Proverbs 15-22
New American Standard Bible
Chapter 15
1A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. 2The tongue of the wise makes knowledge pleasant, But the mouth of fools spouts foolishness. 3The eyes of the Lord are in every place, Watching the evil and the good. 4A soothing tongue is a tree of life, But perversion in it crushes the spirit. 5A fool rejects his father’s discipline, But he who complies with rebuke is sensible. 6Great wealth is in the house of the righteous, But trouble is in the income of the wicked. 7The lips of the wise spread knowledge, But the hearts of fools are not so. 8The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, But the prayer of the upright is His delight. 9The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, But He loves the one who pursues righteousness. 10There is severe punishment for one who abandons the way; One who hates a rebuke will die. 11 Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the Lord, How much more the hearts of mankind! 12A scoffer does not love one who rebukes him; He will not go to the wise. 13A joyful heart makes a cheerful face, But when the heart is sad, the spirit is broken. 14The mind of the intelligent seeks knowledge, But the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness. 15All the days of the needy are bad, But a cheerful heart has a continual feast. 16Better is a little with the fear of the Lord Than great treasure, and turmoil with the treasure. 17Better is a portion of vegetables where there is love, Than a fattened ox served with hatred. 18A hot-tempered person stirs up strife, But the slow to anger calms a dispute. 19The way of the lazy one is like a hedge of thorns, But the path of the upright is a highway. 20A wise son makes a father glad, But a foolish man despises his mother. 21Foolishness is joy to one who lacks sense, But a person of understanding walks straight. 22Without consultation, plans are frustrated, But with many counselors they succeed. 23A person has joy in an apt answer, And how delightful is a timely word! 24The path of life leads upward for the wise, So that he may keep away from Sheol below. 25The Lord will tear down the house of the proud, But He will set the boundary of the widow. 26Evil plans are an abomination to the Lord, But pleasant words are pure. 27He who profits illicitly troubles his own house, But he who hates bribes will live. 28The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, But the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things. 29The Lord is far from the wicked, But He hears the prayer of the righteous. 30 Bright eyes gladden the heart; Good news refreshes the bones. 31 One whose ear listens to a life-giving rebuke Will stay among the wise. 32One who neglects discipline rejects himself, But one who listens to a rebuke acquires understanding. 33 The fear of the Lord is the instruction for wisdom, And before honor comes humility.Chapter 16
1The plans of the heart belong to a person, But the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. 2All the ways of a person are clean in his own sight, But the Lord examines the motives. 3 Commit your works to the Lord, And your plans will be established. 4The Lord has made everything for its own purpose, Even the wicked for the day of evil. 5Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord; Be assured, he will not go unpunished. 6By mercy and truth atonement is made for wrongdoing, And by the fear of the Lord one keeps away from evil. 7When a person’s ways are pleasing to the Lord, He causes even his enemies to make peace with him. 8Better is a little with righteousness Than great income with injustice. 9The mind of a person plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps. 10A divine verdict is on the lips of the king; His mouth should not err in judgment. 11A just balance and scales belong to the Lord; All the weights of the bag are His concern. 12It is an abomination for kings to commit wicked acts, Because a throne is established on righteousness. 13Righteous lips are the delight of kings, And one who speaks right is loved. 14The fury of a king is like messengers of death; But a wise person will appease it. 15In the light of a king’s face is life, And his favor is like a cloud with the spring rain. 16How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver. 17The highway of the upright is to turn away from evil; One who watches his way protects his life. 18Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before stumbling. 19It is better to be humble in spirit with the needy Than to divide the spoils with the proud. 20One who pays attention to the word will find good, And blessed is one who trusts in the Lord. 21The wise in heart will be called understanding, And sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness. 22Understanding is a fountain of life to those who have it, But the discipline of fools is foolishness. 23The heart of the wise instructs his mouth And adds persuasiveness to his lips. 24Pleasant words are a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. 25There is a way which seems right to a person, But its end is the way of death. 26A worker’s appetite works for him, For his hunger urges him on. 27A worthless person digs up evil, While his words are like scorching fire. 28A perverse person spreads strife, And a slanderer separates close friends. 29A person of violence entices his neighbor And leads him in a way that is not good. 30He who winks his eyes does so to devise perverse things; He who compresses his lips brings evil to pass. 31A gray head is a crown of glory; It is found in the way of righteousness. 32One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And one who rules his spirit, than one who captures a city. 33The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from the Lord.Chapter 17
