisdom,

and concentrate on understanding.

3Cry out for insight,

and ask for understanding.

4Search for them as you would for silver;

seek them like hidden treasures.

5Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord,

and you will gain knowledge of God.

6For the Lord grants wisdom!

From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

7He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest.

He is a shield to those who walk with integrity.

8He guards the paths of the just

and protects those who are faithful to him.

9Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair,

and you will find the right way to go.

10For wisdom will enter your heart,

and knowledge will fill you with joy.

11Wise choices will watch over you.

Understanding will keep you safe.

12Wisdom will save you from evil people,

from those whose words are twisted.

13These men turn from the right way

to walk down dark paths.

14They take pleasure in doing wrong,

and they enjoy the twisted ways of evil.

15Their actions are crooked,

and their ways are wrong.

16Wisdom will save you from the immoral woman,

from the seductive words of the promiscuous woman.

17She has abandoned her husband

and ignores the covenant she made before God.

18Entering her house leads to death;

it is the road to the grave.*2:18 Hebrew to the spirits of the dead.

19The man who visits her is doomed.

He will never reach the paths of life.

20So follow the steps of the good,

and stay on the paths of the righteous.

21For only the godly will live in the land,

and those with integrity will remain in it.

22But the wicked will be removed from the land,

and the treacherous will be uprooted.

Proverbs 3

Trusting in the Lord

1My child,*3:1 Hebrew My son; also in 3:11, 21. never forget the things I have taught you.

Store my commands in your heart.

2If you do this, you will live many years,

and your life will be satisfying.

3Never let loyalty and kindness leave you!

Tie them around your neck as a reminder.

Write them deep within your heart.

4Then you will find favor with both God and people,

and you will earn a good reputation.

5Trust in the Lord with all your heart;

do not depend on your own understanding.

6Seek his will in all you do,

and he will show you which path to take.

7Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom.

Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.

8Then you will have healing for your body

and strength for your bones.

9Honor the Lord with your wealth

and with the best part of everything you produce.

10Then he will fill your barns with grain,

and your vats will overflow with good wine.

11My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline,

and don’t be upset when he corrects you.

12For the Lord corrects those he loves,

just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.*3:12 Greek version reads loves, / and he punishes those he accepts as his children. Compare Heb 12:6.

13Joyful is the person who finds wisdom,

the one who gains understanding.

14For wisdom is more profitable than silver,

and her wages are better than gold.

15Wisdom is more precious than rubies;

nothing you desire can compare with her.

16She offers you long life in her right hand,

and riches and honor in her left.

17She will guide you down delightful paths;

all her ways are satisfying.

18Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her;

happy are those who hold her tightly.

19By wisdom the Lord founded the earth;

by understanding he created the heavens.

20By his knowledge the deep fountains of the earth burst forth,

and the dew settles beneath the night sky.

21My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment.

Hang on to them,

22for they will refresh your soul.

They are like jewels on a necklace.

23They keep you safe on your way,

and your feet will not stumble.

24You can go to bed without fear;

you will lie down and sleep soundly.

25You need not be afraid of sudden disaster

or the destruction that comes upon the wicked,

26for the Lord is your security.

He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.

27Do not withhold good from those who deserve it

when it’s in your power to help them.

28If you can help your neighbor now, don’t say,

“Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you.”

29Don’t plot harm against your neighbor,

for those who live nearby trust you.

30Don’t pick a fight without reason,

when no one has done you harm.

31Don’t envy violent people

or copy their ways.

32Such wicked people are detestable to the Lord,

but he offers his friendship to the godly.

33The Lord curses the house of the wicked,

but he blesses the home of the upright.

34The Lord mocks the mockers

but is gracious to the humble.*3:34 Greek version reads The Lord opposes the proud / but gives grace to the humble. Compare Jas 4:6; 1 Pet 5:5.

35The wise inherit honor,

but fools are put to shame!

Proverbs 4

A Father’s Wise Advice

1My children,*4:1 Hebrew My sons. listen when your father corrects you.

Pay attention and learn good judgment,

2for I am giving you good guidance.

Don’t turn away from my instructions.

