Archive for the ‘Winter Wisdom’ Category

  • Winter Wisdom – Proverbs 21

    Date: 2011.07.21 | Category: Winter Wisdom | Response: 0

    Proverbs 21

    1 The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD;
    he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.

    2 All a man’s ways seem right to him,
    but the LORD weighs the heart.

    3 To do what is right and just
    is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

    4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart,
    the lamp of the wicked, are sin!

    5 The plans of the diligent lead to profit
    as surely as haste leads to poverty.

    6 A fortune made by a lying tongue
    is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare.[a]

    7 The violence of the wicked will drag them away,
    for they refuse to do what is right.

    8 The way of the guilty is devious,
    but the conduct of the innocent is upright.

    9 Better to live on a corner of the roof
    than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.

    10 The wicked man craves evil;
    his neighbor gets no mercy from him.

    11 When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom;
    when a wise man is instructed, he gets knowledge.

    12 The Righteous One[b] takes note of the house of the wicked
    and brings the wicked to ruin.

    13 If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor,
    he too will cry out and not be answered.

    14 A gift given in secret soothes anger,
    and a bribe concealed in the cloak pacifies great wrath.

    15 When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous
    but terror to evildoers.

    16 A man who strays from the path of understanding
    comes to rest in the company of the dead.

    17 He who loves pleasure will become poor;
    whoever loves wine and oil will never be rich.

    18 The wicked become a ransom for the righteous,
    and the unfaithful for the upright.

    19 Better to live in a desert
    than with a quarrelsome and ill-tempered wife.

    20 In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil,
    but a foolish man devours all he has.

    21 He who pursues righteousness and love
    finds life, prosperity[c] and honor.

    22 A wise man attacks the city of the mighty
    and pulls down the stronghold in which they trust.

    23 He who guards his mouth and his tongue
    keeps himself from calamity.

    24 The proud and arrogant man—“Mocker” is his name;
    he behaves with overweening pride.

    25 The sluggard’s craving will be the death of him,
    because his hands refuse to work.
    26 All day long he craves for more,
    but the righteous give without sparing.

    27 The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable—
    how much more so when brought with evil intent!

    28 A false witness will perish,
    and whoever listens to him will be destroyed forever.[d]

    29 A wicked man puts up a bold front,
    but an upright man gives thought to his ways.

    30 There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan
    that can succeed against the LORD.

    31 The horse is made ready for the day of battle,
    but victory rests with the LORD.

    Footnotes:

    1. Proverbs 21:6 Some Hebrew manuscripts, Septuagint and Vulgate; most Hebrew manuscripts vapor for those who seek death
    2. Proverbs 21:12 Or The righteous man
    3. Proverbs 21:21 Or righteousness
    4. Proverbs 21:28 Or / but the words of an obedient man will live on
  • Winter Wisdom – Proverbs 20

    Date: 2011.07.20 | Category: Winter Wisdom | Response: 0

    Proverbs 20

    1 Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler;
    whoever is led astray by them is not wise.

    2 A king’s wrath is like the roar of a lion;
    he who angers him forfeits his life.

    3 It is to a man’s honor to avoid strife,
    but every fool is quick to quarrel.

    4 A sluggard does not plow in season;
    so at harvest time he looks but finds nothing.

    5 The purposes of a man’s heart are deep waters,
    but a man of understanding draws them out.

    6 Many a man claims to have unfailing love,
    but a faithful man who can find?

    7 The righteous man leads a blameless life;
    blessed are his children after him.

    8 When a king sits on his throne to judge,
    he winnows out all evil with his eyes.

    9 Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure;
    I am clean and without sin”?

    10 Differing weights and differing measures—
    the LORD detests them both.

    11 Even a child is known by his actions,
    by whether his conduct is pure and right.

    12 Ears that hear and eyes that see—
    the LORD has made them both.

    13 Do not love sleep or you will grow poor;
    stay awake and you will have food to spare.

    14 “It’s no good, it’s no good!” says the buyer;
    then off he goes and boasts about his purchase.

    15 Gold there is, and rubies in abundance,
    but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.

    16 Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger;
    hold it in pledge if he does it for a wayward woman.

