Proverbs 14

1 Wise women build houses: But a foolish one digs hers down with her hands. 2 He that walks uprightly fears the Lord; But he that is perverse in his ways shall be dishonored. 3 Out of the mouth of fools comes a rod of pride; But the lips of the wise preserve them. 4 Where no oxen are, the cribs are clean; But where there is abundant produce, the strength of the ox is apparent. 5 A faithful witness does not lie; But an unjust witness kindles falsehoods. 6 Thou shalt seek wisdom with bad men, and shalt not find it; But discretion is easily available with the prudent. 7 All things are adverse to a foolish man; But wise lips are the weapons of discretion. 8 The wisdom of the prudent will understand their ways; But the folly of fools leads astray. 9 The houses of transgressors will need purification; But the houses of the just are acceptable. 10 If a man’s mind is intelligent, his soul is sorrowful; And when he rejoices, he has no fellowship with pride. 11 The houses of ungodly men shall be utterly destroyed; But the tabernacles of them that walk uprightly shall stand. 12 There is a way which seems to be right with men, But the ends of it reach to the depth of hell. 13 Grief mingles not with mirth; And joy in the end comes to grief. 14 A stouthearted man shall be filled with his own ways; And a good man with his own thoughts. 15 The simple believes every word: But the prudent man betakes himself to afterthought. 16 A wise man fears, and departs from evil; But the fool trusts in himself, and joins himself with the transgressor. 17 A passionate man acts inconsiderately; But a sensible man bears up under many things. 18 Fools shall have mischief for their portion; But the prudent shall take fast hold of understanding. 19 Evil men shall fall before the good; And the ungodly shall attend at the gates of the righteous. 20 Friends will hate poor friends; But the friends of the rich are many. 21 He that dishonors the needy sins: But he that has pity on the poor is most blessed. 22 They that go astray devise evils: But the good devise mercy and truth. The framers of evil do not understand mercy and truth: But compassion and faithfulness are with the framers of good. 23 With everyone who is careful there is abundance: But the pleasure taking and indolent shall be in want. 24 A prudent man is the crown of the wise: But the occupation of fools is evil. 25 A faithful witness shall deliver a soul from evil: But a deceitful man kindles falsehoods. 26 In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence: And he leaves his children a support. 27 The commandment of the Lord is a fountain of life; And it causes men to turn aside from the snare of death. 28 In a populous nation is the glory of a king: But in the failure of people is the ruin of a prince. 29 A man slow to wrath abounds in wisdom: But a man of impatient spirit is very foolish. 30 A meek-spirited man is a healer of the heart: But a sensitive heart is a corruption of the bones. 31 He that oppresses the needy provokes his Maker: But he that honors him has pity upon the poor. 32 The ungodly shall be driven away in his wickedness: But he who is secure in his own holiness is just. 33 There is wisdom in the good heart of a man: But in the heart of fools it is not discerned. 34 Righteousness exalts a nation: But sins diminish tribes. 35 An understanding servant is acceptable to a king; And by his good behavior he removes disgrace.