1 Better a dry crust eaten in peace than a house filled with feasting-- and conflict. 2 A wise servant will rule over the master's disgraceful son and will share the inheritance of the master's children. 3 Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but the LORD tests the heart. 4 Wrongdoers eagerly listen to gossip; liars pay close attention to slander. 5 Those who mock the poor insult their Maker; those who rejoice at the misfortune of others will be punished. 6 Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged; parents are the pride of their children. 7 Eloquent words are not fitting for a fool; even less are lies fitting for a ruler. 8 A bribe is like a lucky charm; whoever gives one will prosper! 9 Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends. 10 A single rebuke does more for a person of understanding than a hundred lashes on the back of a fool. 11 Evil people are eager for rebellion, but they will be severely punished. 12 It is safer to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than to confront a fool caught in foolishness. 13 If you repay good with evil, evil will never leave your house. 14 Starting a quarrel is like opening a floodgate, so stop before a dispute breaks out. 15 Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent-- both are detestable to the LORD. 16 It is senseless to pay tuition to educate a fool, since he has no heart for learning. 17 A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need. 18 It's poor judgment to guarantee another person's debt or put up security for a friend. 19 Anyone who loves to quarrel loves sin; anyone who trusts in high walls invites disaster. 20 The crooked heart will not prosper; the lying tongue tumbles into trouble. 21 It is painful to be the parent of a fool; there is no joy for the father of a rebel. 22 A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person's strength. 23 The wicked take secret bribes to pervert the course of justice. 24 Sensible people keep their eyes glued on wisdom, but a fool's eyes wander to the ends of the earth. 25 Foolish children bring grief to their father and bitterness to the one who gave them birth. 26 It is wrong to punish the godly for being good or to flog leaders for being honest. 27 A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered. 28 Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.
1 A meal of bread and water in contented peace is better than a banquet spiced with quarrels. 2 A wise servant takes charge of an unruly child and is honored as one of the family. 3 As silver in a crucible and gold in a pan, so our lives are assayed by GOD. 4 Evil people relish malicious conversation; the ears of liars itch for dirty gossip. 5 Whoever mocks poor people, insults their Creator; gloating over misfortune is a punishable crime. 6 Old people are distinguished by grandchildren; children take pride in their parents. 7 We don't expect eloquence from fools, nor do we expect lies from our leaders. 8 Receiving a gift is like getting a rare gemstone; any way you look at it, you see beauty refracted. 9 Overlook an offense and bond a friendship; fasten on to a slight and--good-bye, friend! 10 A quiet rebuke to a person of good sense does more than a whack on the head of a fool. 11 Criminals out looking for nothing but trouble won't have to wait long--they'll meet it coming and going! 12 Better to meet a grizzly robbed of her cubs than a fool hellbent on folly. 13 Those who return evil for good will meet their own evil returning. 14 The start of a quarrel is like a leak in a dam, so stop it before it bursts. 15 Whitewashing bad people and throwing mud on good people are equally abhorrent to GOD. 16 What's this? Fools out shopping for wisdom! They wouldn't recognize it if they saw it! 17 Friends love through all kinds of weather, and families stick together in all kinds of trouble. 18 It's stupid to try to get something for nothing, or run up huge bills you can never pay. 19 The person who courts sin, marries trouble; build a wall, invite a burglar. 20 A bad motive can't achieve a good end; double-talk brings you double trouble. 21 Having a fool for a child is misery; it's no fun being the parent of a dolt. 22 A cheerful disposition is good for your health; gloom and doom leave you bone-tired. 23 The wicked take bribes under the table; they show nothing but contempt for justice. 24 The perceptive find wisdom in their own front yard; fools look for it everywhere but right here. 25 A surly, stupid child is sheer pain to a father, a bitter pill for a mother to swallow. 26 It's wrong to penalize good behavior, or make good citizens pay for the crimes of others. 27 The one who knows much says little; an understanding person remains calm. 28 Even dunces who keep quiet are thought to be wise; as long as they keep their mouths shut, they're smart.
1 Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife. 2 A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren. 3 The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts. 4 A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue. 5 Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished. 6 Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers. 7 Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince. 8 A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth. 9 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends. 10 A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool. 11 An evil man seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him. 12 Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly. 13 Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house. 14 The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with. 15 He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD. 16 Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it? 17 A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. 18 A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend. 19 He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction. 20 He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief. 21 He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy. 22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. 23 A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment. 24 Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth. 25 A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him. 26 Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity. 27 He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. 28 Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.
