There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.
Even in laughter the heart may be in pain, And the end of joy may be grief.
The backslider in heart will have his fill of his own ways, But a good man will be satisfied with his.
The naive believes everything, But the sensible man considers his steps.
The naive inherit foolishness, But the sensible are crowned with knowledge.
The evil will bow down before the good, And the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
The poor is hated even by his neighbor, But those who love the rich are many.
He who despises his neighbor sins, But happy is he who is gracious to the poor.
The crown of the wise is their riches, But the folly of fools is foolishness.
In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence, And his children will have refuge.
The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, That one may avoid the snares of death.
In a multitude of people is a king’s glory, But in the dearth of people is a prince’s ruin.
A tranquil heart is life to the body, But passion is rottenness to the bones.
He who oppresses the poor taunts his Maker, But he who is gracious to the needy honors Him.
The wicked is thrust down by his wrongdoing, But the righteous has a refuge when he dies.
Wisdom rests in the heart of one who has understanding, But in the hearts of fools it is made known.
The king’s favor is toward a servant who acts wisely, But his anger is toward him who acts shamefully.
The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable, But the mouth of fools spouts folly.
The eyes of the LORD are in every place, Watching the evil and the good.
A soothing tongue is a tree of life, But perversion in it crushes the spirit.
Great wealth is in the house of the righteous, But trouble is in the income of the wicked.
The lips of the wise spread knowledge, But the hearts of fools are not so.
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, But the prayer of the upright is His delight.
The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, But He loves one who pursues righteousness.
Grievous punishment is for him who forsakes the way; He who hates reproof will die.
Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the LORD, How much more the hearts of men!
A scoffer does not love one who reproves him, He will not go to the wise.
A joyful heart makes a cheerful face, But when the heart is sad, the spirit is broken.
The mind of the intelligent seeks knowledge, But the mouth of fools feeds on folly.
All the days of the afflicted are bad, But a cheerful heart has a continual feast.
Better is a little with the fear of the LORD Than great treasure and turmoil with it.
A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, But the slow to anger calms a dispute.
The way of the lazy is as a hedge of thorns, But the path of the upright is a highway.
The path of life leads upward for the wise That he may keep away from Sheol below.
The LORD will tear down the house of the proud, But He will establish the boundary of the widow.
Evil plans are an abomination to the LORD, But pleasant words are pure.
The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, But the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.
The LORD is far from the wicked, But He hears the prayer of the righteous.
Bright eyes gladden the heart; Good news puts fat on the bones.
He whose ear listens to the life-giving reproof Will dwell among the wise.
The fear of the LORD is the instruction for wisdom, And before honor comes humility.
The plans of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.
All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight, But the LORD weighs the motives.
Commit your works to the LORD And your plans will be established.
The LORD has made everything for its own purpose, Even the wicked for the day of evil.
Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD; Assuredly, he will not be unpunished.
By lovingkindness and truth iniquity is atoned for, And by the fear of the LORD one keeps away from evil.
When a man’s ways are pleasing to the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.
A divine decision is in the lips of the king; His mouth should not err in judgment.
New American Standard Bible Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995
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