3For I, too, was once my father’s son,

tenderly loved as my mother’s only child.

4My father taught me,

“Take my words to heart.

Follow my commands, and you will live.

5Get wisdom; develop good judgment.

Don’t forget my words or turn away from them.

6Don’t turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you.

Love her, and she will guard you.

7Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do!

And whatever else you do, develop good judgment.

8If you prize wisdom, she will make you great.

Embrace her, and she will honor you.

9She will place a lovely wreath on your head;

she will present you with a beautiful crown.”

10My child,*4:10 Hebrew My son; also in 4:20. listen to me and do as I say,

and you will have a long, good life.

11I will teach you wisdom’s ways

and lead you in straight paths.

12When you walk, you won’t be held back;

when you run, you won’t stumble.

13Take hold of my instructions; don’t let them go.

Guard them, for they are the key to life.

14Don’t do as the wicked do,

and don’t follow the path of evildoers.

15Don’t even think about it; don’t go that way.

Turn away and keep moving.

16For evil people can’t sleep until they’ve done their evil deed for the day.

They can’t rest until they’ve caused someone to stumble.

17They eat the food of wickedness

and drink the wine of violence!

18The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn,

which shines ever brighter until the full light of day.

19But the way of the wicked is like total darkness.

They have no idea what they are stumbling over.

20My child, pay attention to what I say.

Listen carefully to my words.

21Don’t lose sight of them.

Let them penetrate deep into your heart,

22for they bring life to those who find them,

and healing to their whole body.

23Guard your heart above all else,

for it determines the course of your life.

24Avoid all perverse talk;

stay away from corrupt speech.

25Look straight ahead,

and fix your eyes on what lies before you.

26Mark out a straight path for your feet;

stay on the safe path.

27Don’t get sidetracked;

keep your feet from following evil.

Proverbs 5

Avoid Immoral Women

1My son, pay attention to my wisdom;

listen carefully to my wise counsel.

2Then you will show discernment,

and your lips will express what you’ve learned.

3For the lips of an immoral woman are as sweet as honey,

and her mouth is smoother than oil.

4But in the end she is as bitter as poison,

as dangerous as a double-edged sword.

5Her feet go down to death;

her steps lead straight to the grave.*5:5 Hebrew to Sheol.

6For she cares nothing about the path to life.

She staggers down a crooked trail and doesn’t realize it.

7So now, my sons, listen to me.

Never stray from what I am about to say:

8Stay away from her!

Don’t go near the door of her house!

9If you do, you will lose your honor

and will lose to merciless people all you have achieved.

10Strangers will consume your wealth,

and someone else will enjoy the fruit of your labor.

11In the end you will groan in anguish

when disease consumes your body.

12You will say, “How I hated discipline!

If only I had not ignored all the warnings!

13Oh, why didn’t I listen to my teachers?

Why didn’t I pay attention to my instructors?

14I have come to the brink of utter ruin,

and now I must face public disgrace.”

15Drink water from your own well—

share your love only with your wife.*5:15 Hebrew Drink water from your own cistern, / flowing water from your own well.

16Why spill the water of your springs in the streets,

having sex with just anyone?*5:16 Hebrew Why spill your springs in the streets, / your streams in the city squares?

17You should reserve it for yourselves.

Never share it with strangers.

18Let your wife be a fountain of blessing for you.

Rejoice in the wife of your youth.

19She is a loving deer, a graceful doe.

Let her breasts satisfy you always.

May you always be captivated by her love.

20Why be captivated, my son, by an immoral woman,

or fondle the breasts of a promiscuous woman?

21For the Lord sees clearly what a man does,

examining every path he takes.

22An evil man is held captive by his own sins;

they are ropes that catch and hold him.

23He will die for lack of self-control;

he will be lost because of his great foolishness.

Proverbs 6

Lessons for Daily Life

1My child,*6:1 Hebrew My son. if you have put up security for a friend’s debt

or agreed to guarantee the debt of a stranger—

2if you have trapped yourself by your agreement

and are caught by what you said—

3follow my advice and save yourself,

for you have placed yourself at your friend’s mercy.

