Category: Proverbs

1 TheLorddetests the use of dishonest scales,

but he delights in accurate weights.

2 Pride leads to disgrace,

but with humility comes wisdom.

3 Honesty guides good people;

dishonesty destroys treacherous people.

4 Riches won’t help on the day of judgment,

but right living can save you from death.

5 The godly are directed by honesty;

the wicked fall beneath their load of sin.

6 The godliness of good people rescues them;

the ambition of treacherous people traps them.

7 When the wicked die, their hopes die with them,

for they rely on their own feeble strength.

8 The godly are rescued from trouble,

and it falls on the wicked instead.

9 With their words, the godless destroy their friends,

but knowledge will rescue the righteous.

10 The whole city celebrates when the godly succeed;

they shout for joy when the wicked die.

11 Upright citizens are good for a city and make it prosper,

but the talk of the wicked tears it apart.

12 It is foolish to belittle one’s neighbor;

a sensible person keeps quiet.

13 A gossip goes around telling secrets,

but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence.

14 Without wise leadership, a nation falls;

there is safety in having many advisers.

15 There’s danger in putting up security for a stranger’s debt;

it’s safer not to guarantee another person’s debt.

16 A gracious woman gains respect,

but ruthless men gain only wealth.

17 Your kindness will reward you,

but your cruelty will destroy you.

18 Evil people get rich for the moment,

but the reward of the godly will last.

19 Godly people find life;

evil people find death.

20 TheLorddetests people with crooked hearts,

but he delights in those with integrity.

21 Evil people will surely be punished,

but the children of the godly will go free.

22 A beautiful woman who lacks discretion

is like a gold ring in a pig’s snout.

23 The godly can look forward to a reward,

while the wicked can expect only judgment.

24 Give freely and become more wealthy;

be stingy and lose everything.

25 The generous will prosper;

those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.

26 People curse those who hoard their grain,

but they bless the one who sells in time of need.

27 If you search for good, you will find favor;

but if you search for evil, it will find you!

28 Trust in your money and down you go!

But the godly flourish like leaves in spring.

29 Those who bring trouble on their families inherit the wind.

The fool will be a servant to the wise.

30 The seeds of good deeds become a tree of life;

a wise person wins friends.

31 If the righteous are rewarded here on earth,

what will happen to wicked sinners?

—https://api-cdn.youversionapi.com/audio-bible-youversionapi/6/32k/PRO/11-6827659e942b98496062b99243a45575.mp3?version_id=116—

1 To learn, you must love discipline;

it is stupid to hate correction.

2 TheLordapproves of those who are good,

but he condemns those who plan wickedness.

3 Wickedness never brings stability,

but the godly have deep roots.

4 A worthy wife is a crown for her husband,

but a disgraceful woman is like cancer in his bones.

5 The plans of the godly are just;

the advice of the wicked is treacherous.

6 The words of the wicked are like a murderous ambush,

but the words of the godly save lives.

7 The wicked die and disappear,

but the family of the godly stands firm.

8 A sensible person wins admiration,

but a warped mind is despised.

9 Better to be an ordinary person with a servant

than to be self-important but have no food.

10 The godly care for their animals,

but the wicked are always cruel.

11 A hard worker has plenty of food,

but a person who chases fantasies has no sense.

12 Thieves are jealous of each other’s loot,

but the godly are well rooted and bear their own fruit.

13 The wicked are trapped by their own words,

but the godly escape such trouble.

14 Wise words bring many benefits,

and hard work brings rewards.

15 Fools think their own way is right,

but the wise listen to others.

16 A fool is quick-tempered,

but a wise person stays calm when insulted.

17 An honest witness tells the truth;

a false witness tells lies.

18 Some people make cutting remarks,

but the words of the wise bring healing.

19 Truthful words stand the test of time,

but lies are soon exposed.

20 Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil;

joy fills hearts that are planning peace!

21 No harm comes to the godly,

but the wicked have their fill of trouble.

22 TheLorddetests lying lips,

but he delights in those who tell the truth.

23 The wise don’t make a show of their knowledge,

but fools broadcast their foolishness.

24 Work hard and become a leader;

be lazy and become a slave.

25 Worry weighs a person down;

an encouraging word cheers a person up.

26 The godly give good advice to their friends;

the wicked lead them astray.

27 Lazy people don’t even cook the game they catch,

but the diligent make use of everything they find.

28 The way of the godly leads to life;

that path does not lead to death.