    17 Food gained by fraud tastes sweet to a man,
    but he ends up with a mouth full of gravel.

    18 Make plans by seeking advice;
    if you wage war, obtain guidance.

    19 A gossip betrays a confidence;
    so avoid a man who talks too much.

    20 If a man curses his father or mother,
    his lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.

    21 An inheritance quickly gained at the beginning
    will not be blessed at the end.

    22 Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!”
    Wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you.

    23 The LORD detests differing weights,
    and dishonest scales do not please him.

    24 A man’s steps are directed by the LORD.
    How then can anyone understand his own way?

    25 It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly
    and only later to consider his vows.

    26 A wise king winnows out the wicked;
    he drives the threshing wheel over them.

    27 The lamp of the LORD searches the spirit of a man[a];
    it searches out his inmost being.

    28 Love and faithfulness keep a king safe;
    through love his throne is made secure.

    29 The glory of young men is their strength,
    gray hair the splendor of the old.

    30 Blows and wounds cleanse away evil,
    and beatings purge the inmost being.

    Footnotes:

    1. Proverbs 20:27 Or The spirit of man is the LORD’s lamp
  • Winter Wisdom – Proverbs 19

    Date: 2011.07.19 | Category: Winter Wisdom | Response: 0

    Proverbs 19

    1 Better a poor man whose walk is blameless
    than a fool whose lips are perverse.

    2 It is not good to have zeal without knowledge,
    nor to be hasty and miss the way.

    3 A man’s own folly ruins his life,
    yet his heart rages against the LORD.

    4 Wealth brings many friends,
    but a poor man’s friend deserts him.

    5 A false witness will not go unpunished,
    and he who pours out lies will not go free.

    6 Many curry favor with a ruler,
    and everyone is the friend of a man who gives gifts.

    7 A poor man is shunned by all his relatives—
    how much more do his friends avoid him!
    Though he pursues them with pleading,
    they are nowhere to be found.[a]

    8 He who gets wisdom loves his own soul;
    he who cherishes understanding prospers.

    9 A false witness will not go unpunished,
    and he who pours out lies will perish.

    10 It is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury—
    how much worse for a slave to rule over princes!

    11 A man’s wisdom gives him patience;
    it is to his glory to overlook an offense.

    12 A king’s rage is like the roar of a lion,
    but his favor is like dew on the grass.

    13 A foolish son is his father’s ruin,
    and a quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping.

    14 Houses and wealth are inherited from parents,
    but a prudent wife is from the LORD.

    15 Laziness brings on deep sleep,
    and the shiftless man goes hungry.

    16 He who obeys instructions guards his life,
    but he who is contemptuous of his ways will die.

    17 He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD,
    and he will reward him for what he has done.

    18 Discipline your son, for in that there is hope;
    do not be a willing party to his death.

    19 A hot-tempered man must pay the penalty;
    if you rescue him, you will have to do it again.

    20 Listen to advice and accept instruction,
    and in the end you will be wise.

    21 Many are the plans in a man’s heart,
    but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.

    22 What a man desires is unfailing love[b];
    better to be poor than a liar.

    23 The fear of the LORD leads to life:
    Then one rests content, untouched by trouble.

    24 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish;
    he will not even bring it back to his mouth!

    25 Flog a mocker, and the simple will learn prudence;
    rebuke a discerning man, and he will gain knowledge.

    26 He who robs his father and drives out his mother
    is a son who brings shame and disgrace.

    27 Stop listening to instruction, my son,
    and you will stray from the words of knowledge.

    28 A corrupt witness mocks at justice,
    and the mouth of the wicked gulps down evil.

    29 Penalties are prepared for mockers,
    and beatings for the backs of fools.

    Footnotes:

    1. Proverbs 19:7 The meaning of the Hebrew for this sentence is uncertain.
    2. Proverbs 19:22 Or A man’s greed is his shame
  • Winter Wisdom – Proverbs 18

    Date: 2011.07.18 | Category: Winter Wisdom | Response: 0

    Proverbs 18

    1 An unfriendly man pursues selfish ends;
    he defies all sound judgment.

    2 A fool finds no pleasure in understanding
    but delights in airing his own opinions.

    3 When wickedness comes, so does contempt,
    and with shame comes disgrace.

    4 The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters,
    but the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.