Now swallow your pride;

go and beg to have your name erased.

4Don’t put it off; do it now!

Don’t rest until you do.

5Save yourself like a gazelle escaping from a hunter,

like a bird fleeing from a net.

6Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones.

Learn from their ways and become wise!

7Though they have no prince

or governor or ruler to make them work,

8they labor hard all summer,

gathering food for the winter.

9But you, lazybones, how long will you sleep?

When will you wake up?

10A little extra sleep, a little more slumber,

a little folding of the hands to rest—

11then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit;

scarcity will attack you like an armed robber.

12What are worthless and wicked people like?

They are constant liars,

13signaling their deceit with a wink of the eye,

a nudge of the foot, or the wiggle of fingers.

14Their perverted hearts plot evil,

and they constantly stir up trouble.

15But they will be destroyed suddenly,

broken in an instant beyond all hope of healing.

16There are six things the Lord hates—

no, seven things he detests:

17haughty eyes,

a lying tongue,

hands that kill the innocent,

18a heart that plots evil,

feet that race to do wrong,

19a false witness who pours out lies,

a person who sows discord in a family.

20My son, obey your father’s commands,

and don’t neglect your mother’s instruction.

21Keep their words always in your heart.

Tie them around your neck.

22When you walk, their counsel will lead you.

When you sleep, they will protect you.

When you wake up, they will advise you.

23For their command is a lamp

and their instruction a light;

their corrective discipline

is the way to life.

24It will keep you from the immoral woman,

from the smooth tongue of a promiscuous woman.

25Don’t lust for her beauty.

Don’t let her coy glances seduce you.

26For a prostitute will bring you to poverty,*6:26 Hebrew to a loaf of bread.

but sleeping with another man’s wife will cost you your life.

27Can a man scoop a flame into his lap

and not have his clothes catch on fire?

28Can he walk on hot coals

and not blister his feet?

29So it is with the man who sleeps with another man’s wife.

He who embraces her will not go unpunished.

30Excuses might be found for a thief

who steals because he is starving.

31But if he is caught, he must pay back seven times what he stole,

even if he has to sell everything in his house.

32But the man who commits adultery is an utter fool,

for he destroys himself.

33He will be wounded and disgraced.

His shame will never be erased.

34For the woman’s jealous husband will be furious,

and he will show no mercy when he takes revenge.

35He will accept no compensation,

nor be satisfied with a payoff of any size.

Proverbs 7

Another Warning about Immoral Women

1Follow my advice, my son;

always treasure my commands.

2Obey my commands and live!

Guard my instructions as you guard your own eyes.*7:2 Hebrew as the pupil of your eye.

3Tie them on your fingers as a reminder.

Write them deep within your heart.

4Love wisdom like a sister;

make insight a beloved member of your family.

5Let them protect you from an affair with an immoral woman,

from listening to the flattery of a promiscuous woman.

6While I was at the window of my house,

looking through the curtain,

7I saw some naive young men,

and one in particular who lacked common sense.

8He was crossing the street near the house of an immoral woman,

strolling down the path by her house.

9It was at twilight, in the evening,

as deep darkness fell.

10The woman approached him,

seductively dressed and sly of heart.

11She was the brash, rebellious type,

never content to stay at home.

12She is often in the streets and markets,

soliciting at every corner.

13She threw her arms around him and kissed him,

and with a brazen look she said,

14“I’ve just made my peace offerings

and fulfilled my vows.

15You’re the one I was looking for!

I came out to find you, and here you are!

16My bed is spread with beautiful blankets,

with colored sheets of Egyptian linen.

17I’ve perfumed my bed

with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.

18Come, let’s drink our fill of love until morning.

Let’s enjoy each other’s caresses,

19for my husband is not home.

He’s away on a long trip.

20He has taken a wallet full of money with him

and won’t return until later this month.*7:20 Hebrew until the moon is full.”

21So she seduced him with her pretty speech

and enticed him with her flattery.

22He followed her at once,

like an ox going to the slaughter.

