Wisdom Makes Good Sense
1A woman's family
is held together
by her wisdom,
but it can be destroyed
by her foolishness.
2By living right, you show
that you respect the Lord;
by being deceitful, you show
that you despise him.
3Proud fools are punished
for their stupid talk,
but sensible talk
can save your life.
4Without the help of an ox
there can be no crop,
but with a strong ox
a big crop is possible.
5An honest witness
tells the truth;
a dishonest witness
tells nothing but lies.
6Make fun of wisdom,
and you will never find it.
But if you have understanding,
knowledge comes easily.
7Stay away from fools,
or you won't learn a thing.
8Wise people have enough sense
to find their way,
but stupid fools get lost.
9Fools don't care
if they are wrong,
but God is pleased
when people do right.
10No one else can really know
how sad or happy you are.
11The tent of a good person
stands longer than the house
of someone evil.
12 You may think you are
on the right road
and still end up dead.
13Sorrow may hide
behind laughter,
and happiness may end
in sorrow.
14You harvest what you plant,
whether good or bad.
15Don't be stupid
and believe all you hear;
be smart and know
where you are headed.
16Only a stupid fool
is never cautious—
so be extra careful
and stay out of trouble.
17Fools have quick tempers,
and no one likes you
if you can't be trusted.
18Stupidity leads to foolishness;
be smart and learn.
19The wicked will come crawling
to those who obey God.
20You have no friends
if you are poor,
but you have lots of friends
if you are rich.
21It's wrong to hate others,
but God blesses everyone
who is kind to the poor.
22It's a mistake
to make evil plans,
but you will have loyal friends
if you want to do right.
23Hard work is worthwhile,
but empty talk
will make you poor.
24Wisdom can make you rich,
but foolishness leads
to more foolishness.
25An honest witness
can save your life,
but liars can't be trusted.
26If you respect the Lord,
you and your children
have a strong fortress
27and a life-giving fountain
that keeps you safe
from deadly traps.
28Rulers of powerful nations
are held in honor;
rulers of weak nations
are nothing at all.
29It's smart to be patient,
but it's stupid
to lose your temper.
30It's healthy to be content,
but envy can eat you up.
31If you mistreat the poor,
you insult your Creator;
if you are kind to them,
you show him respect.
32In times of trouble
the wicked are destroyed,
but even at death
the innocent have faith.
33Wisdom is found in the minds
of people with good sense,
but fools don't know it.
34Doing right brings honor
to a nation,
but sin brings disgrace.
35Kings reward servants
who act wisely,
but they punish those
who act foolishly.