1 Better is a dry morsel with quietness, Than a house full of feasting with strife. 2 A wise servant will rule over a son who causes shame, And will share an inheritance among the brothers. 3 The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, But the LORD tests the hearts. 4 An evildoer gives heed to false lips; A liar listens eagerly to a spiteful tongue. 5 He who mocks the poor reproaches his Maker; He who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished. 6 Children's children are the crown of old men, And the glory of children is their father. 7 Excellent speech is not becoming to a fool, Much less lying lips to a prince. 8 A present is a precious stone in the eyes of its possessor; Wherever he turns, he prospers. 9 He who covers a transgression seeks love, But he who repeats a matter separates friends. 10 Rebuke is more effective for a wise man Than a hundred blows on a fool. 11 An evil man seeks only rebellion; Therefore a cruel messenger will be sent against him. 12 Let a man meet a bear robbed of her cubs, Rather than a fool in his folly. 13 Whoever rewards evil for good, Evil will not depart from his house. 14 The beginning of strife is like releasing water; Therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts. 15 He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just, Both of them alike are an abomination to the LORD. 16 Why is there in the hand of a fool the purchase price of wisdom, Since he has no heart for it? 17 A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity. 18 A man devoid of understanding shakes hands in a pledge, And becomes surety for his friend. 19 He who loves transgression loves strife, And he who exalts his gate seeks destruction. 20 He who has a deceitful heart finds no good, And he who has a perverse tongue falls into evil. 21 He who begets a scoffer does so to his sorrow, And the father of a fool has no joy. 22 A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones. 23 A wicked man accepts a bribe behind the back To pervert the ways of justice. 24 Wisdom is in the sight of him who has understanding, But the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth. 25 A foolish son is a grief to his father, And bitterness to her who bore him. 26 Also, to punish the righteous is not good, Nor to strike princes for their uprightness. 27 He who has knowledge spares his words, And a man of understanding is of a calm spirit. 28 Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive.
1 Better is a dry morsel and quietness with it Than a house full of feasting with strife. 2 A servant who acts wisely will rule over a son who acts shamefully, And will share in the inheritance among brothers. 3 The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, But the LORD tests hearts. 4 An evildoer listens to wicked lips; A liar pays attention to a destructive tongue. 5 He who mocks the poor taunts his Maker; He who rejoices at calamity will not go unpunished. 6 Grandchildren are the crown of old men, And the glory of sons is their fathers. 7 Excellent speech is not fitting for a fool, Much less are lying lips to a prince. 8 A bribe is a charm in the sight of its owner; Wherever he turns, he prospers. 9 He who conceals a transgression seeks love, But he who repeats a matter separates intimate friends. 10 A rebuke goes deeper into one who has understanding Than a hundred blows into a fool. 11 A rebellious man seeks only evil, So a cruel messenger will be sent against him. 12 Let a man meet a bear robbed of her cubs, Rather than a fool in his folly. 13 He who returns evil for good, Evil will not depart from his house. 14 The beginning of strife is like letting out water, So abandon the quarrel before it breaks out. 15 He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous, Both of them alike are an abomination to the LORD. 16 Why is there a price in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, When he has no sense? 17 A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity. 18 A man lacking in sense pledges And becomes guarantor in the presence of his neighbor. 19 He who loves transgression loves strife; He who raises his door seeks destruction. 20 He who has a crooked mind finds no good, And he who is perverted in his language falls into evil. 21 He who sires a fool does so to his sorrow, And the father of a fool has no joy. 22 A joyful heart is good medicine, But a broken spirit dries up the bones. 23 A wicked man receives a bribe from the bosom To pervert the ways of justice. 24 Wisdom is in the presence of the one who has understanding, But the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth. 25 A foolish son is a grief to his father And bitterness to her who bore him. 26 It is also not good to fine the righteous, Nor to strike the noble for their uprightness. 27 He who restrains his words has knowledge, And he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. 28 Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; When he closes his lips, he is considered prudent.