He was like a stag caught in a trap,*7:22 As in Greek and Syriac versions; Hebrew reads slaughter, as shackles are for the discipline of a fool.

23awaiting the arrow that would pierce its heart.

He was like a bird flying into a snare,

little knowing it would cost him his life.

24So listen to me, my sons,

and pay attention to my words.

25Don’t let your hearts stray away toward her.

Don’t wander down her wayward path.

26For she has been the ruin of many;

many men have been her victims.

27Her house is the road to the grave.*7:27 Hebrew to Sheol.

Her bedroom is the den of death.

Proverbs 8

Wisdom Calls for a Hearing

1Listen as Wisdom calls out!

Hear as understanding raises her voice!

2On the hilltop along the road,

she takes her stand at the crossroads.

3By the gates at the entrance to the town,

on the road leading in, she cries aloud,

4“I call to you, to all of you!

I raise my voice to all people.

5You simple people, use good judgment.

You foolish people, show some understanding.

6Listen to me! For I have important things to tell you.

Everything I say is right,

7for I speak the truth

and detest every kind of deception.

8My advice is wholesome.

There is nothing devious or crooked in it.

9My words are plain to anyone with understanding,

clear to those with knowledge.

10Choose my instruction rather than silver,

and knowledge rather than pure gold.

11For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies.

Nothing you desire can compare with it.

12“I, Wisdom, live together with good judgment.

I know where to discover knowledge and discernment.

13All who fear the Lord will hate evil.

Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance,

corruption and perverse speech.

14Common sense and success belong to me.

Insight and strength are mine.

15Because of me, kings reign,

and rulers make just decrees.

16Rulers lead with my help,

and nobles make righteous judgments.*8:16 Some Hebrew manuscripts and Greek version read and nobles are judges over the earth.

17“I love all who love me.

Those who search will surely find me.

18I have riches and honor,

as well as enduring wealth and justice.

19My gifts are better than gold, even the purest gold,

my wages better than sterling silver!

20I walk in righteousness,

in paths of justice.

21Those who love me inherit wealth.

I will fill their treasuries.

22“The Lord formed me from the beginning,

before he created anything else.

23I was appointed in ages past,

at the very first, before the earth began.

24I was born before the oceans were created,

before the springs bubbled forth their waters.

25Before the mountains were formed,

before the hills, I was born—

26before he had made the earth and fields

and the first handfuls of soil.

27I was there when he established the heavens,

when he drew the horizon on the oceans.

28I was there when he set the clouds above,

when he established springs deep in the earth.

29I was there when he set the limits of the seas,

so they would not spread beyond their boundaries.

And when he marked off the earth’s foundations,

30I was the architect at his side.

I was his constant delight,

rejoicing always in his presence.

31And how happy I was with the world he created;

how I rejoiced with the human family!

32“And so, my children,*8:32 Hebrew my sons. listen to me,

for all who follow my ways are joyful.

33Listen to my instruction and be wise.

Don’t ignore it.

34Joyful are those who listen to me,

watching for me daily at my gates,

waiting for me outside my home!

35For whoever finds me finds life

and receives favor from the Lord.

36But those who miss me injure themselves.

All who hate me love death.”

Proverbs 9

1Wisdom has built her house;

she has carved its seven columns.

2She has prepared a great banquet,

mixed the wines, and set the table.

3She has sent her servants to invite everyone to come.

She calls out from the heights overlooking the city.

4“Come in with me,” she urges the simple.

To those who lack good judgment, she says,

5“Come, eat my food,

and drink the wine I have mixed.

6Leave your simple ways behind, and begin to live;

learn to use good judgment.”

7Anyone who rebukes a mocker will get an insult in return.

Anyone who corrects the wicked will get hurt.

8So don’t bother correcting mockers;

they will only hate you.

But correct the wise,

and they will love you.

9Instruct the wise,

and they will be even wiser.

Teach the righteous,

and they will learn even more.

10Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom.

Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.

11Wisdom will multiply your days

and add years to your life.

12If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit.

If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer.

Folly Calls for a Hearing

13The woman named Folly is brash.

She is ignorant and doesn’t know it.

