[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 the Lord; 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 cautious and 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 the Lord are secure; he will be a 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 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 not found 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.