Proverbs 14:1-35, NLT

Proverbs 14

1A wise woman builds her home,

but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands.

2Those who follow the right path fear the Lord;

those who take the wrong path despise him.

3A fool’s proud talk becomes a rod that beats him,

but the words of the wise keep them safe.

4Without oxen a stable stays clean,

but you need a strong ox for a large harvest.

5An honest witness does not lie;

a false witness breathes lies.

6A mocker seeks wisdom and never finds it,

but knowledge comes easily to those with understanding.

7Stay away from fools,

for you won’t find knowledge on their lips.

8The prudent understand where they are going,

but fools deceive themselves.

9Fools make fun of guilt,

but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation.

10Each heart knows its own bitterness,

and no one else can fully share its joy.

11The house of the wicked will be destroyed,

but the tent of the godly will flourish.

12There is a path before each person that seems right,

but it ends in death.

13Laughter can conceal a heavy heart,

but when the laughter ends, the grief remains.

14Backsliders get what they deserve;

good people receive their reward.

15Only simpletons believe everything they’re told!

The prudent carefully consider their steps.

16The wise are cautious*14:16 Hebrew The wise fear. and avoid danger;

fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence.

17Short-tempered people do foolish things,

and schemers are hated.

18Simpletons are clothed with foolishness,*14:18 Or inherit foolishness.

but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

19Evil people will bow before good people;

the wicked will bow at the gates of the godly.

20The poor are despised even by their neighbors,

while the rich have many “friends.”

21It is a sin to belittle one’s neighbor;

blessed are those who help the poor.

22If you plan to do evil, you will be lost;

if you plan to do good, you will receive unfailing love and faithfulness.

23Work brings profit,

but mere talk leads to poverty!

24Wealth is a crown for the wise;

the effort of fools yields only foolishness.

25A truthful witness saves lives,

but a false witness is a traitor.

26Those who fear the Lord are secure;

he will be a refuge for their children.

27Fear of the Lord is a life-giving fountain;

it offers escape from the snares of death.

28A growing population is a king’s glory;

a prince without subjects has nothing.

29People with understanding control their anger;

a hot temper shows great foolishness.

30A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body;

jealousy is like cancer in the bones.

31Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker,

but helping the poor honors him.

32The wicked are crushed by disaster,

but the godly have a refuge when they die.

33Wisdom is enshrined in an understanding heart;

wisdom is not*14:33 As in Greek and Syriac versions; Hebrew lacks not. found among fools.

34Godliness makes a nation great,

but sin is a disgrace to any people.

35A king rejoices in wise servants

but is angry with those who disgrace him.