Proverbs 14:1-27 ▼

1 The wise woman builds her house, But the woman of folly tears it down with her own hands.

2 He who walks in his uprightness fears Yahweh, But he who is devious in his ways despises Him.

3 In the mouth of the ignorant fool is a rod of lofty pride, But the lips of the wise will keep them.

4 Where no oxen are, the manger is clean, But much revenue comes by the strength of the ox.

5 A faithful witness will not lie, But a false witness breathes out lies.

6 A scoffer seeks wisdom and finds none, But knowledge is easy to one who has understanding.

7 Leave the presence of a fool, As you have not known lips of knowledge there.

8 The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way, But the folly of fools is deceit.

9 Ignorant fools scoff at guilt, But among the upright there is favor.

10 The heart knows its own bitterness, And a stranger does not share its gladness.

11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed, But the tent of the upright will flourish.

12 There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.

13 Even in laughter the heart may be in pain, And the end of joy may be grief.

14 The one who turns back in his heart will be satisfied with his ways, But a good man will be satisfied with his.

15 The simple believes everything, But the prudent one discerns his steps.

16 A wise man fears and turns away from evil, But a fool gets angry and feels secure.

17 A quick-tempered man acts in folly, And a man of evil schemes is hated.

18 The simple inherit folly, But the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

19 The evil will bow down before the good, And the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

20 The poor is hated even by his neighbor, But those who love the rich are many.

21 He who despises his neighbor sins, But how blessed is he who is gracious to the poor.

22 Will they not wander in error who devise evil? But lovingkindness and truth will be to those who devise good.

23 In all painful labor there is profit, But mere words from the lips lead only to want.

24 The crown of the wise is their riches, But the folly of fools is folly.

25 A truthful witness delivers souls, But he who breathes out lies is deceitful.

26 In the fear of Yahweh there is strong security, And his children will have refuge.

27 The fear of Yahweh is a fountain of life, To turn aside from the snares of death.