A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. | A gentle reply turns away wrath, but a harsh word arouses anger. |
A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. | A true friend is one at all times, and a brother is born to render help in time of need. |
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A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men. | A gift opens doors for the giver and wins him access to the powerful. |
By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life. | The reward of humility and fear of the Lord is wealth, honor, and life. |
A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame. | A fool is quick to show his anger, but a prudent man ignores an insult. |
A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies. | A truthful witness does not lie, but a false witness lies incessantly. |
Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom. | An ignorant man causes strife by his insolence, but wisdom is found with those who take advice. |
Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people. | Righteousness is a sign of a nation’s greatness, but sin degrades any people. |
Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established. | Entrust everything that you do to the Lord, and your plans will turn out to be successful. |
He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints. | For he guards the paths of justice and keeps watch over the way of his faithful ones. |
Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil. | Do not swerve either to the right or to the left; keep your foot far from evil. |
For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the Lord. | For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord. |
A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends. | A perverse man sows strife, and a tale-bearer destroys close friendships. |
A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes. | The lips of a fool cause strife, and his mouth provokes a flogging. |
Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince. | Fine words are not becoming to a fool, and much less are false words to a noble. |
The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot. | The righteous is remembered with blessings, but the name of the wicked fades away. |
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. | Guard your heart with all possible vigilance, for from it flow the wellsprings of life. |
I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths. | I have instructed you in the ways of wisdom and led you along the paths of righteousness. |
Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. | Turn away from the mouth that deceives and keep your distance from lips that mislead. |
Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. | As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the wits of his neighbor. |
The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. | The wealthy man lords it over the poor, and the borrower becomes the slave of the lender. |
Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right. | It is better to have little and be righteous than to acquire great riches with injustice. |
To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. | To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. |
The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it. | The blessing of the Lord is what brings wealth, and our toil adds nothing to it. |
The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall. | A wise man will heed commandments, but a babbling fool will come to grief. |