Holman Christian Standard Bible

New Living Translation

1Every wise woman builds her house, but a foolish one tears it down with her own hands.

1A wise woman builds her home, but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands.

2Whoever lives with integrity fears the LORD, but the one who is devious in his ways despises Him.

2Those who follow the right path fear the LORD; those who take the wrong path despise him.

3The proud speech of a fool brings a rod of discipline, but the lips of the wise protect them.

3A fool’s proud talk becomes a rod that beats him, but the words of the wise keep them safe.

4Where there are no oxen, the feeding trough is empty, but an abundant harvest comes through the strength of an ox.

4Without oxen a stable stays clean, but you need a strong ox for a large harvest.

5An honest witness does not deceive, but a dishonest witness utters lies.

5An honest witness does not lie; a false witness breathes lies.

6A mocker seeks wisdom and doesn't find it, but knowledge comes easily to the perceptive.

6A mocker seeks wisdom and never finds it, but knowledge comes easily to those with understanding.

7Stay away from a foolish man; you will gain no knowledge from his speech.

7Stay away from fools, for you won’t find knowledge on their lips.

8The sensible man's wisdom is to consider his way, but the stupidity of fools deceives them.

8The prudent understand where they are going, but fools deceive themselves.

9Fools mock at making restitution, but there is goodwill among the upright.

9Fools make fun of guilt, but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation.

10The heart knows its own bitterness, and no outsider shares in its joy.

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 upright will stand.

11The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the godly will flourish.

12There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.

12There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.

13Even in laughter a heart may be sad, and joy may end in grief.

13Laughter can conceal a heavy heart, but when the laughter ends, the grief remains.

14The disloyal one will get what his conduct deserves, and a good man, what his deeds deserve.

14Backsliders get what they deserve; good people receive their reward.

15The inexperienced one believes anything, but the sensible one watches his steps.

15Only simpletons believe everything they’re told! The prudent carefully consider their steps.

16A wise man is cautious and turns from evil, but a fool is easily angered and is careless.

16The wise are cautious and avoid danger; fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence.

17A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, and a man who schemes is hated.

17Short-tempered people do foolish things, and schemers are hated.

18The inexperienced inherit foolishness, but the sensible are crowned with knowledge.

18Simpletons are clothed with foolishness, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

19The evil bow before those who are good, the wicked, at the gates of the righteous.

19Evil people will bow before good people; the wicked will bow at the gates of the godly.

20A poor man is hated even by his neighbor, but there are many who love the rich.

20The poor are despised even by their neighbors, while the rich have many “friends.”

21The one who despises his neighbor sins, but whoever shows kindness to the poor will be happy.

21It is a sin to belittle one’s neighbor; blessed are those who help the poor.

22Don't those who plan evil go astray? But those who plan good find loyalty and faithfulness.

22If you plan to do evil, you will be lost; if you plan to do good, you will receive unfailing love and faithfulness.

23There is profit in all hard work, but endless talk leads only to poverty.

23Work brings profit, but mere talk leads to poverty!

24The crown of the wise is their wealth, but the foolishness of fools produces foolishness.

24Wealth is a crown for the wise; the effort of fools yields only foolishness.

25A truthful witness rescues lives, but one who utters lies is deceitful.

25A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is a traitor.

26In the fear of the LORD one has strong confidence and his children have a refuge.

26Those who fear the LORD are secure; he will be a refuge for their children.

27The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning people away from the snares of death.

27Fear of the LORD is a life-giving fountain; it offers escape from the snares of death.

28A large population is a king's splendor, but a shortage of people is a ruler's devastation.

28A growing population is a king’s glory; a prince without subjects has nothing.

29A patient person shows great understanding, but a quick-tempered one promotes foolishness.

29People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness.

30A tranquil heart is life to the body, but jealousy is rottenness to the bones.

30A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones.

31The one who oppresses the poor person insults his Maker, but one who is kind to the needy honors Him.

31Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker, but helping the poor honors him.

32The wicked one is thrown down by his own sin, but the righteous one has a refuge in his death.

32The wicked are crushed by disaster, but the godly have a refuge when they die.

33Wisdom resides in the heart of the discerning; she is known even among fools.

33Wisdom is enshrined in an understanding heart; wisdom is not found among fools.

34Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.

34Godliness makes a nation great, but sin is a disgrace to any people.

35A king favors a wise servant, but his anger falls on a disgraceful one.

35A king rejoices in wise servants but is angry with those who disgrace him.

Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission.

Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.