14She sits in her doorway

on the heights overlooking the city.

15She calls out to men going by

who are minding their own business.

16“Come in with me,” she urges the simple.

To those who lack good judgment, she says,

17“Stolen water is refreshing;

food eaten in secret tastes the best!”

18But little do they know that the dead are there.

Her guests are in the depths of the grave.*9:18 Hebrew in Sheol.

Proverbs 10

The Proverbs of Solomon

1The proverbs of Solomon:

A wise child*10:1 Hebrew son; also in 10:1b. brings joy to a father;

a foolish child brings grief to a mother.

2Tainted wealth has no lasting value,

but right living can save your life.

3The Lord will not let the godly go hungry,

but he refuses to satisfy the craving of the wicked.

4Lazy people are soon poor;

hard workers get rich.

5A wise youth harvests in the summer,

but one who sleeps during harvest is a disgrace.

6The godly are showered with blessings;

the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions.

7We have happy memories of the godly,

but the name of a wicked person rots away.

8The wise are glad to be instructed,

but babbling fools fall flat on their faces.

9People with integrity walk safely,

but those who follow crooked paths will be exposed.

10People who wink at wrong cause trouble,

but a bold reproof promotes peace.*10:10 As in Greek version; Hebrew reads but babbling fools fall flat on their faces.

11The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain;

the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions.

12Hatred stirs up quarrels,

but love makes up for all offenses.

13Wise words come from the lips of people with understanding,

but those lacking sense will be beaten with a rod.

14Wise people treasure knowledge,

but the babbling of a fool invites disaster.

15The wealth of the rich is their fortress;

the poverty of the poor is their destruction.

16The earnings of the godly enhance their lives,

but evil people squander their money on sin.

17People who accept discipline are on the pathway to life,

but those who ignore correction will go astray.

18Hiding hatred makes you a liar;

slandering others makes you a fool.

19Too much talk leads to sin.

Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.

20The words of the godly are like sterling silver;

the heart of a fool is worthless.

21The words of the godly encourage many,

but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense.

22The blessing of the Lord makes a person rich,

and he adds no sorrow with it.

23Doing wrong is fun for a fool,

but living wisely brings pleasure to the sensible.

24The fears of the wicked will be fulfilled;

the hopes of the godly will be granted.

25When the storms of life come, the wicked are whirled away,

but the godly have a lasting foundation.

26Lazy people irritate their employers,

like vinegar to the teeth or smoke in the eyes.

27Fear of the Lord lengthens one’s life,

but the years of the wicked are cut short.

28The hopes of the godly result in happiness,

but the expectations of the wicked come to nothing.

29The way of the Lord is a stronghold to those with integrity,

but it destroys the wicked.

30The godly will never be disturbed,

but the wicked will be removed from the land.

31The mouth of the godly person gives wise advice,

but the tongue that deceives will be cut off.

32The lips of the godly speak helpful words,

but the mouth of the wicked speaks perverse words.

Proverbs 11

1The Lord detests the use of dishonest scales,

but he delights in accurate weights.

2Pride leads to disgrace,

but with humility comes wisdom.

3Honesty guides good people;

dishonesty destroys treacherous people.

4Riches won’t help on the day of judgment,

but right living can save you from death.

5The godly are directed by honesty;

the wicked fall beneath their load of sin.

6The godliness of good people rescues them;

the ambition of treacherous people traps them.

7When the wicked die, their hopes die with them,

for they rely on their own feeble strength.

8The godly are rescued from trouble,

and it falls on the wicked instead.

9With their words, the godless destroy their friends,

but knowledge will rescue the righteous.

10The whole city celebrates when the godly succeed;

they shout for joy when the wicked die.

11Upright citizens are good for a city and make it prosper,

but the talk of the wicked tears it apart.

12It is foolish to belittle one’s neighbor;

a sensible person keeps quiet.

13A gossip goes around telling secrets,

but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence.

14Without wise leadership, a nation falls;

there is safety in having many advisers.

15There’s danger in putting up security for a stranger’s debt;

it’s safer not to guarantee another person’s debt.

