The Proverbs of Solomon
1These are the proverbs of Solomon.
A wise son makes his father glad.
But a foolish son brings sorrow to his mother.
2 Riches that are gained by sinning aren’t worth anything.
But doing what is right saves you from death.
3 The Lord gives those who do right the food they need.
But he lets those who do wrong go hungry.
4 Hands that don’t want to work make you poor.
But hands that work hard bring wealth to you.
5 A child who gathers crops in summer is wise.
But a child who sleeps at harvest time brings shame.
6 Blessings are like crowns on the heads of those who do right.
But the trouble caused by what sinners say destroys them.
7 The names of those who do right are used in blessings.
But the names of those who do wrong will rot.
8 A wise heart accepts commands.
But foolish chattering destroys you.
9 Anyone who lives without blame walks safely.
But anyone who takes a crooked path will get caught.
10 An evil wink gets you into trouble.
And foolish chattering destroys you.
11 The mouths of those who do right pour out life like a fountain.
But the mouths of sinners hide their evil plans.
12 Hate stirs up fights.
But love erases all sins by forgiving them.
13 Wisdom is found on the lips of those who understand what is right.
But those who have no sense are punished.
14 Wise people store up knowledge.
But the mouths of foolish people destroy them.
15 The wealth of rich people is like a city that makes them feel safe.
But having nothing destroys those who are poor.
16 People who do what is right earn life.
But sinners earn sin and death.
17 Anyone who pays attention to correction
shows the path to life.
But anyone who refuses to be corrected
leads others down the wrong path.
18 Anyone who hides hatred with lying lips
and spreads lies is foolish.
19 Sin is not ended by using many words.
But those who are wise control their tongues.
20 The tongues of those who do right are like fine silver.
But the hearts of those who do wrong aren’t worth very much.
21 The words of those who do right benefit many people.
But those who are foolish die because they have no sense.
22 The blessing of the Lord brings wealth.
And it comes without painful work.
23 A foolish person finds pleasure in evil plans.
But a person who has understanding takes delight in wisdom.
24 What sinners are afraid of will catch up with them.
But those who do right will get what they want.
25 When the storm is over, sinners are gone.
But those who do right stand firm forever.
26 Those who don’t want to work hurt those who send them.
They are like vinegar on the teeth or smoke in the eyes.
27 Having respect for the Lord leads to a longer life.
But the years of evil people are cut short.
28 Those who do right can expect joy.
But the hopes of sinners are bound to fail.
29 The way of the Lord is a safe place for those without blame.
But that way destroys those who do evil.
30 Those who do right will never be removed from the land.
But those who do wrong will not remain in it.
31 The mouths of those who do right produce wisdom.
But tongues that speak twisted words will be made silent.
32 Those who do right know the proper thing to say.
But those who do wrong speak only twisted words.