Proverbs 14

The wise woman builds her house

A wise woman builds her home, but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands.a ²Those who follow the right path fear the Lord; those who take the wrong path despise him. ³A fool’s proud talk becomes a rod that beats him, but the words of the wise keep them safe.

⁴Without oxen a stable stays clean, but you need a strong ox for a large harvest. ⁵An honest witness does not lie; a false witness breathes lies. ⁶A mocker seeks wisdom and never finds it, but knowledge comes easily to those with understanding.

⁷Stay away from fools, for you won’t find knowledge on their lips.b ⁸The prudent understand where they are going, but fools deceive themselves.c ⁹Fools make fun of guilt, but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation.

¹⁰Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can fully share its joy. ¹¹The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the godly will flourish.d ¹²There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.e

¹³Laughter can conceal a heavy heart, but when the laughter ends, the grief remains. ¹⁴Backsliders get what they deserve; good people receive their reward.f ¹⁵Only simpletons believe everything they’re told! The prudent carefully consider their steps.g

¹⁶The wise are cautious and avoid danger; fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence.h ¹⁷Short-tempered people do foolish things, and schemers are hated.i ¹⁸Simpletons are clothed with foolishness, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

¹⁹Evil people will bow before good people; the wicked will bow at the gates of the godly. ²⁰The poor are despised even by their neighbors, while the rich have many “friends.” ²¹It is a sin to belittle one’s neighbor; blessed are those who help the poor.

²²If you plan to do evil, you will be lost; if you plan to do good, you will receive unfailing love and faithfulness. ²³Work brings profit, but mere talk leads to poverty!j ²⁴Wealth is a crown for the wise; the effort of fools yields only foolishness.

²⁵A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is a traitor. ²⁶Those who fear the Lord are secure; he will be a refuge for their children.k ²⁷Fear of the Lord is a life-giving fountain; it offers escape from the snares of death.

²⁸A growing population is a king’s glory; a prince without subjects has nothing. ²⁹People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness.l ³⁰A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones.m

³¹Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker, but helping the poor honors him.n ³²The wicked are crushed by disaster, but the godly have a refuge when they die. ³³Wisdom is enshrined in an understanding heart; wisdom is not found among fools.

³⁴Godliness makes a nation great, but sin is a disgrace to any people.o ³⁵A king rejoices in wise servants but is angry with those who disgrace him.