Proverbs 14

Proverbs Chapters

New Living Translation

1. A wise woman builds her house; a foolish woman tears hers down with her own hands.
2. Those who follow the right path fear the LORD; those who take the wrong path despise him.
3. The talk of fools is a rod for their backs, but the words of the wise keep them out of trouble.
4. An empty stable stays clean, but no income comes from an empty stable.
5. A truthful witness does not lie; a false witness breathes lies.
6. A mocker seeks wisdom and never finds it, but knowledge comes easily to those with understanding.
7. Stay away from fools, for you won't find knowledge there.
8. The wise look ahead to see what is coming, but fools deceive themselves.
9. Fools make fun of guilt, but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation.
10. Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can fully share its joy.
11. The house of the wicked will perish, but the tent of the godly will flourish.
12. There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.
13. Laughter can conceal a heavy heart; when the laughter ends, the grief remains.
14. Backsliders get what they deserve; good people receive their reward.
15. Only simpletons believe everything they are told! The prudent carefully consider their steps.
16. The wise are cautious and avoid danger; fools plunge ahead with great confidence.
17. Those who are short-tempered do foolish things, and schemers are hated.
18. The simpleton is clothed with folly, but the wise person is crowned with knowledge.
19. Evil people will bow before good people; the wicked will bow at the gates of the godly.
20. The poor are despised even by their neighbors, while the rich have many "friends."
21. It is sin to despise one's neighbors; blessed are those who help the poor.
22. If you plot evil, you will be lost; but if you plan good, you will be granted unfailing love and faithfulness.
23. Work brings profit, but mere talk leads to poverty!
24. Wealth is a crown for the wise; the effort of fools yields only folly.
25. A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is a traitor.
26. Those who fear the LORD are secure; he will be a place of refuge for their children.
27. Fear of the LORD is a life-giving fountain; it offers escape from the snares of death.
28. A growing population is a king's glory; a dwindling nation is his doom.
29. Those who control their anger have great understanding; those with a hasty temper will make mistakes.
30. A relaxed attitude lengthens life; jealousy rots it away.
31. Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker, but those who help the poor honor him.
32. The wicked are crushed by their sins, but the godly have a refuge when they die.
33. Wisdom is enshrined in an understanding heart; wisdom is not found among fools.
34. Godliness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.
35. A king rejoices in servants who know what they are doing; he is angry with those who cause trouble.