16A gracious woman gains respect,

but ruthless men gain only wealth.

17Your kindness will reward you,

but your cruelty will destroy you.

18Evil people get rich for the moment,

but the reward of the godly will last.

19Godly people find life;

evil people find death.

20The Lord detests people with crooked hearts,

but he delights in those with integrity.

21Evil people will surely be punished,

but the children of the godly will go free.

22A beautiful woman who lacks discretion

is like a gold ring in a pig’s snout.

23The godly can look forward to a reward,

while the wicked can expect only judgment.

24Give freely and become more wealthy;

be stingy and lose everything.

25The generous will prosper;

those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.

26People curse those who hoard their grain,

but they bless the one who sells in time of need.

27If you search for good, you will find favor;

but if you search for evil, it will find you!

28Trust in your money and down you go!

But the godly flourish like leaves in spring.

29Those who bring trouble on their families inherit the wind.

The fool will be a servant to the wise.

30The seeds of good deeds become a tree of life;

a wise person wins friends.*11:30 Or and those who win souls are wise.

31If the righteous are rewarded here on earth,

what will happen to wicked sinners?*11:31 Greek version reads If the righteous are barely saved, / what will happen to godless sinners? Compare 1 Pet 4:18.

Proverbs 12

1To learn, you must love discipline;

it is stupid to hate correction.

2The Lord approves of those who are good,

but he condemns those who plan wickedness.

3Wickedness never brings stability,

but the godly have deep roots.

4A worthy wife is a crown for her husband,

but a disgraceful woman is like cancer in his bones.

5The plans of the godly are just;

the advice of the wicked is treacherous.

6The words of the wicked are like a murderous ambush,

but the words of the godly save lives.

7The wicked die and disappear,

but the family of the godly stands firm.

8A sensible person wins admiration,

but a warped mind is despised.

9Better to be an ordinary person with a servant

than to be self-important but have no food.

10The godly care for their animals,

but the wicked are always cruel.

11A hard worker has plenty of food,

but a person who chases fantasies has no sense.

12Thieves are jealous of each other’s loot,

but the godly are well rooted and bear their own fruit.

13The wicked are trapped by their own words,

but the godly escape such trouble.

14Wise words bring many benefits,

and hard work brings rewards.

15Fools think their own way is right,

but the wise listen to others.

16A fool is quick-tempered,

but a wise person stays calm when insulted.

17An honest witness tells the truth;

a false witness tells lies.

18Some people make cutting remarks,

but the words of the wise bring healing.

19Truthful words stand the test of time,

but lies are soon exposed.

20Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil;

joy fills hearts that are planning peace!

21No harm comes to the godly,

but the wicked have their fill of trouble.

22The Lord detests lying lips,

but he delights in those who tell the truth.

23The wise don’t make a show of their knowledge,

but fools broadcast their foolishness.

24Work hard and become a leader;

be lazy and become a slave.

25Worry weighs a person down;

an encouraging word cheers a person up.

26The godly give good advice to their friends;*12:26 Or The godly are cautious in friendship; or The godly are freed from evil. The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain.

the wicked lead them astray.

27Lazy people don’t even cook the game they catch,

but the diligent make use of everything they find.

28The way of the godly leads to life;

that path does not lead to death.

Proverbs 13

1A wise child accepts a parent’s discipline;*13:1 Hebrew A wise son accepts his father’s discipline.

a mocker refuses to listen to correction.

2Wise words will win you a good meal,

but treacherous people have an appetite for violence.

3Those who control their tongue will have a long life;

opening your mouth can ruin everything.

4Lazy people want much but get little,

but those who work hard will prosper.

5The godly hate lies;

the wicked cause shame and disgrace.

6Godliness guards the path of the blameless,

but the evil are misled by sin.

7Some who are poor pretend to be rich;

others who are rich pretend to be poor.

8The rich can pay a ransom for their lives,

but the poor won’t even get threatened.

9The life of the godly is full of light and joy,

but the light of the wicked will be snuffed out.

10Pride leads to conflict;

those who take advice are wise.

11Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears;

wealth from hard work grows over time.