1Better is a dry morsel and quietness with it Than a house full of feasting with strife. 2A servant who acts wisely will rule over a son who acts shamefully, And will share in the inheritance among brothers. 3The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, But the Lord tests hearts. 4An evildoer listens to wicked lips; A liar pays attention to a destructive tongue. 5One who mocks the poor taunts his Maker; One who rejoices at disaster will not go unpunished. 6Grandchildren are the crown of the old, And the glory of sons is their fathers. 7 Excellent speech is not fitting for a fool, Much less are lying lips to a prince. 8A bribe is a charm in the sight of its owner; Wherever he turns, he prospers. 9One who conceals an offense seeks love, But one who repeats a matter separates close friends. 10A rebuke goes deeper into one who has understanding Than a hundred blows into a fool. 11A rebellious person seeks only evil, So a cruel messenger will be sent against him. 12Let a person meet a bear robbed of her cubs, Rather than a fool in his foolishness. 13One who returns evil for good, Evil will not depart from his house. 14The beginning of strife is like letting out water, So abandon the quarrel before it breaks out. 15One who justifies the wicked and one who condemns the righteous, Both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord. 16Why is there money in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, When he has no sense? 17A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity. 18A person lacking in sense shakes hands And becomes guarantor in the presence of his neighbor. 19One who loves wrongdoing loves strife; One who makes his doorway high seeks destruction. 20One who has a crooked mind finds nothing good, And one who is corrupted in his language falls into evil. 21He who fathers a fool does so to his sorrow, And the father of a fool has no joy. 22A joyful heart is good medicine, But a broken spirit dries up the bones. 23A wicked person accepts a bribe from an inside pocket To pervert the ways of justice. 24Wisdom is in the presence of one who has understanding, But the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth. 25A foolish son is a grief to his father, And bitterness to her who gave birth to him. 26It is also not good to fine the righteous, Nor to strike the noble for their uprightness. 27One who withholds his words has knowledge, And one who has a cool spirit is a person of understanding. 28Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; When he closes his lips, he is considered prudent.Chapter 18
1One who separates himself seeks his own desire; He quarrels against all sound wisdom. 2A fool does not delight in understanding, But in revealing his own mind. 3When a wicked person comes, contempt also comes, And with dishonor comes taunting. 4The words of a person’s mouth are deep waters; The fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook. 5To show partiality to the wicked is not good, Nor to suppress the righteous in judgment. 6A fool’s lips bring strife, And his mouth invites beatings. 7A fool’s mouth is his ruin, And his lips are the snare of his soul. 8The words of a gossiper are like dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts of the body. 9He also who is lax in his work Is a brother to him who destroys. 10The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it and is safe. 11A rich person’s wealth is his strong city, And like a high wall in his own imagination. 12Before destruction the heart of a person is haughty, But humility goes before honor. 13One who gives an answer before he hears, It is foolishness and shame to him. 14The spirit of a person can endure his sickness, But as for a broken spirit, who can endure it? 15The mind of the discerning acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. 16A person’s gift makes room for him And brings him before great people. 17The first to plead his case seems right, Until another comes and examines him. 18The cast lot puts an end to quarrels, And decides between the mighty ones. 19A brother who is offended is harder to be won than a strong city, And quarrels are like the bars of a citadel. 20With the fruit of a person’s mouth his stomach will be satisfied; He will be satisfied with the product of his lips. 21Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit. 22He who finds a wife finds a good thing And obtains favor from the Lord. 23A poor person utters pleadings, But a rich person answers defiantly. 24A person of too many friends comes to ruin, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.Chapter 19
1Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity Than a person who is perverse in speech and is a fool. 2Also it is not good for a person to be without knowledge, And one who hurries his footsteps errs. 3The foolishness of a person ruins his way, And his heart rages against the Lord. 4Wealth adds many friends, But a poor person is separated from his friend. 5A false witness will not go unpunished, And one who declares lies will not escape. 6Many will seek the favor of a generous person, And every person is a friend to him who gives gifts. 7All the brothers of a poor person hate him; How much more do his friends abandon him! He pursues them with words, but they are gone. 8One who gets wisdom loves his own soul; One who keeps understanding will find good. 9A false witness will not go unpunished, And one who declares lies will perish. 10Luxury is not fitting for a fool; Much less for a slave to rule over princes. 11A person’s discretion makes him slow to anger, And it is his glory to overlook an offense. 12A king’s wrath is like the roaring of a lion, But his favor is like dew on the grass. 13A foolish son is destruction to his father, And the quarrels of a wife are a constant dripping. 14House and wealth are an inheritance from fathers, But a prudent wife is from the Lord. 15Laziness casts one into a deep sleep, And a lazy person will suffer hunger. 16One who keeps the commandment keeps his soul, But one who is careless of conduct will die. 17One who is gracious to a poor person lends to the Lord, And He will repay him for his good deed. 18Discipline your son while there is hope, And do not desire his death. 19 A person of great anger will suffer the penalty, For if you rescue him, you will only have to do it again. 20Listen to advice and accept discipline, So that you may be wise the rest of your days. 21Many plans are in a person’s heart, But the advice of the Lord will stand. 22What is desirable in a person is his kindness, And it is better to be a poor person than a liar. 23 The fear of the Lord leads to life, So that one may sleep satisfied, untouched by evil. 24The lazy one buries his hand in the dish, But will not even bring it back to his mouth. 25Strike a scoffer and the naive may become clever, But rebuke one who has understanding, and he will gain knowledge. 26He who assaults his father and drives his mother away Is a shameful and disgraceful son. 27Stop listening, my son, to discipline, And you will stray from the words of knowledge. 28A worthless witness makes a mockery of justice, And the mouth of the wicked swallows wrongdoing. 29 Judgments are prepared for scoffers, And beatings for the backs of fools.Chapter 20
1Wine is a mocker, intoxicating drink a brawler, And whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise. 2The terror of a king is like the roaring of a lion; One who provokes him to anger forfeits his own life. 3Avoiding strife is an honor for a person, But any fool will quarrel. 4The lazy one does not plow after the autumn, So he begs during the harvest and has nothing. 5A plan in the heart of a person is like deep water, But a person of understanding draws it out. 6Many a person proclaims his own loyalty, But who can find a trustworthy person? 7A righteous person who walks in his integrity— How blessed are his sons after him. 8A king who sits on the throne of justice Disperses all evil with his eyes. 9Who can say, 'I have cleansed my heart, I am pure from my sin'? 10 Differing weights and differing measures, Both of them are abominable to the Lord. 11It is by his deeds that a boy distinguishes himself, If his conduct is pure and right. 12The hearing ear and the seeing eye, The Lord has made both of them. 13Do not love sleep, or you will become poor; Open your eyes, and you will be satisfied with food. 14'Bad, bad,' says the buyer, But when he goes his way, then he boasts. 15There is gold, and an abundance of jewels; But lips of knowledge are a more precious thing. 16Take his garment when he becomes guarantor for a stranger; And for foreigners, seize a pledge from him. 17Bread obtained by a lie is sweet to a person, But afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel. 18Prepare plans by consultation, And make war by wise guidance. 19One who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets; Therefore do not associate with a gossip. 20He who curses his father or his mother, His lamp will go out in time of darkness. 21An inheritance gained in a hurry at the beginning Will not be blessed in the end. 22Do not say, 'I will repay evil'; Wait for the Lord, and He will save you. 23 Differing weights are an abomination to the Lord, And a false scale is not good. 24A man’s steps are ordained by the Lord; How then can a person understand his way? 25It is a trap for a person to say carelessly, 'It is holy!' And after the vows to make inquiry. 26A wise king scatters the wicked, And drives a threshing wheel over them. 27The spirit of a person is the lamp of the Lord, Searching all the innermost parts of his being. 28 Loyalty and truth watch over the king, And he upholds his throne by loyalty. 29The glory of young men is their strength, And the honor of old men is their gray hair. 30Bruising wounds clean away evil, And blows cleanse the innermost parts.Chapter 21
