1 A wise woman builds her house.
But a foolish woman tears hers down with her own hands.
2 Whoever has respect for the LORD lives a good life.
But those who hate him walk down an evil path.
3 The proud words of a foolish person sting like a whip.
But the things wise people say keep them safe.
4 Where there are no oxen, the feed box is empty.
But a strong ox brings in huge harvests.
5 An honest witness does not lie.
But a dishonest witness pours out lies.
6 Those who make fun of others look for wisdom and don’t find it.
But knowledge comes easily to those who understand what is right.
7 Stay away from a foolish person.
You won’t find knowledge in what they say.
8 People are wise and understanding when they think about the way they live.
But people are foolish when their foolish ways trick them.
9 Foolish people laugh at making things right when they sin.
But honest people try to do the right thing.
10 Each heart knows its own sadness.
And no one else can share its joy.
11 The houses of sinners will be destroyed.
But the tents of honest people will stand firm.
12 There is a way that appears to be right.
But in the end it leads to death.
13 Even when you laugh, your heart can be hurting.
And your joy can end in sadness.
14 Those who aren’t faithful will be paid back
for what they’ve done.
And good people will receive rewards
for how they’ve lived.
15 A childish person believes anything.
But a wise person thinks about how they live.
16 A wise person has respect for the LORD and avoids evil.
But a foolish person has a bad temper and yet feels secure.
17 Anyone who gets angry quickly does foolish things.
And a person who is tricky is hated.
18 Childish people act in keeping with their foolish ways.
But knowledge makes wise people feel like kings.
19 Evil people will bow down in front of good people.
And those who do wrong will bow down at the gates of those who do right.
20 Poor people are avoided even by their neighbors.
But rich people have many friends.
21 It is a sin to hate your neighbor.
But blessed is the person who is kind to those in need.
22 Those who plan evil go down the wrong path.
But those who plan good find love and truth.
23 All hard work pays off.
But if all you do is talk, you will be poor.
24 The wealth of wise people is their crown.
But the foolish ways of foolish people lead to what is foolish.
25 An honest witness saves lives.
But a dishonest witness tells lies.
26 Anyone who shows respect for the LORD has a strong tower.
It will be a safe place for their children.
27 Respect for the LORD is like a fountain that gives life.
It turns you away from the jaws of death.
28 A large population is a king’s glory.
But a prince without followers is destroyed.
29 Anyone who is patient has great understanding.
But anyone who gets angry quickly shows how foolish they are.
30 A peaceful heart gives life to the body.
But jealousy rots the bones.
31 Anyone who crushes poor people makes fun of their Maker.
But anyone who is kind to those in need honors God.
32 When trouble comes, sinners are brought down.
But godly people seek safety in God even as they die.
33 Wisdom rests in the hearts of those who understand what is right.
And even among foolish people she makes herself known.
34 Doing what is right lifts people up.
But sin brings judgment to any nation.
35 A king is pleased with a wise servant.
But a servant who is full of shame stirs up the king’s anger.
(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.