    5 It is not good to be partial to the wicked
    or to deprive the innocent of justice.

    6 A fool’s lips bring him strife,
    and his mouth invites a beating.

    7 A fool’s mouth is his undoing,
    and his lips are a snare to his soul.

    8 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;
    they go down to a man’s inmost parts.

    9 One who is slack in his work
    is brother to one who destroys.

    10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower;
    the righteous run to it and are safe.

    11 The wealth of the rich is their fortified city;
    they imagine it an unscalable wall.

    12 Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud,
    but humility comes before honor.

    13 He who answers before listening—
    that is his folly and his shame.

    14 A man’s spirit sustains him in sickness,
    but a crushed spirit who can bear?

    15 The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge;
    the ears of the wise seek it out.

    16 A gift opens the way for the giver
    and ushers him into the presence of the great.

    17 The first to present his case seems right,
    till another comes forward and questions him.

    18 Casting the lot settles disputes
    and keeps strong opponents apart.

    19 An offended brother is more unyielding than a fortified city,
    and disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.

    20 From the fruit of his mouth a man’s stomach is filled;
    with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied.

    21 The tongue has the power of life and death,
    and those who love it will eat its fruit.

    22 He who finds a wife finds what is good
    and receives favor from the LORD.

    23 A poor man pleads for mercy,
    but a rich man answers harshly.

    24 A man of many companions may come to ruin,
    but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

  • Winter Wisdom – Proverbs 17

    Date: 2011.07.17 | Category: Winter Wisdom | Response: 0

    Proverbs 17

    1 Better a dry crust with peace and quiet
    than a house full of feasting,[a] with strife.

    2 A wise servant will rule over a disgraceful son,
    and will share the inheritance as one of the brothers.

    3 The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold,
    but the LORD tests the heart.

    4 A wicked man listens to evil lips;
    a liar pays attention to a malicious tongue.

    5 He who mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker;
    whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished.

    6 Children’s children are a crown to the aged,
    and parents are the pride of their children.

    7 Arrogant[b] lips are unsuited to a fool—
    how much worse lying lips to a ruler!

    8 A bribe is a charm to the one who gives it;
    wherever he turns, he succeeds.

    9 He who covers over an offense promotes love,
    but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.

    10 A rebuke impresses a man of discernment
    more than a hundred lashes a fool.

    11 An evil man is bent only on rebellion;
    a merciless official will be sent against him.

    12 Better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs
    than a fool in his folly.

    13 If a man pays back evil for good,
    evil will never leave his house.

    14 Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam;
    so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.

    15 Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent—
    the LORD detests them both.

    16 Of what use is money in the hand of a fool,
    since he has no desire to get wisdom?

    17 A friend loves at all times,
    and a brother is born for adversity.

    18 A man lacking in judgment strikes hands in pledge
    and puts up security for his neighbor.

    19 He who loves a quarrel loves sin;
    he who builds a high gate invites destruction.

    20 A man of perverse heart does not prosper;
    he whose tongue is deceitful falls into trouble.

    21 To have a fool for a son brings grief;
    there is no joy for the father of a fool.

    22 A cheerful heart is good medicine,
    but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

    23 A wicked man accepts a bribe in secret
    to pervert the course of justice.

    24 A discerning man keeps wisdom in view,
    but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth.

    25 A foolish son brings grief to his father
    and bitterness to the one who bore him.

    26 It is not good to punish an innocent man,
    or to flog officials for their integrity.

    27 A man of knowledge uses words with restraint,
    and a man of understanding is even-tempered.

    28 Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent,
    and discerning if he holds his tongue.

    Footnotes:

    1. Proverbs 17:1 Hebrew sacrifices
    2. Proverbs 17:7 Or Eloquent
  • Winter Wisdom – Proverbs 16

    Date: 2011.07.16 | Category: Winter Wisdom | Response: 0

    1 To man belong the plans of the heart,
    but from the LORD comes the reply of the tongue.

    2 All a man’s ways seem innocent to him,
    but motives are weighed by the LORD.

    3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do,
    and your plans will succeed.