1The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He pleases. 2Every person’s way is right in his own eyes, But the Lord examines the hearts. 3To do righteousness and justice Is preferred by the Lord more than sacrifice. 4Haughty eyes and a proud heart, The lamp of the wicked, is sin. 5The plans of the diligent certainly lead to advantage, But everyone who is in a hurry certainly comes to poverty. 6The acquisition of treasures by a lying tongue Is a fleeting vapor, the pursuit of death. 7The violence of the wicked will sweep them away, Because they refuse to act with justice. 8The way of a guilty person is crooked, But as for the pure, his conduct is upright. 9It is better to live on a corner of a roof Than in a house shared with a contentious woman. 10The soul of the wicked desires evil; His neighbor is shown no compassion in his eyes. 11When the scoffer is punished, the naive becomes wise; But when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge. 12The righteous one considers the house of the wicked, Bringing the wicked to ruin. 13One who shuts his ear to the outcry of the poor Will also call out himself, and not be answered. 14A gift in secret subdues anger, And a bribe in an inside pocket, strong wrath. 15The exercise of justice is joy for the righteous, But terror to those who practice injustice. 16A person who wanders from the way of understanding Will rest in the assembly of the dead. 17One who loves pleasure will become a poor person; One who loves wine and oil will not become rich. 18The wicked is a ransom for the righteous, And the treacherous is in the place of the upright. 19It is better to live in a desert land Than with a contentious and irritating woman. 20There is precious treasure and oil in the home of the wise, But a foolish person swallows it up. 21One who pursues righteousness and loyalty Finds life, righteousness, and honor. 22A wise person scales the city of the mighty And brings down the stronghold in which they trust. 23One who guards his mouth and his tongue, Guards his soul from troubles. 24'Proud,' 'Arrogant,' 'Scoffer,' are his names, One who acts with insolent pride. 25The desire of the lazy one puts him to death, For his hands refuse to work; 26All day long he is craving, While the righteous gives and does not hold back. 27The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination, How much more when he brings it with evil intent! 28A false witness will perish, But a person who listens will speak forever. 29A wicked person displays a bold face, But as for the upright, he makes his way sure. 30There is no wisdom, no understanding, And no plan against the Lord. 31The horse is prepared for the day of battle, But the victory belongs to the Lord.Chapter 22
1A good name is to be more desired than great wealth; Favor is better than silver and gold. 2The rich and the poor have a common bond, The Lord is the Maker of them all. 3A prudent person sees evil and hides himself, But the naive proceed, and pay the penalty. 4The reward of humility and the fear of the Lord Are riches, honor, and life. 5Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse; One who guards himself will be far from them. 6Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he grows older he will not abandon it. 7The rich rules over the poor, And the borrower becomes the lender’s slave. 8One who sows injustice will reap disaster, And the rod of his fury will perish. 9One who is generous will be blessed, Because he gives some of his food to the poor. 10Drive out the scoffer, and strife will leave, Even quarreling and dishonor will cease. 11One who loves purity of heart And whose speech is gracious, the king is his friend. 12The eyes of the Lord protect knowledge, But He overthrows the words of the treacherous person. 13The lazy one says, 'There is a lion outside; I will be killed in the streets!' 14The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit; He who is cursed of the Lord will fall into it. 15Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of discipline will remove it far from him. 16One who oppresses the poor to make more for himself, Or gives to the rich, will only come to poverty. 17Extend your ear and hear the words of the wise, And apply your mind to my knowledge; 18For it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, So that they may be ready on your lips. 19So that your trust may be in the Lord, I have taught you today, you indeed. 20Have I not written to you excellent things Of counsels and knowledge, 21To make you know the certainty of the words of truth, So that you may correctly answer him who sent you? 22Do not rob the poor because he is poor, Nor crush the needy at the gate; 23For the Lord will plead their case And take the life of those who rob them. 24Do not make friends with a person given to anger, Or go with a hot-tempered person, 25Or you will learn his ways And find a snare for yourself. 26Do not be among those who shake hands, Among those who become guarantors for debts. 27If you have nothing with which to repay, Why should he take your bed from under you? 28Do not move the ancient boundary Which your fathers have set. 29Do you see a person skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before obscure people.King James Version
33The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.