12Hope deferred makes the heart sick,

but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life.

13People who despise advice are asking for trouble;

those who respect a command will succeed.

14The instruction of the wise is like a life-giving fountain;

those who accept it avoid the snares of death.

15A person with good sense is respected;

a treacherous person is headed for destruction.*13:15 As in Greek version; Hebrew reads the way of the treacherous is lasting.

16Wise people think before they act;

fools don’t—and even brag about their foolishness.

17An unreliable messenger stumbles into trouble,

but a reliable messenger brings healing.

18If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace;

if you accept correction, you will be honored.

19It is pleasant to see dreams come true,

but fools refuse to turn from evil to attain them.

20Walk with the wise and become wise;

associate with fools and get in trouble.

21Trouble chases sinners,

while blessings reward the righteous.

22Good people leave an inheritance to their grandchildren,

but the sinner’s wealth passes to the godly.

23A poor person’s farm may produce much food,

but injustice sweeps it all away.

24Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children.

Those who love their children care enough to discipline them.

25The godly eat to their hearts’ content,

but the belly of the wicked goes hungry.

Proverbs 14

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*14:16 Hebrew The wise fear. and avoid danger;

fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence.

17Short-tempered people do foolish things,

and schemers are hated.

18Simpletons are clothed with foolishness,*14:18 Or inherit 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*14:33 As in Greek and Syriac versions; Hebrew lacks not. found among fools.

34Godliness makes a nation great,

but sin is a disgrace to any people.

35A king rejoices in wise servants

but is angry with those who disgrace him.

Proverbs 15

1A gentle answer deflects anger,

but harsh words make tempers flare.

2The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing,

but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness.

3The Lord is watching everywhere,

keeping his eye on both the evil and the good.

4Gentle words are a tree of life;

a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.

5Only a fool despises a parent’s*15:5 Hebrew father’s. discipline;

whoever learns from correction is wise.

6There is treasure in the house of the godly,

but the earnings of the wicked bring trouble.

7The lips of the wise give good advice;

the heart of a fool has none to give.

8The Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked,

but he delights in the prayers of the upright.

9The Lord detests the way of the wicked,

but he loves those who pursue godliness.

10Whoever abandons the right path will be severely disciplined;

whoever hates correction will die.

11Even Death and Destruction*15:11 Hebrew Sheol and Abaddon. hold no secrets from the Lord.

How much more does he know the human heart!

12Mockers hate to be corrected,

so they stay away from the wise.

13A glad heart makes a happy face;

a broken heart crushes the spirit.

14A wise person is hungry for knowledge,

while the fool feeds on trash.

15For the despondent, every day brings trouble;

for the happy heart, life is a continual feast.

16Better to have little, with fear for the Lord,

than to have great treasure and inner turmoil.

17A bowl of vegetables with someone you love

is better than steak with someone you hate.

18A hot-tempered person starts fights;

a cool-tempered person stops them.

19A lazy person’s way is blocked with briers,

but the path of the upright is an open highway.

20Sensible children bring joy to their father;

foolish children despise their mother.

21Foolishness brings joy to those with no sense;

a sensible person stays on the right path.

22Plans go wrong for lack of advice;

many advisers bring success.

23Everyone enjoys a fitting reply;

it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!

24The path of life leads upward for the wise;

they leave the grave*15:24 Hebrew Sheol. behind.

25The Lord tears down the house of the proud,

but he protects the property of widows.

26The Lord detests evil plans,

but he delights in pure words.

27Greed brings grief to the whole family,

but those who hate bribes will live.

28The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking;

the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words.

29The Lord is far from the wicked,

but he hears the prayers of the righteous.

30A cheerful look brings joy to the heart;

good news makes for good health.

31If you listen to constructive criticism,

you will be at home among the wise.

32If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself;

but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding.

33Fear of the Lord teaches wisdom;

humility precedes honor.

Proverbs 16

1We can make our own plans,

but the Lord gives the right answer.

2People may be pure in their own eyes,

but the Lord examines their motives.

3Commit your actions to the Lord,

and your plans will succeed.