    4 The LORD works out everything for his own ends—
    even the wicked for a day of disaster.

    5 The LORD detests all the proud of heart.
    Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.

    6 Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for;
    through the fear of the LORD a man avoids evil.

    7 When a man’s ways are pleasing to the LORD,
    he makes even his enemies live at peace with him.

    8 Better a little with righteousness
    than much gain with injustice.

    9 In his heart a man plans his course,
    but the LORD determines his steps.

    10 The lips of a king speak as an oracle,
    and his mouth should not betray justice.

    11 Honest scales and balances are from the LORD;
    all the weights in the bag are of his making.

    12 Kings detest wrongdoing,
    for a throne is established through righteousness.

    13 Kings take pleasure in honest lips;
    they value a man who speaks the truth.

    14 A king’s wrath is a messenger of death,
    but a wise man will appease it.

    15 When a king’s face brightens, it means life;
    his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.

    16 How much better to get wisdom than gold,
    to choose understanding rather than silver!

    17 The highway of the upright avoids evil;
    he who guards his way guards his life.

    18 Pride goes before destruction,
    a haughty spirit before a fall.

    19 Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed
    than to share plunder with the proud.

    20 Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers,
    and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.

    21 The wise in heart are called discerning,
    and pleasant words promote instruction.[a]

    22 Understanding is a fountain of life to those who have it,
    but folly brings punishment to fools.

    23 A wise man’s heart guides his mouth,
    and his lips promote instruction.[b]

    24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb,
    sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

    25 There is a way that seems right to a man,
    but in the end it leads to death.

    26 The laborer’s appetite works for him;
    his hunger drives him on.

    27 A scoundrel plots evil,
    and his speech is like a scorching fire.

    28 A perverse man stirs up dissension,
    and a gossip separates close friends.

    29 A violent man entices his neighbor
    and leads him down a path that is not good.

    30 He who winks with his eye is plotting perversity;
    he who purses his lips is bent on evil.

    31 Gray hair is a crown of splendor;
    it is attained by a righteous life.

    32 Better a patient man than a warrior,
    a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.

    33 The lot is cast into the lap,
    but its every decision is from the LORD.

    Footnotes:

    1. Proverbs 16:21 Or words make a man persuasive
    2. Proverbs 16:23 Or mouth / and makes his lips persuasive
  • Winter Wisdom – Proverbs 15

    Date: 2011.07.15 | Category: Winter Wisdom | Response: 0

    1 A gentle answer turns away wrath,
    but a harsh word stirs up anger.

    2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge,
    but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.

    3 The eyes of the LORD are everywhere,
    keeping watch on the wicked and the good.

    4 The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life,
    but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.

    5 A fool spurns his father’s discipline,
    but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.

    6 The house of the righteous contains great treasure,
    but the income of the wicked brings them trouble.

    7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge;
    not so the hearts of fools.

