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.

28Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent;

with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.

Proverbs 18

1Unfriendly people care only about themselves;

they lash out at common sense.

2Fools have no interest in understanding;

they only want to air their own opinions.

3Doing wrong leads to disgrace,

and scandalous behavior brings contempt.

4Wise words are like deep waters;

wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook.

5It is not right to acquit the guilty

or deny justice to the innocent.

6Fools’ words get them into constant quarrels;

they are asking for a beating.

7The mouths of fools are their ruin;

they trap themselves with their lips.

8Rumors are dainty morsels

that sink deep into one’s heart.

9A lazy person is as bad as

someone who destroys things.

10The name of the Lord is a strong fortress;

the godly run to him and are safe.

11The rich think of their wealth as a strong defense;

they imagine it to be a high wall of safety.

12Haughtiness goes before destruction;

humility precedes honor.

13Spouting off before listening to the facts

is both shameful and foolish.

14The human spirit can endure a sick body,

but who can bear a crushed spirit?

15Intelligent people are always ready to learn.

Their ears are open for knowledge.

16Giving a gift can open doors;

it gives access to important people!

17The first to speak in court sounds right—

until the cross-examination begins.

18Flipping a coin*18:18 Hebrew Casting lots. can end arguments;

it settles disputes between powerful opponents.

19An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city.

Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars.

20Wise words satisfy like a good meal;

the right words bring satisfaction.

21The tongue can bring death or life;

those who love to talk will reap the consequences.

22The man who finds a wife finds a treasure,

and he receives favor from the Lord.

23The poor plead for mercy;

the rich answer with insults.

24There are “friends” who destroy each other,

but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.

Proverbs 19

1Better to be poor and honest

than to be dishonest and a fool.

2Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good;

haste makes mistakes.

3People ruin their lives by their own foolishness

and then are angry at the Lord.

4Wealth makes many “friends”;

poverty drives them all away.

5A false witness will not go unpunished,

nor will a liar escape.

6Many seek favors from a ruler;

everyone is the friend of a person who gives gifts!

7The relatives of the poor despise them;

how much more will their friends avoid them!

Though the poor plead with them,

their friends are gone.

8To acquire wisdom is to love yourself;

people who cherish understanding will prosper.

9A false witness will not go unpunished,

and a liar will be destroyed.

10It isn’t right for a fool to live in luxury

or for a slave to rule over princes!

11Sensible people control their temper;

they earn respect by overlooking wrongs.

12The king’s anger is like a lion’s roar,

but his favor is like dew on the grass.

13A foolish child*19:13 Hebrew son; also in 19:27. is a calamity to a father;

a quarrelsome wife is as annoying as constant dripping.

14Fathers can give their sons an inheritance of houses and wealth,

but only the Lord can give an understanding wife.

15Lazy people sleep soundly,

but idleness leaves them hungry.

16Keep the commandments and keep your life;

despising them leads to death.

17If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord—

and he will repay you!

18Discipline your children while there is hope.

Otherwise you will ruin their lives.

19Hot-tempered people must pay the penalty.

If you rescue them once, you will have to do it again.

20Get all the advice and instruction you can,

so you will be wise the rest of your life.

21You can make many plans,

but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.

22Loyalty makes a person attractive.

It is better to be poor than dishonest.

23Fear of the Lord leads to life,

bringing security and protection from harm.

24Lazy people take food in their hand

but don’t even lift it to their mouth.

25If you punish a mocker, the simpleminded will learn a lesson;

if you correct the wise, they will be all the wiser.

26Children who mistreat their father or chase away their mother

are an embarrassment and a public disgrace.

27If you stop listening to instruction, my child,

you will turn your back on knowledge.

28A corrupt witness makes a mockery of justice;

the mouth of the wicked gulps down evil.

29Punishment is made for mockers,

and the backs of fools are made to be beaten.

Proverbs 20

1Wine produces mockers; alcohol leads to brawls.

Those led astray by drink cannot be wise.

