1 Anyone who loves correction loves knowledge.
Anyone who hates to be corrected is stupid.
2 The LORD blesses anyone who does good.
But he judges anyone who plans to do evil.
3 No one can become strong and steady by doing evil.
But if people do what is right, they can’t be removed from the land.
4 An excellent woman is her husband’s crown.
But a wife who brings shame is like sickness in his bones.
5 The plans of godly people are right.
But the advice of sinners will lead you the wrong way.
6 The words of those who are evil hide and wait to spill people’s blood.
But the speech of those who are honest saves them from traps like that.
7 Sinners are destroyed and taken away.
But the houses of godly people stand firm.
8 A person is praised for how wise they are.
But people hate anyone who has a twisted mind.
9 Being nobody and having a servant
is better than pretending to be somebody and having no food.
10 Those who do what is right take good care of their animals.
But the kindest acts of those who do wrong are mean.
11 Those who farm their land will have plenty of food.
But those who chase dreams have no sense.
12 Those who do what is wrong are safe for just a while.
But those who do what is right last forever.
13 Those who do evil are trapped by their sinful talk.
But those who have done no wrong escape trouble.
14 Many good things come from what people say.
And the work of their hands rewards them.
15 The way of foolish people seems right to them.
But those who are wise listen to advice.
16 Foolish people are easily upset.
But wise people pay no attention to hurtful words.
17 An honest witness tells the truth.
But a dishonest witness tells lies.
18 The words of thoughtless people cut like swords.
But the tongue of wise people brings healing.
19 Truthful words last forever.
But lies last for only a moment.
20 There are lies in the hearts of those who plan evil.
But there is joy for those who work to bring peace.
21 No harm comes to godly people.
But sinners have all the trouble they can handle.
22 The LORD hates those whose lips tell lies.
But he is pleased with people who tell the truth.
23 Wise people keep their knowledge to themselves.
But the hearts of foolish people shout foolish things.
24 Hands that work hard will rule.
But people who are lazy will be forced to work.
25 Worry makes the heart heavy.
But a kind word cheers it up.
26 Godly people are careful about the friends they choose.
But the way of sinners leads them down the wrong path.
27 Lazy people do not even cook what they catch.
But those who work hard eat their fill of what is hunted.
28 There is life in doing what is right.
Along that path you will never die.
(NIRV) Holy Bible, New International Reader’s Version®, NIrV® Copyright © 1995, 1996, 1998, 2014 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Click here for more copyright information.