Proverbs 10

10 <1> These are the proverbs[19] of Solomon:

A wise son makes his father happy; a foolish one makes his mother sad.

<2> Wealth gained by doing wrong will not really help you, but doing right will save you from death.

<3> The Lord takes care of good people and gives them the food they need, but he keeps the wicked from getting what they want.

<4> Lazy hands will make you poor; hard-working hands will make you rich.

<5> A son who works hard while it is harvest time will be successful, but one who sleeps through the harvest is worthless.

<6> People say good things about those who live right, but the words of the wicked only hide their violent plans.

<7> Good people leave memories that bless us, but the wicked are soon forgotten.

<8> The wise accept instruction, but fools argue and bring trouble on themselves.

<9> Honest people can always feel secure, but lying cheaters will be caught.

<10> If you fail to speak the truth, trouble will follow. If you speak openly, peace will come.[20]

<11> The words of good people are like a spring of fresh water,[21] but the words of the wicked only hide their violent plans.

<12> Hatred causes arguments, but love overlooks all wrongs.

<13> Intelligent people speak words of wisdom, but fools must be punished before they learn their lesson.[22]

<14> Wise people are quiet and learn new things, but fools talk and bring trouble on themselves.

<15> Wealth protects the rich, but poverty destroys the poor.

<16> What good people do brings life, but wicked people produce only sin.

<17> Those who accept correction show others how to live. Those who reject correction lead others the wrong way.

<18> You might have to lie to hide your hatred, but saying something hurtful could be even more foolish.[23]

<19> A person who talks too much gets into trouble. A wise person learns to be quiet.

<20> Words from good people are like pure silver, but thoughts from the wicked are worthless.

<21> Good people say things that help others, but the wicked die from a lack of understanding.

<22> It is the Lord's blessing that brings wealth, and no hard work can add to it.[24]

<23> Fools enjoy doing wrong, but the wise enjoy wisdom.

<24> The wicked will be defeated by what they fear, but good people will get what they want.

<25> The wicked are destroyed when trouble comes, but good people stand strong forever.

<26> Sending a lazy to person to do anything is as irritating as vinegar on your teeth or smoke in your eyes.

<27> Respect for the Lord will add years to your life, but the wicked will have their lives cut short.

<28> What good people hope for brings happiness,[25] but what the wicked hope for brings destruction.

<29> The Lord protects those who do right, but he destroys those who do wrong.

<30> Good people will always be safe, but the wicked will be forced out of the land.

<31> Those who live right say wise things, but people stop listening to troublemakers.[26]

<32> Good people know the right things to say, but the wicked say things to make trouble.