Chapter 16
1The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord.
33The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord.
Chapter 17
1Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.
24Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.
28Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.
Chapter 18
1Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.
24A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
Chapter 19
1Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.
29Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.
Chapter 20
1Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.
30The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil: so do stripes the inward parts of the belly.
Chapter 21
1The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
13Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.
27The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?
31The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the Lord.
Chapter 22
1A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.
5Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them.
16He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.
17Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.
Christian Standard Bible
32Anyone who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever listens to correction acquires good sense.
33The fear of the Lord is what wisdom teaches, and humility comes before honor.
Chapter 16
1The reflections of the heart belong to mankind, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.
32Patience is better than power, and controlling one’s emotions, than capturing a city.
33The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.
27The one who has knowledge restrains his words, and one who keeps a cool head is a person of understanding.
28Even a fool is considered wise when he keeps silent— discerning, when he seals his lips.
Chapter 19
1Better a poor person who lives with integrity than someone who has deceitful lips and is a fool.
28A worthless witness mocks justice, and a wicked mouth swallows iniquity.
29Judgments are prepared for mockers, and beatings for the backs of fools.
29The glory of young men is their strength, and the splendor of old men is gray hair.
30Lashes and wounds purge away evil, and beatings cleanse the innermost parts.
Chapter 21
1A king’s heart is like channeled water in the Lord’s hand: He directs it wherever he chooses.
24The arrogant and proud person, named "Mocker," acts with excessive arrogance.
25A slacker’s craving will kill him because his hands refuse to work.
30No wisdom, no understanding, and no counsel will prevail against the Lord.
31A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory comes from the Lord.
16Oppressing the poor to enrich oneself, and giving to the rich—both lead only to poverty.
17Listen closely, pay attention to the words of the wise, and apply your mind to my knowledge.
18For it is pleasing if you keep them within you and if they are constantly on your lips.
19I have instructed you today—even you— so that your confidence may be in the Lord.
20Haven’t I written for you thirty sayings about counsel and knowledge,
21in order to teach you true and reliable words, so that you may give a dependable report to those who sent you?
22Don’t rob a poor person because he is poor, and don’t crush the oppressed at the city gate,
23for the Lord will champion their cause and will plunder those who plunder them.
24Don’t make friends with an angry person, and don’t be a companion of a hot-tempered one,
New Living Translation
13A foolish child is a calamity to a father; a quarrelsome wife is as annoying as constant dripping.
Chapter 20
1Wine produces mockers; alcohol leads to brawls. Those led astray by drink cannot be wise.Chapter 21
1The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the Lord; he guides it wherever he pleases.
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 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.