2The king’s fury is like a lion’s roar;

to rouse his anger is to risk your life.

3Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor;

only fools insist on quarreling.

4Those too lazy to plow in the right season

will have no food at the harvest.

5Though good advice lies deep within the heart,

a person with understanding will draw it out.

6Many will say they are loyal friends,

but who can find one who is truly reliable?

7The godly walk with integrity;

blessed are their children who follow them.

8When a king sits in judgment, he weighs all the evidence,

distinguishing the bad from the good.

9Who can say, “I have cleansed my heart;

I am pure and free from sin”?

10False weights and unequal measures*20:10 Hebrew A stone and a stone, an ephah and an ephah.—

the Lord detests double standards of every kind.

11Even children are known by the way they act,

whether their conduct is pure, and whether it is right.

12Ears to hear and eyes to see—

both are gifts from the Lord.

13If you love sleep, you will end in poverty.

Keep your eyes open, and there will be plenty to eat!

14The buyer haggles over the price, saying, “It’s worthless,”

then brags about getting a bargain!

15Wise words are more valuable

than much gold and many rubies.

16Get security from someone who guarantees a stranger’s debt.

Get a deposit if he does it for foreigners.*20:16 An alternate reading in the Masoretic Text is for a promiscuous woman.

17Stolen bread tastes sweet,

but it turns to gravel in the mouth.

18Plans succeed through good counsel;

don’t go to war without wise advice.

19A gossip goes around telling secrets,

so don’t hang around with chatterers.

20If you insult your father or mother,

your light will be snuffed out in total darkness.

21An inheritance obtained too early in life

is not a blessing in the end.

22Don’t say, “I will get even for this wrong.”

Wait for the Lord to handle the matter.

23The Lord detests double standards;

he is not pleased by dishonest scales.

24The Lord directs our steps,

so why try to understand everything along the way?

25Don’t trap yourself by making a rash promise to God

and only later counting the cost.

26A wise king scatters the wicked like wheat,

then runs his threshing wheel over them.

27The Lord’s light penetrates the human spirit,*20:27 Or The human spirit is the Lord’s light.

exposing every hidden motive.

28Unfailing love and faithfulness protect the king;

his throne is made secure through love.

29The glory of the young is their strength;

the gray hair of experience is the splendor of the old.

30Physical punishment cleanses away evil;*20:30 The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain.

such discipline purifies the heart.

Proverbs 21

1The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the Lord;

he guides it wherever he pleases.

2People may be right in their own eyes,

but the Lord examines their heart.

3The Lord is more pleased when we do what is right and just

than when we offer him sacrifices.

4Haughty eyes, a proud heart,

and evil actions are all sin.

5Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity,

but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.

6Wealth created by a lying tongue

is a vanishing mist and a deadly trap.*21:6 As in Greek version; Hebrew reads mist for those who seek death.

7The violence of the wicked sweeps them away,

because they refuse to do what is just.

8The guilty walk a crooked path;

the innocent travel a straight road.

9It’s better to live alone in the corner of an attic

than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home.

10Evil people desire evil;

their neighbors get no mercy from them.

11If you punish a mocker, the simpleminded become wise;

if you instruct the wise, they will be all the wiser.

12The Righteous One*21:12 Or The righteous man. knows what is going on in the homes of the wicked;

he will bring disaster on them.

13Those who shut their ears to the cries of the poor

will be ignored in their own time of need.

14A secret gift calms anger;

a bribe under the table pacifies fury.

15Justice is a joy to the godly,

but it terrifies evildoers.

16The person who strays from common sense

will end up in the company of the dead.

17Those who love pleasure become poor;

those who love wine and luxury will never be rich.

18The wicked are punished in place of the godly,

and traitors in place of the honest.

19It’s better to live alone in the desert

than with a quarrelsome, complaining wife.

20The wise have wealth and luxury,

but fools spend whatever they get.

21Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love

will find life, righteousness, and honor.

22The wise conquer the city of the strong

and level the fortress in which they trust.

23Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut,

and you will stay out of trouble.

24Mockers are proud and haughty;

they act with boundless arrogance.

25Despite their desires, the lazy will come to ruin,

for their hands refuse to work.

26Some people are always greedy for more,

but the godly love to give!

27The sacrifice of an evil person is detestable,

especially when it is offered with wrong motives.

28A false witness will be cut off,

but a credible witness will be allowed to speak.

29The wicked bluff their way through,

but the virtuous think before they act.

30No human wisdom or understanding or plan

can stand against the Lord.

31The horse is prepared for the day of battle,

but the victory belongs to the Lord.

Proverbs 22

1Choose a good reputation over great riches;

being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold.

2The rich and poor have this in common:

The Lord made them both.

3A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions.

The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.

4True humility and fear of the Lord

lead to riches, honor, and long life.

5Corrupt people walk a thorny, treacherous road;

whoever values life will avoid it.

6Direct your children onto the right path,

and when they are older, they will not leave it.

7Just as the rich rule the poor,

so the borrower is servant to the lender.

8Those who plant injustice will harvest disaster,

and their reign of terror will come to an end.*22:8 The Greek version includes an additional proverb: God blesses a man who gives cheerfully, / but his worthless deeds will come to an end. Compare 2 Cor 9:7.

9Blessed are those who are generous,

because they feed the poor.

10Throw out the mocker, and fighting goes, too.

Quarrels and insults will disappear.

11Whoever loves a pure heart and gracious speech

will have the king as a friend.

12The Lord preserves those with knowledge,

but he ruins the plans of the treacherous.

13The lazy person claims, “There’s a lion out there!

If I go outside, I might be killed!”

14The mouth of an immoral woman is a dangerous trap;

those who make the Lord angry will fall into it.

15A youngster’s heart is filled with foolishness,

but physical discipline will drive it far away.

16A person who gets ahead by oppressing the poor

or by showering gifts on the rich will end in poverty.

Sayings of the Wise

17Listen to the words of the wise;

apply your heart to my instruction.

18For it is good to keep these sayings in your heart

and always ready on your lips.

19I am teaching you today—yes, you—

so you will trust in the Lord.

20I have written thirty sayings*22:20 Or excellent sayings; the meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain. for you,

filled with advice and knowledge.

21In this way, you may know the truth

and take an accurate report to those who sent you.

22Don’t rob the poor just because you can,

or exploit the needy in court.

23For the Lord is their defender.

He will ruin anyone who ruins them.

24Don’t befriend angry people

or associate with hot-tempered people,

25or you will learn to be like them

and endanger your soul.

26Don’t agree to guarantee another person’s debt

or put up security for someone else.

27If you can’t pay it,

even your bed will be snatched from under you.

28Don’t cheat your neighbor by moving the ancient boundary markers

set up by previous generations.

29Do you see any truly competent workers?

They will serve kings

rather than working for ordinary people.

Proverbs 23

1While dining with a ruler,

pay attention to what is put before you.

2If you are a big eater,

put a knife to your throat;

3don’t desire all the delicacies,

for he might be trying to trick you.

4Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich.

Be wise enough to know when to quit.

5In the blink of an eye wealth disappears,

for it will sprout wings

and fly away like an eagle.

6Don’t eat with people who are stingy;

don’t desire their delicacies.

7They are always thinking about how much it costs.*23:7 The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain.

“Eat and drink,” they say, but they don’t mean it.

8You will throw up what little you’ve eaten,

and your compliments will be wasted.

9Don’t waste your breath on fools,

for they will despise the wisest advice.

10Don’t cheat your neighbor by moving the ancient boundary markers;

don’t take the land of defenseless orphans.

11For their Redeemer*23:11 Or redeemer. is strong;

he himself will bring their charges against you.

12Commit yourself to instruction;

listen carefully to words of knowledge.

13Don’t fail to discipline your children.

The rod of punishment won’t kill them.

14Physical discipline

may well save them from death.*23:14 Hebrew from Sheol.

