The Proverbs of Solomon
10 These are the wise words of Solomon:
A wise son makes his father happy.
But a foolish son makes his mother sad.
2 Riches gotten by doing wrong have no value.
But right living will save you from death.
3 The Lord does not let people who live right go hungry.
But he does not let evil people get what they hunger for.
4 A lazy person will end up poor.
But a hard worker will become rich.
5 A son who gathers crops when they are ready is wise.
But the son who sleeps through the harvest is a disgrace.
6 People who do what is right will have rich blessings.
But the wicked will be overwhelmed by violence.
7 Good people will be remembered as a blessing.
But evil people will soon be forgotten.
8 A wise person does what he is told.
But a talkative fool will be ruined.
9 The honest person will live safely.
But the one who is dishonest will be caught.
10 A wink may get you into trouble.
And foolish talk will lead to your ruin.
11 Like a fountain of water, the words of a good person give life.
But the words of the wicked contain nothing but violence.
12 Hatred stirs up trouble.
But love forgives all wrongs.
13 You can expect wise people to speak with understanding.
But people without wisdom can expect to be punished.
14 Wise people don’t tell everything they know.
But a foolish person talks too much and is ruined.
15 Having lots of money protects the rich.
But having no money destroys the poor.
16 Good people are rewarded with life.
But evil people are paid back with punishment.
17 The person who accepts correction is on the way to life.
But the person who ignores correction will be ruined.
18 Whoever hides his hate is a liar.
Whoever tells lies is a fool.
19 If you talk a lot, you are sure to sin.
If you are wise, you will keep quiet.
20 The words of a good person are like pure silver.
But an evil person’s thoughts are worth little.
21 A good person’s words will help many others.
But a foolish person dies because he doesn’t have wisdom.
22 The Lord’s blessing brings wealth.
And with it comes no sorrow.
23 A foolish person enjoys doing wrong.
But a person with understanding enjoys doing what is wise.
24 An evil person will get what he fears most.
But a good person will receive what he wants most.
25 A storm will blow the evil person away.
But a good person will always be safe.
26 A lazy person brings trouble to the one he works for.
He bothers others like vinegar on the teeth or smoke in the eyes.
27 Whoever respects the Lord will have a long life.
But an evil person will have his life cut short.
28 A good person can look forward to happiness.
But an evil person can expect nothing.
29 The Lord will protect good people.
But he will ruin those who do evil.
30 Good people will always be safe.
But evil people will not remain in the land.
31 A good person says wise things.
But a liar’s tongue will be stopped.
32 Good people say the right thing.
But the wicked tell lies.