New Living Translation

1 The proverbs of Solomon: A wise child brings joy to a father;<br>a foolish child brings grief to a mother.<br> 2 Tainted wealth has no lasting value,<br>but right living can save your life.<br> 3 The LORD will not let the godly go hungry,<br>but he refuses to satisfy the craving of the wicked.<br> 4 Lazy people are soon poor;<br>hard workers get rich.<br> 5 A wise youth harvests in the summer,<br>but one who sleeps during harvest is a disgrace.<br> 6 The godly are showered with blessings;<br>the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions.<br> 7 We have happy memories of the godly,<br>but the name of a wicked person rots away.<br> 8 The wise are glad to be instructed,<br>but babbling fools fall flat on their faces.<br> 9 People with integrity walk safely,<br>but those who follow crooked paths will be exposed.<br> 10 People who wink at wrong cause trouble,<br>but a bold reproof promotes peace.<br> 11 The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain;<br>the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions.<br> 12 Hatred stirs up quarrels,<br>but love makes up for all offenses.<br> 13 Wise words come from the lips of people with understanding,<br>but those lacking sense will be beaten with a rod.<br> 14 Wise people treasure knowledge,<br>but the babbling of a fool invites disaster.<br> 15 The wealth of the rich is their fortress;<br>the poverty of the poor is their destruction.<br> 16 The earnings of the godly enhance their lives,<br>but evil people squander their money on sin.<br> 17 People who accept discipline are on the pathway to life,<br>but those who ignore correction will go astray.<br> 18 Hiding hatred makes you a liar;<br>slandering others makes you a fool.<br> 19 Too much talk leads to sin.<br>Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.<br> 20 The words of the godly are like sterling silver;<br>the heart of a fool is worthless.<br> 21 The words of the godly encourage many,<br>but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense.<br> 22 The blessing of the LORD makes a person rich,<br>and he adds no sorrow with it.<br> 23 Doing wrong is fun for a fool,<br>but living wisely brings pleasure to the sensible.<br> 24 The fears of the wicked will be fulfilled;<br>the hopes of the godly will be granted.<br> 25 When the storms of life come, the wicked are whirled away,<br>but the godly have a lasting foundation.<br> 26 Lazy people irritate their employers,<br>like vinegar to the teeth or smoke in the eyes.<br> 27 Fear of the LORD lengthens one’s life,<br>but the years of the wicked are cut short.<br> 28 The hopes of the godly result in happiness,<br>but the expectations of the wicked come to nothing.<br> 29 The way of the LORD is a stronghold to those with integrity,<br>but it destroys the wicked.<br> 30 The godly will never be disturbed,<br>but the wicked will be removed from the land.<br> 31 The mouth of the godly person gives wise advice,<br>but the tongue that deceives will be cut off.<br> 32 The lips of the godly speak helpful words,<br>but the mouth of the wicked speaks perverse words.<br>