15My child,*23:15 Hebrew My son; also in 23:19. if your heart is wise,

my own heart will rejoice!

16Everything in me will celebrate

when you speak what is right.

17Don’t envy sinners,

but always continue to fear the Lord.

18You will be rewarded for this;

your hope will not be disappointed.

19My child, listen and be wise:

Keep your heart on the right course.

20Do not carouse with drunkards

or feast with gluttons,

21for they are on their way to poverty,

and too much sleep clothes them in rags.

22Listen to your father, who gave you life,

and don’t despise your mother when she is old.

23Get the truth and never sell it;

also get wisdom, discipline, and good judgment.

24The father of godly children has cause for joy.

What a pleasure to have children who are wise.*23:24 Hebrew to have a wise son.

25So give your father and mother joy!

May she who gave you birth be happy.

26O my son, give me your heart.

May your eyes take delight in following my ways.

27A prostitute is a dangerous trap;

a promiscuous woman is as dangerous as falling into a narrow well.

28She hides and waits like a robber,

eager to make more men unfaithful.

29Who has anguish? Who has sorrow?

Who is always fighting? Who is always complaining?

Who has unnecessary bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?

30It is the one who spends long hours in the taverns,

trying out new drinks.

31Don’t gaze at the wine, seeing how red it is,

how it sparkles in the cup, how smoothly it goes down.

32For in the end it bites like a poisonous snake;

it stings like a viper.

33You will see hallucinations,

and you will say crazy things.

34You will stagger like a sailor tossed at sea,

clinging to a swaying mast.

35And you will say, “They hit me, but I didn’t feel it.

I didn’t even know it when they beat me up.

When will I wake up

so I can look for another drink?”

Proverbs 24

1Don’t envy evil people

or desire their company.

2For their hearts plot violence,

and their words always stir up trouble.

3A house is built by wisdom

and becomes strong through good sense.

4Through knowledge its rooms are filled

with all sorts of precious riches and valuables.

5The wise are mightier than the strong,*24:5 As in Greek version; Hebrew reads A wise man is strength.

and those with knowledge grow stronger and stronger.

6So don’t go to war without wise guidance;

victory depends on having many advisers.

7Wisdom is too lofty for fools.

Among leaders at the city gate, they have nothing to say.

8A person who plans evil

will get a reputation as a troublemaker.

9The schemes of a fool are sinful;

everyone detests a mocker.

10If you fail under pressure,

your strength is too small.

11Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to die;

save them as they stagger to their death.

12Don’t excuse yourself by saying, “Look, we didn’t know.”

For God understands all hearts, and he sees you.

He who guards your soul knows you knew.

He will repay all people as their actions deserve.

13My child,*24:13 Hebrew My son; also in 24:21. eat honey, for it is good,

and the honeycomb is sweet to the taste.

14In the same way, wisdom is sweet to your soul.

If you find it, you will have a bright future,

and your hopes will not be cut short.

15Don’t wait in ambush at the home of the godly,

and don’t raid the house where the godly live.

16The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again.

But one disaster is enough to overthrow the wicked.

17Don’t rejoice when your enemies fall;

don’t be happy when they stumble.

18For the Lord will be displeased with you

and will turn his anger away from them.

19Don’t fret because of evildoers;

don’t envy the wicked.

20For evil people have no future;

the light of the wicked will be snuffed out.

21My child, fear the Lord and the king.

Don’t associate with rebels,

22for disaster will hit them suddenly.

Who knows what punishment will come

from the Lord and the king?

More Sayings of the Wise

23Here are some further sayings of the wise:

It is wrong to show favoritism when passing judgment.

24A judge who says to the wicked, “You are innocent,”

will be cursed by many people and denounced by the nations.

25But it will go well for those who convict the guilty;

rich blessings will be showered on them.

26An honest answer

is like a kiss of friendship.

27Do your planning and prepare your fields

before building your house.

28Don’t testify against your neighbors without cause;

don’t lie about them.