—https://api-cdn.youversionapi.com/audio-bible-youversionapi/6/32k/PRO/12-d51eb82d55e292a3351f9dc318a63959.mp3?version_id=116—

1 A wise child accepts a parent’s discipline;

a mocker refuses to listen to correction.

2 Wise words will win you a good meal,

but treacherous people have an appetite for violence.

3 Those who control their tongue will have a long life;

opening your mouth can ruin everything.

4 Lazy people want much but get little,

but those who work hard will prosper.

5 The godly hate lies;

the wicked cause shame and disgrace.

6 Godliness guards the path of the blameless,

but the evil are misled by sin.

7 Some who are poor pretend to be rich;

others who are rich pretend to be poor.

8 The rich can pay a ransom for their lives,

but the poor won’t even get threatened.

9 The life of the godly is full of light and joy,

but the light of the wicked will be snuffed out.

10 Pride leads to conflict;

those who take advice are wise.

11 Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears;

wealth from hard work grows over time.

12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick,

but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life.

13 People who despise advice are asking for trouble;

those who respect a command will succeed.

14 The instruction of the wise is like a life-giving fountain;

those who accept it avoid the snares of death.

15 A person with good sense is respected;

a treacherous person is headed for destruction.

16 Wise people think before they act;

fools don’t—and even brag about their foolishness.

17 An unreliable messenger stumbles into trouble,

but a reliable messenger brings healing.

18 If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace;

if you accept correction, you will be honored.

19 It is pleasant to see dreams come true,

but fools refuse to turn from evil to attain them.

20 Walk with the wise and become wise;

associate with fools and get in trouble.

21 Trouble chases sinners,

while blessings reward the righteous.

22 Good people leave an inheritance to their grandchildren,

but the sinner’s wealth passes to the godly.

23 A poor person’s farm may produce much food,

but injustice sweeps it all away.

24 Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children.

Those who love their children care enough to discipline them.

25 The godly eat to their hearts’ content,

but the belly of the wicked goes hungry.

—https://api-cdn.youversionapi.com/audio-bible-youversionapi/6/32k/PRO/13-34bb4e332c3e14f2b5b010f66c6f9cb9.mp3?version_id=116—

1 A wise woman builds her home,

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

2 Those who follow the right path fear theLord;

those who take the wrong path despise him.

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

but the words of the wise keep them safe.

4 Without oxen a stable stays clean,

but you need a strong ox for a large harvest.

5 An honest 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 on their lips.

8 The prudent understand where they are going,

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 be destroyed,

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,

but when the laughter ends, the grief remains.

14 Backsliders get what they deserve;

good people receive their reward.

15 Only simpletons believe everything they’re told!

The prudent carefully consider their steps.

16 The wise are cautiousand avoid danger;

fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence.

17 Short-tempered people do foolish things,

and schemers are hated.

18 Simpletons are clothed with foolishness,

but the prudent are 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 a sin to belittle one’s neighbor;

blessed are those who help the poor.

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

if you plan to do good, you will receive 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 foolishness.

25 A truthful witness saves lives,

but a false witness is a traitor.

26 Those who fear theLordare secure;

he will be a refuge for their children.

27 Fear of theLordis a life-giving fountain;

it offers escape from the snares of death.

28 A growing population is a king’s glory;

a prince without subjects has nothing.

29 People with understanding control their anger;

a hot temper shows great foolishness.

30 A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body;

jealousy is like cancer in the bones.

31 Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker,

but helping the poor honors him.

32 The wicked are crushed by disaster,

but the godly have a refuge when they die.

33 Wisdom is enshrined in an understanding heart;

wisdom is notfound among fools.

34 Godliness makes a nation great,

but sin is a disgrace to any people.

35 A king rejoices in wise servants

but is angry with those who disgrace him.

—https://api-cdn.youversionapi.com/audio-bible-youversionapi/6/32k/PRO/14-3018f6e6cd16ccc5afd3ae7bdf02b5ab.mp3?version_id=116—

1 A gentle answer deflects anger,

but harsh words make tempers flare.

2 The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing,

but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness.

3 TheLordis watching everywhere,

keeping his eye on both the evil and the good.

4 Gentle words are a tree of life;

a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.

5 Only a fool despises a parent’sdiscipline;

whoever learns from correction is wise.

6 There is treasure in the house of the godly,

but the earnings of the wicked bring trouble.

7 The lips of the wise give good advice;

the heart of a fool has none to give.