1 BETTER IS a dry morsel with quietness than a house full of feasting [on offered sacrifices] with strife. 2 A wise servant shall have rule over a son who causes shame, and shall share in the inheritance among the brothers. 3 The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tries the hearts. 4 An evildoer gives heed to wicked lips; and a liar listens to a mischievous tongue. 5 Whoever mocks the poor reproaches his Maker, and he who is glad at calamity shall not be held innocent or go unpunished. 6 Children's children are the crown of old men, and the glory of children is their fathers. 7 Fine or arrogant speech does not befit [an empty-headed] fool--much less do lying lips befit a prince. 8 A bribe is like a bright, precious stone that dazzles the eyes and affects the mind of him who gives it; [as if by magic] he prospers, whichever way he turns. 9 He who covers and forgives an offense seeks love, but he who repeats or harps on a matter separates even close friends. 10 A reproof enters deeper into a man of understanding than a hundred lashes into a [self-confident] fool. 11 An evil man seeks only rebellion; therefore a stern and pitiless messenger shall be sent against him. 12 Let [the brute ferocity of] a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man rather than a [self-confident] fool in his folly [when he is in a rage]. 13 Whoever rewards evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house. 14 The beginning of strife is as when water first trickles [from a crack in a dam]; therefore stop contention before it becomes worse and quarreling breaks out. 15 He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous are both an abomination [exceedingly disgusting and hateful] to the Lord. 16 Of what use is money in the hand of a [self-confident] fool to buy skillful and godly Wisdom--when he has no understanding or heart for it? 17 A friend loves at all times, and is born, as is a brother, for adversity. 18 A man void of good sense gives a pledge and becomes security for another in the presence of his neighbor. 19 He who loves strife and is quarrelsome loves transgression and involves himself in guilt; he who raises high his gateway and is boastful and arrogant invites destruction. 20 He who has a wayward and crooked mind finds no good, and he who has a willful and contrary tongue will fall into calamity. 21 He who becomes the parent of a [self-confident] fool does it to his sorrow, and the father of [an empty-headed] fool has no joy [in him]. 22 A happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing, but a broken spirit dries up the bones. 23 A wicked man receives a bribe out of the bosom (pocket) to pervert the ways of justice. 24 A man of understanding sets skillful and godly Wisdom before his face, but the eyes of a [self-confident] fool are on the ends of the earth. 25 A self-confident and foolish son is a grief to his father and bitterness to her who bore him. 26 Also, to punish or fine the righteous is not good, nor to smite the noble for their uprightness. 27 He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding has a cool spirit. 28 Even a fool when he holds his peace is considered wise; when he closes his lips he is esteemed a man of understanding.
1 Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, 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 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.
1 Better is a dry morsel with quiet than a house full of feasting with strife. 2 A servant who deals wisely will rule over a son who acts shamefully and will share the inheritance as one of the brothers. 3 The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the LORD tests hearts. 4 An evildoer listens to wicked lips, and a liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue. 5 Whoever mocks the poor insults his Maker; he who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished. 6 Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers. 7 Fine speech is not becoming to a fool; still less is false speech to a prince. 8 A bribe is like a magic stone in the eyes of the one who gives it; wherever he turns he prospers. 9 Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends. 10 A rebuke goes deeper into a man of understanding than a hundred blows into a fool. 11 An evil man seeks only rebellion, and a cruel messenger will be sent against him. 12 Let a man meet a she-bear robbed of her cubs rather than a fool in his folly. 13 If anyone returns evil for good, evil will not depart from his house. 14 The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so quit before the quarrel breaks out. 15 He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous are both alike an abomination to the LORD. 16 Why should a fool have money in his hand to buy wisdom when he has no sense? 17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. 18 One who lacks sense gives a pledge and puts up security in the presence of his neighbor. 19 Whoever loves transgression loves strife; he who makes his door high seeks destruction. 20 A man of crooked heart does not discover good, and one with a dishonest tongue falls into calamity. 21 He who sires a fool gets himself sorrow, and the father of a fool has no joy. 22 A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. 23 The wicked accepts a bribe in secret to pervert the ways of justice. 24 The discerning sets his face toward wisdom, but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth. 25 A foolish son is a grief to his father and bitterness to her who bore him. 26 To impose a fine on a righteous man is not good, nor to strike the noble for their uprightness. 27 Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. 28 Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.