    8 The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked,
    but the prayer of the upright pleases him.

    9 The LORD detests the way of the wicked
    but he loves those who pursue righteousness.

    10 Stern discipline awaits him who leaves the path;
    he who hates correction will die.

    11 Death and Destruction[a] lie open before the LORD—
    how much more the hearts of men!

    12 A mocker resents correction;
    he will not consult the wise.

    13 A happy heart makes the face cheerful,
    but heartache crushes the spirit.

    14 The discerning heart seeks knowledge,
    but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.

    15 All the days of the oppressed are wretched,
    but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.

    16 Better a little with the fear of the LORD
    than great wealth with turmoil.

    17 Better a meal of vegetables where there is love
    than a fattened calf with hatred.

    18 A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension,
    but a patient man calms a quarrel.

    19 The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns,
    but the path of the upright is a highway.

    20 A wise son brings joy to his father,
    but a foolish man despises his mother.

    21 Folly delights a man who lacks judgment,
    but a man of understanding keeps a straight course.

    22 Plans fail for lack of counsel,
    but with many advisers they succeed.

    23 A man finds joy in giving an apt reply—
    and how good is a timely word!

    24 The path of life leads upward for the wise
    to keep him from going down to the grave.[b]

    25 The LORD tears down the proud man’s house
    but he keeps the widow’s boundaries intact.

    26 The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked,
    but those of the pure are pleasing to him.

    27 A greedy man brings trouble to his family,
    but he who hates bribes will live.

    28 The heart of the righteous weighs its answers,
    but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.

    29 The LORD is far from the wicked
    but he hears the prayer of the righteous.

    30 A cheerful look brings joy to the heart,
    and good news gives health to the bones.

    31 He who listens to a life-giving rebuke
    will be at home among the wise.

    32 He who ignores discipline despises himself,
    but whoever heeds correction gains understanding.

    33 The fear of the LORD teaches a man wisdom,[c]
    and humility comes before honor.

    Footnotes:

    1. Proverbs 15:11 Hebrew Sheol and Abaddon
    2. Proverbs 15:24 Hebrew Sheol
    3. Proverbs 15:33 Or Wisdom teaches the fear of the LORD
  • Winter Wisdom – Proverbs 14

    Date: 2011.07.14 | Category: Winter Wisdom | Response: 0

    1 The wise woman builds her house,
    but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.

    2 He whose walk is upright fears the LORD,
    but he whose ways are devious despises him.

    3 A fool’s talk brings a rod to his back,
    but the lips of the wise protect them.

    4 Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty,
    but from the strength of an ox comes an abundant harvest.

    5 A truthful witness does not deceive,
    but a false witness pours out lies.

    6 The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none,
    but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.

    7 Stay away from a foolish man,
    for you will not find knowledge on his lips.

    8 The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways,
    but the folly of fools is deception.

    9 Fools mock at making amends for sin,
    but goodwill is found among the upright.

    10 Each heart knows its own bitterness,
    and no one else can share its joy.

    11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed,
    but the tent of the upright will flourish.

    12 There is a way that seems right to a man,
    but in the end it leads to death.

    13 Even in laughter the heart may ache,
    and joy may end in grief.

    14 The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways,
    and the good man rewarded for his.

    15 A simple man believes anything,
    but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.

    16 A wise man fears the LORD and shuns evil,
    but a fool is hotheaded and reckless.

    17 A quick-tempered man does foolish things,
    and a crafty man is hated.

    18 The simple inherit folly,
    but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

    19 Evil men will bow down in the presence of the good,
    and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

    20 The poor are shunned even by their neighbors,
    but the rich have many friends.

    21 He who despises his neighbor sins,
    but blessed is he who is kind to the needy.

    22 Do not those who plot evil go astray?
    But those who plan what is good find[a] love and faithfulness.

    23 All hard work brings a profit,
    but mere talk leads only to poverty.

    24 The wealth of the wise is their crown,
    but the folly of fools yields folly.

    25 A truthful witness saves lives,
    but a false witness is deceitful.

    26 He who fears the LORD has a secure fortress,
    and for his children it will be a refuge.

    27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life,
    turning a man from the snares of death.

    28 A large population is a king’s glory,
    but without subjects a prince is ruined.

    29 A patient man has great understanding,
    but a quick-tempered man displays folly.

    30 A heart at peace gives life to the body,
    but envy rots the bones.

    31 He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker,
    but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.

    32 When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down,
    but even in death the righteous have a refuge.

    33 Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning
    and even among fools she lets herself be known.[b]

    34 Righteousness exalts a nation,
    but sin is a disgrace to any people.

    35 A king delights in a wise servant,
    but a shameful servant incurs his wrath.

    Footnotes:

    1. Proverbs 14:22 Or show
    2. Proverbs 14:33 Hebrew; Septuagint and Syriac / but in the heart of fools she is not known
  • Winter Wisdom – Proverbs 13