29And don’t say, “Now I can pay them back for what they’ve done to me!

I’ll get even with them!”

30I walked by the field of a lazy person,

the vineyard of one with no common sense.

31I saw that it was overgrown with nettles.

It was covered with weeds,

and its walls were broken down.

32Then, as I looked and thought about it,

I learned this lesson:

33A little extra sleep, a little more slumber,

a little folding of the hands to rest—

34then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit;

scarcity will attack you like an armed robber.

Proverbs 25

More Proverbs of Solomon

1These are more proverbs of Solomon, collected by the advisers of King Hezekiah of Judah.

2It is God’s privilege to conceal things

and the king’s privilege to discover them.

3No one can comprehend the height of heaven, the depth of the earth,

or all that goes on in the king’s mind!

4Remove the impurities from silver,

and the sterling will be ready for the silversmith.

5Remove the wicked from the king’s court,

and his reign will be made secure by justice.

6Don’t demand an audience with the king

or push for a place among the great.

7It’s better to wait for an invitation to the head table

than to be sent away in public disgrace.

Just because you’ve seen something,

8don’t be in a hurry to go to court.

For what will you do in the end

if your neighbor deals you a shameful defeat?

9When arguing with your neighbor,

don’t betray another person’s secret.

10Others may accuse you of gossip,

and you will never regain your good reputation.

11Timely advice is lovely,

like golden apples in a silver basket.

12To one who listens, valid criticism

is like a gold earring or other gold jewelry.

13Trustworthy messengers refresh like snow in summer.

They revive the spirit of their employer.

14A person who promises a gift but doesn’t give it

is like clouds and wind that bring no rain.

15Patience can persuade a prince,

and soft speech can break bones.

16Do you like honey?

Don’t eat too much, or it will make you sick!

17Don’t visit your neighbors too often,

or you will wear out your welcome.

18Telling lies about others

is as harmful as hitting them with an ax,

wounding them with a sword,

or shooting them with a sharp arrow.

19Putting confidence in an unreliable person in times of trouble

is like chewing with a broken tooth or walking on a lame foot.

20Singing cheerful songs to a person with a heavy heart

is like taking someone’s coat in cold weather

or pouring vinegar in a wound.*25:20 As in Greek version; Hebrew reads pouring vinegar on soda.

21If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat.

If they are thirsty, give them water to drink.

22You will heap burning coals of shame on their heads,

and the Lord will reward you.

23As surely as a north wind brings rain,

so a gossiping tongue causes anger!

24It’s better to live alone in the corner of an attic

than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home.

25Good news from far away

is like cold water to the thirsty.

26If the godly give in to the wicked,

it’s like polluting a fountain or muddying a spring.

27It’s not good to eat too much honey,

and it’s not good to seek honors for yourself.

28A person without self-control

is like a city with broken-down walls.

Proverbs 26

1Honor is no more associated with fools

than snow with summer or rain with harvest.

2Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow,

an undeserved curse will not land on its intended victim.

3Guide a horse with a whip, a donkey with a bridle,

and a fool with a rod to his back!

4Don’t answer the foolish arguments of fools,

or you will become as foolish as they are.

5Be sure to answer the foolish arguments of fools,

or they will become wise in their own estimation.

6Trusting a fool to convey a message

is like cutting off one’s feet or drinking poison!

7A proverb in the mouth of a fool

is as useless as a paralyzed leg.

8Honoring a fool

is as foolish as tying a stone to a slingshot.

9A proverb in the mouth of a fool

is like a thorny branch brandished by a drunk.

10An employer who hires a fool or a bystander

is like an archer who shoots at random.

11As a dog returns to its vomit,

so a fool repeats his foolishness.

12There is more hope for fools

than for people who think they are wise.

13The lazy person claims, “There’s a lion on the road!

Yes, I’m sure there’s a lion out there!”

14As a door swings back and forth on its hinges,

so the lazy person turns over in bed.

15Lazy people take food in their hand

but don’t even lift it to their mouth.