8 TheLorddetests the sacrifice of the wicked,

but he delights in the prayers of the upright.

9 TheLorddetests the way of the wicked,

but he loves those who pursue godliness.

10 Whoever abandons the right path will be severely disciplined;

whoever hates correction will die.

11 Even Death and Destructionhold no secrets from theLord.

How much more does he know the human heart!

12 Mockers hate to be corrected,

so they stay away from the wise.

13 A glad heart makes a happy face;

a broken heart crushes the spirit.

14 A wise person is hungry for knowledge,

while the fool feeds on trash.

15 For the despondent, every day brings trouble;

for the happy heart, life is a continual feast.

16 Better to have little, with fear for theLord,

than to have great treasure and inner turmoil.

17 A bowl of vegetables with someone you love

is better than steak with someone you hate.

18 A hot-tempered person starts fights;

a cool-tempered person stops them.

19 A lazy person’s way is blocked with briers,

but the path of the upright is an open highway.

20 Sensible children bring joy to their father;

foolish children despise their mother.

21 Foolishness brings joy to those with no sense;

a sensible person stays on the right path.

22 Plans go wrong for lack of advice;

many advisers bring success.

23 Everyone enjoys a fitting reply;

it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!

24 The path of life leads upward for the wise;

they leave the gravebehind.

25 TheLordtears down the house of the proud,

but he protects the property of widows.

26 TheLorddetests evil plans,

but he delights in pure words.

27 Greed brings grief to the whole family,

but those who hate bribes will live.

28 The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking;

the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words.

29 TheLordis far from the wicked,

but he hears the prayers of the righteous.

30 A cheerful look brings joy to the heart;

good news makes for good health.

31 If you listen to constructive criticism,

you will be at home among the wise.

32 If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself;

but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding.

33 Fear of theLordteaches wisdom;

humility precedes honor.

—https://api-cdn.youversionapi.com/audio-bible-youversionapi/6/32k/PRO/15-81411d181dc8843200b8352b2ed8d7bc.mp3?version_id=116—

1 We can make our own plans,

but theLordgives the right answer.

2 People may be pure in their own eyes,

but theLordexamines their motives.

3 Commit your actions to theLord,

and your plans will succeed.

4 TheLordhas made everything for his own purposes,

even the wicked for a day of disaster.

5 TheLorddetests the proud;

they will surely be punished.

6 Unfailing love and faithfulness make atonement for sin.

By fearing theLord, people avoid evil.

7 When people’s lives please theLord,

even their enemies are at peace with them.

8 Better to have little, with godliness,

than to be rich and dishonest.

9 We can make our plans,

but theLorddetermines our steps.

10 The king speaks with divine wisdom;

he must never judge unfairly.

11 TheLorddemands accurate scales and balances;

he sets the standards for fairness.

12 A king detests wrongdoing,

for his rule is built on justice.

13 The king is pleased with words from righteous lips;

he loves those who speak honestly.

14 The anger of the king is a deadly threat;

the wise will try to appease it.

15 When the king smiles, there is life;

his favor refreshes like a spring rain.

16 How much better to get wisdom than gold,

and good judgment than silver!

17 The path of the virtuous leads away from evil;

whoever follows that path is safe.

18 Pride goes before destruction,

and haughtiness before a fall.

19 Better to live humbly with the poor

than to share plunder with the proud.

20 Those who listen to instruction will prosper;

those who trust theLordwill be joyful.

21 The wise are known for their understanding,

and pleasant words are persuasive.

22 Discretion is a life-giving fountain to those who possess it,

but discipline is wasted on fools.

23 From a wise mind comes wise speech;

the words of the wise are persuasive.

24 Kind words are like honey—

sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.

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

but it ends in death.

26 It is good for workers to have an appetite;

an empty stomach drives them on.

27 Scoundrels create trouble;

their words are a destructive blaze.

28 A troublemaker plants seeds of strife;

gossip separates the best of friends.

29 Violent people mislead their companions,

leading them down a harmful path.

30 With narrowed eyes, people plot evil;

with a smirk, they plan their mischief.

31 Gray hair is a crown of glory;

it is gained by living a godly life.

32 Better to be patient than powerful;

better to have self-control than to conquer a city.

33 We may throw the dice,

but theLorddetermines how they fall.

—https://api-cdn.youversionapi.com/audio-bible-youversionapi/6/32k/PRO/16-8ed987c3668f76288de85d848c6c8bc8.mp3?version_id=116—

1 Better a dry crust eaten in peace

than a house filled with feasting—and conflict.

