To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. | The Lord is more pleased when we do what is right and just than when we offer him sacrifices. |
A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls. | A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls. |
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Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death. | Riches won’t help on the day of judgment, but right living can save you from death. |
The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor. | Fear of the Lord teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor. |
I have taught you the way of wisdom; I have led you in the paths of uprightness. | I will teach you wisdom’s ways and lead you in straight paths. |
By insolence comes nothing but strife, but with those who take advice is wisdom. | Pride leads to conflict; those who take advice are wise. |
A rich man's wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his imagination. | The rich think of their wealth as a strong defense; they imagine it to be a high wall of safety. |
One's pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor. | Pride ends in humiliation, while humility brings honor. |
Whoever keeps the commandment keeps his life; he who despises his ways will die. | Keep the commandments and keep your life; despising them leads to death. |
The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever utters slander is a fool. | Hiding hatred makes you a liar; slandering others makes you a fool. |
What is desired in a man is steadfast love, and a poor man is better than a liar. | Loyalty makes a person attractive. It is better to be poor than dishonest. |
House and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the Lord. | Fathers can give their sons an inheritance of houses and wealth, but only the Lord can give an understanding wife. |
If one turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination. | God detests the prayers of a person who ignores the law. |
The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it. | A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences. |
The wise of heart will receive commandments, but a babbling fool will come to ruin. | The wise are glad to be instructed, but babbling fools fall flat on their faces. |
All day long he craves and craves, but the righteous gives and does not hold back. | Some people are always greedy for more, but the godly love to give! |
Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. | Kind words are like honey— sweet to the soul and healthy for the body. |
The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor. | Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave. |
Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit, but righteousness delivers from death. | Tainted wealth has no lasting value, but right living can save your life. |
The way of the Lord is a stronghold to the blameless, but destruction to evildoers. | The way of the Lord is a stronghold to those with integrity, but it destroys the wicked. |
The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe. | The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe. |
Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor. | Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor. |
Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers. | Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged; parents are the pride of their children. |
Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but those who plan peace have joy. | Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil; joy fills hearts that are planning peace! |
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. | Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them. |