Proverbs 14

English Standard Version

1 The wisest of women builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down. (De 25:9; Ru 4:11; Pr 9:1; Pr 11:11; Pr 24:3) 2 Whoever walks in uprightness fears the Lord, but he who is devious in his ways despises him. (Pr 2:15; Pr 19:1; Pr 28:6) 3 By the mouth of a fool comes a rod for his back,[1] but the lips of the wise will preserve them. (Pr 12:6; Jer 18:18) 4 Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean, but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox. 5 A faithful witness does not lie, but a false witness breathes out lies. (Ex 23:1; Pr 6:19) 6 A scoffer seeks wisdom in vain, but knowledge is easy for a man of understanding. (Ps 25:9; Pr 8:9; Pr 15:14; Pr 17:24; Pr 24:7; 1Pe 5:5) 7 Leave the presence of a fool, for there you do not meet words of knowledge. 8 The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools is deceiving. 9 Fools mock at the guilt offering, but the upright enjoy acceptance.[2] (Pr 10:23) 10 The heart knows its own bitterness, and no stranger shares its joy. (1Sa 1:10; Job 3:20) 11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish. (Job 8:15; Job 21:28; Pr 3:33; Pr 15:25) 12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.[3] (Pr 5:5; Pr 7:27; Pr 12:15; Pr 16:25; Ro 6:21) 13 Even in laughter the heart may ache, and the end of joy may be grief. (Pr 10:1; Ec 2:2; Lu 6:25) 14 The backslider in heart will be filled with the fruit of his ways, and a good man will be filled with the fruit of his ways. (Pr 1:31; Pr 12:14; Isa 3:10; Mt 6:2; Mt 6:5) 15 The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps. (Pr 1:4) 16 One who is wise is cautious[4] and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless. (Job 28:28; Ps 34:14; Pr 3:7; Pr 22:3; Pr 27:12) 17 A man of quick temper acts foolishly, and a man of evil devices is hated. (Pr 14:29) 18 The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. 19 The evil bow down before the good, the wicked at the gates of the righteous. (Ge 42:6; 1Sa 2:36) 20 The poor is disliked even by his neighbor, but the rich has many friends. (Pr 19:4; Pr 19:7) 21 Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor. (Ps 41:1; Pr 11:12) 22 Do they not go astray who devise evil? Those who devise good meet[5] steadfast love and faithfulness. (Pr 3:3; Pr 3:29) 23 In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty. (Pr 11:24; Pr 21:5; Pr 22:16) 24 The crown of the wise is their wealth, but the folly of fools brings folly. 25 A truthful witness saves lives, but one who breathes out lies is deceitful. (Pr 14:5) 26 In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge. (Ps 14:6; Ps 73:15; Pr 1:33) 27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death. (Pr 10:11; Pr 13:14) 28 In a multitude of people is the glory of a king, but without people a prince is ruined. (1Ki 4:20) 29 Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly. (Pr 14:17; Pr 16:32; Pr 19:11; Ec 7:9; Jas 1:19) 30 A tranquil[6] heart gives life to the flesh, but envy[7] makes the bones rot. (Ps 112:10; Pr 4:22; Pr 12:4) 31 Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him. (Job 35:10; Pr 17:5; Pr 22:2; Pr 28:8; Mt 25:40; Mt 25:45) 32 The wicked is overthrown through his evildoing, but the righteous finds refuge in his death. (Ge 49:18; Nu 23:10; Job 19:25; Ps 16:11; Ps 17:15; Ps 23:4; Pr 24:16; 2Co 1:9; 2Co 5:8; 2Ti 4:18) 33 Wisdom rests in the heart of a man of understanding, but it makes itself known even in the midst of fools.[8] (Pr 12:16; Pr 29:11; Ec 7:9) 34 Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people. 35 A servant who deals wisely has the king’s favor, but his wrath falls on one who acts shamefully. (Pr 16:13; Pr 22:11; Mt 24:45)