1 A wise son pays attention to what his father teaches him.
But anyone who makes fun of others doesn’t listen to warnings.
2 The good things people say benefit them.
But liars love to hurt others.
3 Those who guard what they say guard their lives.
But those who speak without thinking will be destroyed.
4 People who refuse to work want things and get nothing.
But the desires of people who work hard are completely satisfied.
5 Those who do right hate what is false.
But those who do wrong stink and bring shame on themselves.
6 Doing right guards those who are honest.
But evil destroys those who are sinful.
7 Some people pretend to be rich but have nothing.
Others pretend to be poor but have great wealth.
8 A person’s riches might save their life.
But a poor person is not able to do anything about danger.
9 The lights of godly people shine brightly.
But the lamps of sinners are blown out.
10 Where there is arguing, there is pride.
But those who take advice are wise.
11 Money gained in the wrong way disappears.
But money gathered little by little grows.
12 Hope that is put off makes one sick at heart.
But a desire that is met is like a tree of life.
13 Anyone who hates what they are taught will pay for it later.
But a person who respects a command will be rewarded.
14 The teaching of wise people is like a fountain that gives life.
It turns those who listen to it away from the jaws of death.
15 Good judgment wins favor.
But the way of liars leads to their ruin.
16 Wise people act with knowledge.
But foolish people show how foolish they are.
17 An evil messenger gets into trouble.
But a trusted messenger brings healing.
18 Those who turn away from their training become poor and ashamed.
But those who accept warnings are honored.
19 A desire that is met is like something that tastes sweet.
But foolish people hate to turn away from evil.
20 Walk with wise people and become wise.
A companion of foolish people suffers harm.
21 Hard times chase those who are sinful.
But those who do right are rewarded with good things.
22 A good person leaves what they own to their children and grandchildren.
But a sinner’s wealth is stored up for those who do right.
23 An unplowed field produces food for poor people.
But those who treat them badly destroy it all.
24 Those who don’t correct their children hate them.
But those who love them are careful to correct them.
25 Those who do right eat until they are full.
But the stomachs of those who do wrong go hungry.
(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.