English Standard Version
Chapter 15
1 A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. 2The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly. 3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good. 4 A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit. 5 A fool despises his father 's instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is prudent. 6In the house of the righteous there is much treasure, but trouble befalls the income of the wicked. 7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools. 8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is acceptable to him. 9The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but he loves him who pursues righteousness. 10There is severe discipline for him who forsakes the way; whoever hates reproof will die. 11Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the Lord; how much more the hearts of the children of man! 12 A scoffer does not like to be reproved; he will not go to the wise. 13 A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed. 14 The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly. 15All the days of the afflicted are evil, but the cheerful of heart has a continual feast. 16 Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble with it. 17 Better is a dinner of herbs where love is than a fattened ox and hatred with it. 18 A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention. 19The way of a sluggard is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a level highway. 20 A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish man despises his mother. 21 Folly is a joy to him who lacks sense, but a man of understanding walks straight ahead. 22 Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed. 23To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is! 24The path of life leads upward for the prudent, that he may turn away from Sheol beneath. 25The Lord tears down the house of the proud but maintains the widow 's boundaries. 26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord, but gracious words are pure. 27Whoever is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own household, but he who hates bribes will live. 28The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things. 29The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous. 30 The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and good news refreshes the bones. 31 The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. 32Whoever ignores instruction despises himself, but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence. 33 The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor.Chapter 16
1The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. 2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit. 3 Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. 4 The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble. 5Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord; be assured, he will not go unpunished. 6By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the Lord one turns away from evil. 7When a man 's ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. 8 Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice. 9 The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. 10 An oracle is on the lips of a king; his mouth does not sin in judgment. 11 A just balance and scales are the Lord 's; all the weights in the bag are his work. 12It is an abomination to kings to do evil, for the throne is established by righteousness. 13 Righteous lips are the delight of a king, and he loves him who speaks what is right. 14 A king 's wrath is a messenger of death, and a wise man will appease it. 15 In the light of a king 's face there is life, and his favor is like the clouds that bring the spring rain. 16 How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. 17The highway of the upright turns aside from evil; whoever guards his way preserves his life. 18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. 19 It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud. 20Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord. 21The wise of heart is called discerning, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness. 22Good sense is a fountain of life to him who has it, but the instruction of fools is folly. 23 The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious and adds persuasiveness to his lips. 24 Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. 25There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. 26A worker 's appetite works for him; his mouth urges him on. 27 A worthless man plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire. 28 A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends. 29A man of violence entices his neighbor and leads him in a way that is not good. 30Whoever winks his eyes plans dishonest things; he who purses his lips brings evil to pass. 31 Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life. 32 Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. 33 The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.Chapter 17
1 Better is a dry morsel with quiet than a house full of feasting with strife. 2A servant who deals wisely will rule over a son who acts shamefully and will share the inheritance as one of the brothers. 3 The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the Lord tests hearts. 4An evildoer listens to wicked lips, and a liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue. 5Whoever mocks the poor insults his Maker; he who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished. 6 Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers. 7Fine speech is not becoming to a fool; still less is false speech to a prince. 8 A bribe is like a magic stone in the eyes of the one who gives it; wherever he turns he prospers. 9Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends. 10A rebuke goes deeper into a man of understanding than a hundred blows into a fool. 11An evil man seeks only rebellion, and a cruel messenger will be sent against him. 12Let a man meet a she-bear robbed of her cubs rather than a fool in his folly. 13If anyone returns evil for good, evil will not depart from his house. 14The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so quit before the quarrel breaks out. 15He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous are both alike an abomination to the Lord. 16Why should a fool have money in his hand to buy wisdom when he has no sense? 17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. 18One who lacks sense gives a pledge and puts up security in the presence of his neighbor. 19Whoever loves transgression loves strife; he who makes his door high seeks destruction. 20 A man of crooked heart does not discover good, and one with a dishonest tongue falls into calamity. 21He who sires a fool gets himself sorrow, and the father of a fool has no joy. 22 A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. 23The wicked accepts a bribe in secret to pervert the ways of justice. 24 The discerning sets his face toward wisdom, but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth. 25 A foolish son is a grief to his father and bitterness to her who bore him. 26 To impose a fine on a righteous man is not good, nor to strike the noble for their uprightness. 27Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. 28Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.Chapter 18
1Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment. 2A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion. 3When wickedness comes, contempt comes also, and with dishonor comes disgrace. 4The words of a man 's mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook. 5It is not good to be partial to the wicked or to deprive the righteous of justice. 6A fool 's lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating. 7 A fool 's mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul. 8 The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body. 9Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys. 10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe. 11 A rich man 's wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his imagination. 12 Before destruction a man 's heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor. 13If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame. 14A man 's spirit will endure sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear? 15An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. 16A man 's gift makes room for him and brings him before the great. 17The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him. 18 The lot puts an end to quarrels and decides between powerful contenders. 19A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle. 20 From the fruit of a man 's mouth his stomach is satisfied; he is satisfied by the yield of his lips. 21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. 22He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord. 23The poor use entreaties, but the rich answer roughly. 24A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.Chapter 19
1 Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool. 2Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way. 3When a man 's folly brings his way to ruin, his heart rages against the Lord. 4 Wealth brings many new friends, but a poor man is deserted by his friend. 5 A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will not escape. 6Many seek the favor of a generous man, and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts. 7 All a poor man 's brothers hate him; how much more do his friends go far from him! He pursues them with words, but does not have them. 8 Whoever gets sense loves his own soul; he who keeps understanding will discover good. 9 A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will perish. 10 It is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury, much less for a slave to rule over princes. 11 Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense. 12A king 's wrath is like the growling of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass. 13 A foolish son is ruin to his father, and a wife 's quarreling is a continual dripping of rain. 14 House and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the Lord. 15 Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep, and an idle person will suffer hunger. 16Whoever keeps the commandment keeps his life; he who despises his ways will die. 17 Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed. 18 Discipline your son, for there is hope; do not set your heart on putting him to death. 19A man of great wrath will pay the penalty, for if you deliver him, you will only have to do it again. 20Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. 21 Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. 22What is desired in a man is steadfast love, and a poor man is better than a liar. 23The fear of the Lord leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm. 24 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish and will not even bring it back to his mouth. 25 Strike a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; reprove a man of understanding, and he will gain knowledge. 26He who does violence to his father and chases away his mother is a son who brings shame and reproach. 27Cease to hear instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge. 28A worthless witness mocks at justice, and the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity. 29Condemnation is ready for scoffers, and beating for the backs of fools.Chapter 20
1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise. 2The terror of a king is like the growling of a lion; whoever provokes him to anger forfeits his life. 3It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarreling. 4 The sluggard does not plow in the autumn; he will seek at harvest and have nothing. 5The purpose in a man 's heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out. 6Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love, but a faithful man who can find? 7The righteous who walks in his integrity — blessed are his children after him! 8 A king who sits on the throne of judgment winnows all evil with his eyes. 9 Who can say, "I have made my heart pure; I am clean from my sin"? 10 Unequal weights and unequal measures are both alike an abomination to the Lord. 11Even a child makes himself known by his acts, by whether his conduct is pure and upright. 12 The hearing ear and the seeing eye, the Lord has made them both. 13 Love not sleep, lest you come to poverty; open your eyes, and you will have plenty of bread. 14"Bad, bad," says the buyer, but when he goes away, then he boasts. 15There is gold and abundance of costly stones, but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel. 16 Take a man 's garment when he has put up security for a stranger, and hold it in pledge when he puts up security for foreigners. 17 Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man, but afterward his mouth will be full of gravel. 18 Plans are established by counsel; by wise guidance wage war. 19Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler. 20 If one curses his father or his mother, his lamp will be put out in utter darkness. 21 An inheritance gained hastily in the beginning will not be blessed in the end. 22Do not say, "I will repay evil"; wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you. 23 Unequal weights are an abomination to the Lord, and false scales are not good. 24A man 's steps are from the Lord; how then can man understand his way? 25It is a snare to say rashly, "It is holy," and to reflect only after making vows. 26A wise king winnows the wicked and drives the wheel over them. 27 The spirit of man is the lamp of the Lord, searching all his innermost parts. 28 Steadfast love and faithfulness preserve the king, and by steadfast love his throne is upheld. 29The glory of young men is their strength, but the splendor of old men is their gray hair. 30 Blows that wound cleanse away evil; strokes make clean the innermost parts.Chapter 21
