Proverbs

1 A man who does not listen after many strong words are spoken to him will be destroyed all at once and without help.

2 When those who are right with God rule, the people are glad, but when a sinful man rules, the people have sorrow.

3 A man who loves wisdom makes his father glad, but he who goes with women who sell the use of their bodies wastes his money.

4 The king makes the land strong by doing what is right and fair, but the one who takes pay for doing wrong, destroys it.

5 A man who gives his neighbor sweet-sounding words that are not true spreads a net for his own feet.

6 A sinful man is trapped by his sins, but a man who is right with God sings for joy.

7 The man who is right with God cares about the rights of poor people, but the sinful man does not understand such things.

8 Men who speak against others set a city on fire, but wise men turn away anger.

9 When a wise man argues with a foolish man, the fool only gets angry or laughs, and there is no peace and quiet.

10 Men who kill hate him without blame, but a good man cares for his life.

11 A fool always loses his temper, but a wise man keeps quiet.

12 If a ruler listens to lies, all who work for him will become sinful.

13 The Lord gives light to the eyes of both the poor man and the man who makes it hard for others.

14 If the king is fair as he judges the poor, his throne will stand forever.

15 The stick and strong words give wisdom, but a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother.

16 When the sinful are many, sins become many, but those who are right with God will see their fall.

17 Punish your son when he does wrong and he will give you comfort. Yes, he will give joy to your soul.

18 Where there is no understanding of the Word of the Lord, the people do whatever they want to, but happy is he who keeps the law.

19 A servant will not be taught by words alone. For even if he understands, he will not answer.

20 Do you see a man who is quick with his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

21 He who gives good care to his servant from the time he is young, will in the end find him to be a son.

22 A man of anger starts fights, and a man with a bad temper is full of wrong-doing.

23 A man's pride will bring him down, but he whose spirit is without pride will receive honor.

24 He who works with a robber hates his own life. He knows about the bad that will come, but can tell nothing.

25 The fear of man brings a trap, but he who trusts in the Lord will be honored.

26 Many look for the ruler's favor, but what is right and fair comes from the Lord.

27 A sinful man is a shame to those who are right with God, and he who is right with God is a shame to the sinful.

English Bible