4The Lord has made everything for his own purposes,

even the wicked for a day of disaster.

5The Lord detests the proud;

they will surely be punished.

6Unfailing love and faithfulness make atonement for sin.

By fearing the Lord, people avoid evil.

7When people’s lives please the Lord,

even their enemies are at peace with them.

8Better to have little, with godliness,

than to be rich and dishonest.

9We can make our plans,

but the Lord determines our steps.

10The king speaks with divine wisdom;

he must never judge unfairly.

11The Lord demands accurate scales and balances;

he sets the standards for fairness.

12A king detests wrongdoing,

for his rule is built on justice.

13The king is pleased with words from righteous lips;

he loves those who speak honestly.

14The anger of the king is a deadly threat;

the wise will try to appease it.

15When the king smiles, there is life;

his favor refreshes like a spring rain.

16How much better to get wisdom than gold,

and good judgment than silver!

17The path of the virtuous leads away from evil;

whoever follows that path is safe.

18Pride goes before destruction,

and haughtiness before a fall.

19Better to live humbly with the poor

than to share plunder with the proud.

20Those who listen to instruction will prosper;

those who trust the Lord will be joyful.

21The wise are known for their understanding,

and pleasant words are persuasive.

22Discretion is a life-giving fountain to those who possess it,

but discipline is wasted on fools.

23From a wise mind comes wise speech;

the words of the wise are persuasive.

24Kind words are like honey—

sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.

25There is a path before each person that seems right,

but it ends in death.

26It is good for workers to have an appetite;

an empty stomach drives them on.

27Scoundrels create trouble;

their words are a destructive blaze.

28A troublemaker plants seeds of strife;

gossip separates the best of friends.

29Violent people mislead their companions,

leading them down a harmful path.

30With narrowed eyes, people plot evil;

with a smirk, they plan their mischief.

31Gray hair is a crown of glory;

it is gained by living a godly life.

32Better to be patient than powerful;

better to have self-control than to conquer a city.

33We may throw the dice,*16:33 Hebrew We may cast lots.

but the Lord determines how they fall.

Proverbs 17

1Better a dry crust eaten in peace

than a house filled with feasting—and conflict.

2A wise servant will rule over the master’s disgraceful son

and will share the inheritance of the master’s children.

3Fire tests the purity of silver and gold,

but the Lord tests the heart.

4Wrongdoers eagerly listen to gossip;

liars pay close attention to slander.

5Those who mock the poor insult their Maker;

those who rejoice at the misfortune of others will be punished.

6Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged;

parents*17:6 Hebrew fathers. are the pride of their children.

7Eloquent words are not fitting for a fool;

even less are lies fitting for a ruler.

8A bribe is like a lucky charm;

whoever gives one will prosper!

9Love prospers when a fault is forgiven,

but dwelling on it separates close friends.

10A single rebuke does more for a person of understanding

than a hundred lashes on the back of a fool.

11Evil people are eager for rebellion,

but they will be severely punished.

12It is safer to meet a bear robbed of her cubs

than to confront a fool caught in foolishness.

13If you repay good with evil,

evil will never leave your house.

14Starting a quarrel is like opening a floodgate,

so stop before a dispute breaks out.

15Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent—

both are detestable to the Lord.

16It is senseless to pay to educate a fool,

since he has no heart for learning.

17A friend is always loyal,

and a brother is born to help in time of need.

18It’s poor judgment to guarantee another person’s debt

or put up security for a friend.

19Anyone who loves to quarrel loves sin;

anyone who trusts in high walls invites disaster.

20The crooked heart will not prosper;

the lying tongue tumbles into trouble.

21It is painful to be the parent of a fool;

there is no joy for the father of a rebel.

22A cheerful heart is good medicine,

but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.

23The wicked take secret bribes

to pervert the course of justice.

24Sensible people keep their eyes glued on wisdom,

but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth.

25Foolish children*17:25 Hebrew A foolish son. bring grief to their father

and bitterness to the one who gave them birth.

26It is wrong to punish the godly for being good

or to flog leaders for being honest.

27A truly wise person uses few words;

a person with understanding is even-tempered.