1The king 's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will. 2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart. 3 To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. 4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, are sin. 5The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty. 6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death. 7The violence of the wicked will sweep them away, because they refuse to do what is just. 8The way of the guilty is crooked, but the conduct of the pure is upright. 9It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife. 10The soul of the wicked desires evil; his neighbor finds no mercy in his eyes. 11When a scoffer is punished, the simple becomes wise; when a wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge. 12The Righteous One observes the house of the wicked; he throws the wicked down to ruin. 13 Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered. 14 A gift in secret averts anger, and a concealed bribe, strong wrath. 15When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers. 16One who wanders from the way of good sense will rest in the assembly of the dead. 17Whoever loves pleasure will be a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not be rich. 18 The wicked is a ransom for the righteous, and the traitor for the upright. 19It is better to live in a desert land than with a quarrelsome and fretful woman. 20 Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man 's dwelling, but a foolish man devours it. 21Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor. 22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty and brings down the stronghold in which they trust. 23 Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble. 24 "Scoffer" is the name of the arrogant, haughty man who acts with arrogant pride. 25The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labor. 26All day long he craves and craves, but the righteous gives and does not hold back. 27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; how much more when he brings it with evil intent. 28 A false witness will perish, but the word of a man who hears will endure. 29A wicked man puts on a bold face, but the upright gives thought to his ways. 30 No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the Lord. 31 The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.Chapter 22
1 A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold. 2 The rich and the poor meet together; the Lord is the Maker of them all. 3 The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it. 4The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life. 5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the crooked; whoever guards his soul will keep far from them. 6 Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. 7 The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender. 8Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity, and the rod of his fury will fail. 9 Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor. 10 Drive out a scoffer, and strife will go out, and quarreling and abuse will cease. 11He who loves purity of heart, and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend. 12The eyes of the Lord keep watch over knowledge, but he overthrows the words of the traitor. 13 The sluggard says, "There is a lion outside! I shall be killed in the streets!" 14The mouth of forbidden women is a deep pit; he with whom the Lord is angry will fall into it. 15Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him. 16Whoever oppresses the poor to increase his own wealth, or gives to the rich, will only come to poverty. 17 Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge, 18for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips. 19That your trust may be in the Lord, I have made them known to you today, even to you. 20Have I not written for you thirty sayings of counsel and knowledge, 21to make you know what is right and true, that you may give a true answer to those who sent you? 22 Do not rob the poor, because he is poor, or crush the afflicted at the gate, 23for the Lord will plead their cause and rob of life those who rob them. 24Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, 25lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare. 26Be not one of those who give pledges, who put up security for debts. 27If you have nothing with which to pay, why should your bed be taken from under you? 28Do not move the ancient landmark that your fathers have set. 29Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.New International Version
32Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding.
33Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor.
Chapter 16
1To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue.
32Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.
33The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.
27The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.
28Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.
Chapter 18
1An unfriendly person pursues selfish ends and against all sound judgment starts quarrels.
28A corrupt witness mocks at justice, and the mouth of the wicked gulps down evil.
29Penalties are prepared for mockers, and beatings for the backs of fools.
29The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old.
30Blows and wounds scrub away evil, and beatings purge the inmost being.
24The proud and arrogant person—"Mocker" is his name— behaves with insolent fury.
25The craving of a sluggard will be the death of him, because his hands refuse to work.
30There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord.
31The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord.
Chapter 22
1A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.
14The mouth of an adulterous woman is a deep pit; a man who is under the Lord’s wrath falls into it.
15Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far away.
16One who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth and one who gives gifts to the rich—both come to poverty.
17Pay attention and turn your ear to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach,
18for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips.
19So that your trust may be in the Lord, I teach you today, even you.
20Have I not written thirty sayings for you, sayings of counsel and knowledge,
21teaching you to be honest and to speak the truth, so that you bring back truthful reports to those you serve?
22Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court,
23for the Lord will take up their case and will exact life for life.
24Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered,
25or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.
26Do not be one who shakes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts;
27if you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you.
28Do not move an ancient boundary stone set up by your ancestors.
29Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank.
New King James Version
