HelpFinder Bible - Flipbook - Page 940
P RO VERBS 1 4
page 570
16
Wise people think before they act;
fools don’t—and even brag about their
foolishness.
8
The prudent understand where they
are going,
but fools deceive themselves.
17
An unreliable messenger stumbles into
trouble,
but a reliable messenger brings healing.
9
Fools make fun of guilt,
but the godly acknowledge it and seek
reconciliation.
18
If you ignore criticism, you will end in
poverty and disgrace;
if you accept correction, you will be
honored.
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.”
19
20
It is pleasant to see dreams come true,
but fools refuse to turn from evil to
attain them.
Walk with the wise and become wise;
associate with fools and get in trouble.
21
Trouble chases sinners,
while blessings reward the righteous.
22
Good people leave an inheritance to their
grandchildren,
but the sinner’s wealth passes to
the godly.
23
24
25
A poor person’s farm may produce
much food,
but injustice sweeps it all away.
Those who spare the rod of discipline hate
their children.
Those who love their children care
enough to discipline them.
The godly eat to their hearts’ content,
but the belly of the wicked goes hungry.
14
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.
21
3
A fool’s proud talk becomes a rod that
beats him,
but the words of the wise keep
them safe.
It is a sin to belittle one’s neighbor;
blessed are those who help the poor.
22
Without oxen a stable stays clean,
but you need a strong ox for a large
harvest.
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.
4
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.
14:16 Hebrew The wise fear. 14:18 Or inherit foolishness.