New Living Translation

1 A wise woman builds her home,<br>but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands.<br> 2 Those who follow the right path fear the LORD;<br>those who take the wrong path despise him.<br> 3 A fool’s proud talk becomes a rod that beats him,<br>but the words of the wise keep them safe.<br> 4 Without oxen a stable stays clean,<br>but you need a strong ox for a large harvest.<br> 5 An honest witness does not lie;<br>a false witness breathes lies.<br> 6 A mocker seeks wisdom and never finds it,<br>but knowledge comes easily to those with understanding.<br> 7 Stay away from fools,<br>for you won’t find knowledge on their lips.<br> 8 The prudent understand where they are going,<br>but fools deceive themselves.<br> 9 Fools make fun of guilt,<br>but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation.<br> 10 Each heart knows its own bitterness,<br>and no one else can fully share its joy.<br> 11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed,<br>but the tent of the godly will flourish.<br> 12 There is a path before each person that seems right,<br>but it ends in death.<br> 13 Laughter can conceal a heavy heart,<br>but when the laughter ends, the grief remains.<br> 14 Backsliders get what they deserve;<br>good people receive their reward.<br> 15 Only simpletons believe everything they’re told!<br>The prudent carefully consider their steps.<br> 16 The wise are cautious and avoid danger;<br>fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence.<br> 17 Short-tempered people do foolish things,<br>and schemers are hated.<br> 18 Simpletons are clothed with foolishness,<br>but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.<br> 19 Evil people will bow before good people;<br>the wicked will bow at the gates of the godly.<br> 20 The poor are despised even by their neighbors,<br>while the rich have many “friends.”<br> 21 It is a sin to belittle one’s neighbor;<br>blessed are those who help the poor.<br> 22 If you plan to do evil, you will be lost;<br>if you plan to do good, you will receive unfailing love and faithfulness.<br> 23 Work brings profit,<br>but mere talk leads to poverty!<br> 24 Wealth is a crown for the wise;<br>the effort of fools yields only foolishness.<br> 25 A truthful witness saves lives,<br>but a false witness is a traitor.<br> 26 Those who fear the LORD are secure;<br>he will be a refuge for their children.<br> 27 Fear of the LORD is a life-giving fountain;<br>it offers escape from the snares of death.<br> 28 A growing population is a king’s glory;<br>a prince without subjects has nothing.<br> 29 People with understanding control their anger;<br>a hot temper shows great foolishness.<br> 30 A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body;<br>jealousy is like cancer in the bones.<br> 31 Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker,<br>but helping the poor honors him.<br> 32 The wicked are crushed by disaster,<br>but the godly have a refuge when they die.<br> 33 Wisdom is enshrined in an understanding heart;<br>wisdom is not found among fools.<br> 34 Godliness makes a nation great,<br>but sin is a disgrace to any people.<br> 35 A king rejoices in wise servants<br>but is angry with those who disgrace him.<br>