    Date: 2011.07.13 | Category: Winter Wisdom | Response: 0

    1 A wise son heeds his father’s instruction,
    but a mocker does not listen to rebuke.

    2 From the fruit of his lips a man enjoys good things,
    but the unfaithful have a craving for violence.

    3 He who guards his lips guards his life,
    but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.

    4 The sluggard craves and gets nothing,
    but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.

    5 The righteous hate what is false,
    but the wicked bring shame and disgrace.

    6 Righteousness guards the man of integrity,
    but wickedness overthrows the sinner.

    7 One man pretends to be rich, yet has nothing;
    another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.

    8 A man’s riches may ransom his life,
    but a poor man hears no threat.

    9 The light of the righteous shines brightly,
    but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.

    10 Pride only breeds quarrels,
    but wisdom is found in those who take advice.

    11 Dishonest money dwindles away,
    but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow.

    12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
    but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.

    13 He who scorns instruction will pay for it,
    but he who respects a command is rewarded.

    14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,
    turning a man from the snares of death.

    15 Good understanding wins favor,
    but the way of the unfaithful is hard.[a]

    16 Every prudent man acts out of knowledge,
    but a fool exposes his folly.

    17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble,
    but a trustworthy envoy brings healing.

    18 He who ignores discipline comes to poverty and shame,
    but whoever heeds correction is honored.

    19 A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul,
    but fools detest turning from evil.

    20 He who walks with the wise grows wise,
    but a companion of fools suffers harm.

    21 Misfortune pursues the sinner,
    but prosperity is the reward of the righteous.

    22 A good man leaves an inheritance for his children’s children,
    but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.

    23 A poor man’s field may produce abundant food,
    but injustice sweeps it away.

    24 He who spares the rod hates his son,
    but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.

    25 The righteous eat to their hearts’ content,
    but the stomach of the wicked goes hungry.

    Footnotes:

    1. Proverbs 13:15 Or unfaithful does not endure
  • Winter Wisdom – Proverbs 12

    Date: 2011.07.12 | Category: Winter Wisdom | Response: 0

    1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,
    but he who hates correction is stupid.

    2 A good man obtains favor from the LORD,
    but the LORD condemns a crafty man.

    3 A man cannot be established through wickedness,
    but the righteous cannot be uprooted.

    4 A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown,
    but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.

    5 The plans of the righteous are just,
    but the advice of the wicked is deceitful.

    6 The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood,
    but the speech of the upright rescues them.

    7 Wicked men are overthrown and are no more,
    but the house of the righteous stands firm.

    8 A man is praised according to his wisdom,
    but men with warped minds are despised.

    9 Better to be a nobody and yet have a servant
    than pretend to be somebody and have no food.

    10 A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal,
    but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.

    11 He who works his land will have abundant food,
    but he who chases fantasies lacks judgment.

    12 The wicked desire the plunder of evil men,
    but the root of the righteous flourishes.

    13 An evil man is trapped by his sinful talk,
    but a righteous man escapes trouble.

    14 From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things
    as surely as the work of his hands rewards him.

    15 The way of a fool seems right to him,
    but a wise man listens to advice.

    16 A fool shows his annoyance at once,
    but a prudent man overlooks an insult.

    17 A truthful witness gives honest testimony,
    but a false witness tells lies.

    18 Reckless words pierce like a sword,
    but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

    19 Truthful lips endure forever,
    but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.

    20 There is deceit in the hearts of those who plot evil,
    but joy for those who promote peace.

    21 No harm befalls the righteous,
    but the wicked have their fill of trouble.

    22 The LORD detests lying lips,
    but he delights in men who are truthful.

    23 A prudent man keeps his knowledge to himself,
    but the heart of fools blurts out folly.

    24 Diligent hands will rule,
    but laziness ends in slave labor.

    25 An anxious heart weighs a man down,
    but a kind word cheers him up.

    26 A righteous man is cautious in friendship,[a]
    but the way of the wicked leads them astray.

    27 The lazy man does not roast[b] his game,
    but the diligent man prizes his possessions.

    28 In the way of righteousness there is life;
    along that path is immortality.

    Footnotes:

    1. Proverbs 12:26 Or man is a guide to his neighbor
    2. Proverbs 12:27 The meaning of the Hebrew for this word is uncertain.