2 A wise servant will rule over the master’s disgraceful son

and will share the inheritance of the master’s children.

3 Fire tests the purity of silver and gold,

but theLordtests the heart.

4 Wrongdoers eagerly listen to gossip;

liars pay close attention to slander.

5 Those who mock the poor insult their Maker;

those who rejoice at the misfortune of others will be punished.

6 Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged;

parentsare the pride of their children.

7 Eloquent words are not fitting for a fool;

even less are lies fitting for a ruler.

8 A bribe is like a lucky charm;

whoever gives one will prosper!

9 Love prospers when a fault is forgiven,

but dwelling on it separates close friends.

10 A single rebuke does more for a person of understanding

than a hundred lashes on the back of a fool.

11 Evil people are eager for rebellion,

but they will be severely punished.

12 It is safer to meet a bear robbed of her cubs

than to confront a fool caught in foolishness.

13 If you repay good with evil,

evil will never leave your house.

14 Starting a quarrel is like opening a floodgate,

so stop before a dispute breaks out.

15 Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent—

both are detestable to theLord.

16 It is senseless to pay to educate a fool,

since he has no heart for learning.

17 A friend is always loyal,

and a brother is born to help in time of need.

18 It’s poor judgment to guarantee another person’s debt

or put up security for a friend.

19 Anyone who loves to quarrel loves sin;

anyone who trusts in high walls invites disaster.

20 The crooked heart will not prosper;

the lying tongue tumbles into trouble.

21 It is painful to be the parent of a fool;

there is no joy for the father of a rebel.

22 A cheerful heart is good medicine,

but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.

23 The wicked take secret bribes

to pervert the course of justice.

24 Sensible people keep their eyes glued on wisdom,

but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth.

25 Foolish childrenbring grief to their father

and bitterness to the one who gave them birth.

26 It is wrong to punish the godly for being good

or to flog leaders for being honest.

27 A truly wise person uses few words;

a person with understanding is even-tempered.

28 Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent;

with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.

—https://api-cdn.youversionapi.com/audio-bible-youversionapi/6/32k/PRO/17-d43d471f89527e5678d8b8a95ed0dfe2.mp3?version_id=116—

1 Unfriendly people care only about themselves;

they lash out at common sense.

2 Fools have no interest in understanding;

they only want to air their own opinions.

3 Doing wrong leads to disgrace,

and scandalous behavior brings contempt.

4 Wise words are like deep waters;

wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook.

5 It is not right to acquit the guilty

or deny justice to the innocent.

6 Fools’ words get them into constant quarrels;

they are asking for a beating.

7 The mouths of fools are their ruin;

they trap themselves with their lips.

8 Rumors are dainty morsels

that sink deep into one’s heart.

9 A lazy person is as bad as

someone who destroys things.

10 The name of theLordis a strong fortress;

the godly run to him and are safe.

11 The rich think of their wealth as a strong defense;

they imagine it to be a high wall of safety.

12 Haughtiness goes before destruction;

humility precedes honor.

13 Spouting off before listening to the facts

is both shameful and foolish.

14 The human spirit can endure a sick body,

but who can bear a crushed spirit?

15 Intelligent people are always ready to learn.

Their ears are open for knowledge.

16 Giving a gift can open doors;

it gives access to important people!

17 The first to speak in court sounds right—

until the cross-examination begins.

18 Flipping a coincan end arguments;

it settles disputes between powerful opponents.

19 An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city.

Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars.

20 Wise words satisfy like a good meal;

the right words bring satisfaction.

21 The tongue can bring death or life;

those who love to talk will reap the consequences.

22 The man who finds a wife finds a treasure,

and he receives favor from theLord.

23 The poor plead for mercy;

the rich answer with insults.

24 There are “friends” who destroy each other,

but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.

—https://api-cdn.youversionapi.com/audio-bible-youversionapi/6/32k/PRO/18-352e41eabdb2f03a6f9e1d3f7092a4bd.mp3?version_id=116—

1 Better to be poor and honest

than to be dishonest and a fool.

2 Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good;

haste makes mistakes.

3 People ruin their lives by their own foolishness

and then are angry at theLord.

4 Wealth makes many “friends”;

poverty drives them all away.

5 A false witness will not go unpunished,

nor will a liar escape.

6 Many seek favors from a ruler;

everyone is the friend of a person who gives gifts!

7 The relatives of the poor despise them;

how much more will their friends avoid them!

