Proverbs 14

14 <1> A wise woman makes her home what it should be, but the home of a foolish woman is destroyed by her own actions.[36]

<2> Those who live right respect the Lord, but dishonest people hate him.

<3> Foolish words cause you trouble; wise words protect you.

<4> A barn with no cattle might be clean, but strong bulls are needed for a good harvest.

<5> A good witness is one who does not lie. A bad witness is a liar who cannot be trusted.

<6> Anyone who makes fun of wisdom will never find it, but knowledge comes easily to those who understand its value.

<7> Stay away from fools, there is nothing they can teach you.

<8> Wisdom lets smart people know what they are doing, but stupid people only think they know.

<9> Fines are needed to make fools obey the law, but good people are happy to obey it.

<10> When you are sad, no one else feels the pain; and when you are happy, no one else can really feel the joy.

<11> An evil person's house will be destroyed, but a good person's family will do well.

<12> There is a way that people think is right, but it leads only to death.

<13> Laughter might hide your sadness. But when the laughter is gone, the sadness remains.

<14> Evil people will be paid back for the wrong they do, and good people will be rewarded for the good they do.

<15> Fools believe every word they hear, but wise people think carefully about everything.

<16> Wise people are cautious and avoid trouble; fools are too confident and careless.

<17> A quick-tempered person does stupid things, but it is also true that people don't like anyone who quietly plans evil.

<18> Fools are rewarded with more foolishness. Smart people are rewarded with knowledge.

<19> Good people will defeat those who are evil, and the wicked will be forced to show respect to those who live right.

<20> The poor have no friends, not even their neighbors, but the rich have many friends.

<21> It is wrong to say bad things about your neighbors. Be kind to the poor, and you will be blessed.

<22> Whoever works to do good will find love and loyalty. It is a mistake to work at doing evil.

<23> If you work hard, you will have plenty. If you do nothing but talk, you will not have enough.

<24> A wise person's reward is wealth, but a fool's reward is foolishness.

<25> A witness who tells the truth saves lives, but one who tells lies hurts others.

<26> People who respect the Lord will be safe, and they will make their children feel secure.

<27> Respect for the Lord gives true life and will save you from death's trap.

<28> Kings of large nations have great honor. Rulers without a country have nothing.

<29> A patient person is very smart. A quick-tempered person makes stupid mistakes.

<30> Peace of mind makes the body healthy, but jealousy is like a cancer.

<31> Whoever takes advantage of the poor insults their Maker, but whoever is kind to them honors him.

<32> The wicked will be defeated by their evil, but good people are protected by their honesty.[37]

<33> A wise person is always thinking wise thoughts, but a fool knows nothing about wisdom.

<34> Goodness makes a nation great, but sin is a shame to any people.

<35> Kings are pleased with intelligent officials, but they will punish shameful ones.