A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, And a man of evil devices is hated.
A truthful witness saves lives, But he who utters lies is treacherous.
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.
The wicked is thrust down by his wrongdoing, But the righteous has a refuge when he dies.
Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a disgrace to any people.
The king’s favor is toward a servant who acts wisely, But his anger is toward him who acts shamefully.
A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.
A soothing tongue is a tree of life, But perversion in it crushes the spirit.
A fool rejects his father’s discipline, But he who regards reproof is sensible.
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.
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.
Better is a dish of vegetables where love is Than a fattened ox served with hatred.
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.
A wise son makes a father glad, But a foolish man despises his mother.
Folly is joy to him who lacks sense, But a man of understanding walks straight.
A man has joy in an apt answer, And how delightful is a timely word!
All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight, But the LORD weighs the motives.
When a man’s ways are pleasing to the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
Better is a little with righteousness Than great income with injustice.
A divine decision is in the lips of the king; His mouth should not err in judgment.
A just balance and scales belong to the LORD; All the weights of the bag are His concern.
It is an abomination for kings to commit wicked acts, For a throne is established on righteousness.
The fury of a king is like messengers of death, But a wise man will appease it.
In the light of a king’s face is life, And his favor is like a cloud with the spring rain.
Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before stumbling.
Understanding is a fountain of life to one who has it, But the discipline of fools is folly.
Pleasant words are a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.
A worker’s appetite works for him, For his hunger urges him on.
A worthless man digs up evil, While his words are like scorching fire.
A perverse man spreads strife, And a slanderer separates intimate friends.
A man of violence entices his neighbor And leads him in a way that is not good.
A gray head is a crown of glory; It is found in the way of righteousness.
He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city.
Better is a dry morsel and quietness with it Than a house full of feasting with strife.
A servant who acts wisely will rule over a son who acts shamefully, And will share in the inheritance among brothers.
An evildoer listens to wicked lips; A liar pays attention to a destructive tongue.
Excellent speech is not fitting for a fool, Much less are lying lips to a prince.
A bribe is a charm in the sight of its owner; Wherever he turns, he prospers.
He who conceals a transgression seeks love, But he who repeats a matter separates intimate friends.
A rebuke goes deeper into one who has understanding Than a hundred blows into a fool.
A rebellious man seeks only evil, So a cruel messenger will be sent against him.
Let a man meet a bear robbed of her cubs, Rather than a fool in his folly.
Why is there a price in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, When he has no sense?
A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity.
New American Standard Bible Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995
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