Though the poor plead with them,

their friends are gone.

8 To acquire wisdom is to love yourself;

people who cherish understanding will prosper.

9 A false witness will not go unpunished,

and a liar will be destroyed.

10 It isn’t right for a fool to live in luxury

or for a slave to rule over princes!

11 Sensible people control their temper;

they earn respect by overlooking wrongs.

12 The king’s anger is like a lion’s roar,

but his favor is like dew on the grass.

13 A foolish childis a calamity to a father;

a quarrelsome wife is as annoying as constant dripping.

14 Fathers can give their sons an inheritance of houses and wealth,

but only theLordcan give an understanding wife.

15 Lazy people sleep soundly,

but idleness leaves them hungry.

16 Keep the commandments and keep your life;

despising them leads to death.

17 If you help the poor, you are lending to theLord—

and he will repay you!

18 Discipline your children while there is hope.

Otherwise you will ruin their lives.

19 Hot-tempered people must pay the penalty.

If you rescue them once, you will have to do it again.

20 Get all the advice and instruction you can,

so you will be wise the rest of your life.

21 You can make many plans,

but theLord’s purpose will prevail.

22 Loyalty makes a person attractive.

It is better to be poor than dishonest.

23 Fear of theLordleads to life,

bringing security and protection from harm.

24 Lazy people take food in their hand

but don’t even lift it to their mouth.

25 If you punish a mocker, the simpleminded will learn a lesson;

if you correct the wise, they will be all the wiser.

26 Children who mistreat their father or chase away their mother

are an embarrassment and a public disgrace.

27 If you stop listening to instruction, my child,

you will turn your back on knowledge.

28 A corrupt witness makes a mockery of justice;

the mouth of the wicked gulps down evil.

29 Punishment is made for mockers,

and the backs of fools are made to be beaten.

—https://api-cdn.youversionapi.com/audio-bible-youversionapi/6/32k/PRO/19-32a250adc5501494c7c85d2660a31bfe.mp3?version_id=116—

1 Wine produces mockers; alcohol leads to brawls.

Those led astray by drink cannot be wise.

2 The king’s fury is like a lion’s roar;

to rouse his anger is to risk your life.

3 Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor;

only fools insist on quarreling.

4 Those too lazy to plow in the right season

will have no food at the harvest.

5 Though good advice lies deep within the heart,

a person with understanding will draw it out.

6 Many will say they are loyal friends,

but who can find one who is truly reliable?

7 The godly walk with integrity;

blessed are their children who follow them.

8 When a king sits in judgment, he weighs all the evidence,

distinguishing the bad from the good.

9 Who can say, “I have cleansed my heart;

I am pure and free from sin”?

10 False weights and unequal measures—

theLorddetests double standards of every kind.

11 Even children are known by the way they act,

whether their conduct is pure, and whether it is right.

12 Ears to hear and eyes to see—

both are gifts from theLord.

13 If you love sleep, you will end in poverty.

Keep your eyes open, and there will be plenty to eat!

14 The buyer haggles over the price, saying, “It’s worthless,”

then brags about getting a bargain!

15 Wise words are more valuable

than much gold and many rubies.

16 Get security from someone who guarantees a stranger’s debt.

Get a deposit if he does it for foreigners.

17 Stolen bread tastes sweet,

but it turns to gravel in the mouth.

18 Plans succeed through good counsel;

don’t go to war without wise advice.

19 A gossip goes around telling secrets,

so don’t hang around with chatterers.

20 If you insult your father or mother,

your light will be snuffed out in total darkness.

21 An inheritance obtained too early in life

is not a blessing in the end.

22 Don’t say, “I will get even for this wrong.”

Wait for theLordto handle the matter.

23 TheLorddetests double standards;

he is not pleased by dishonest scales.

24 TheLorddirects our steps,

so why try to understand everything along the way?

25 Don’t trap yourself by making a rash promise to God

and only later counting the cost.

26 A wise king scatters the wicked like wheat,

then runs his threshing wheel over them.

27 TheLord’s light penetrates the human spirit,

exposing every hidden motive.

28 Unfailing love and faithfulness protect the king;

his throne is made secure through love.

29 The glory of the young is their strength;

the gray hair of experience is the splendor of the old.

30 Physical punishment cleanses away evil;

such discipline purifies the heart.

—https://api-cdn.youversionapi.com/audio-bible-youversionapi/6/32k/PRO/20-f9be5603993b84fbba9eee7e9f3d16d8.mp3?version_id=116—