Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life. | Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life. |
A cheerful heart is a good medicine, but a downcast spirit dries up the bones. | A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength. |
|
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. |
To make an apt answer is a joy to anyone, and a word in season, how good it is! | Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time! |
The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility goes before honor. | Fear of the Lord teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor. |
The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot. | We have happy memories of the godly, but the name of a wicked person rots away. |
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. |
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 wise of heart will heed commandments, but a babbling fool will come to ruin. | The wise are glad to be instructed, but babbling fools fall flat on their faces. |
The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe. | The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe. |
The hand of the diligent will rule, while the lazy will be put to forced labor. | Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave. |
Honor the Lord with your substance and with the first fruits of all your produce. | Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. |
By insolence the heedless make strife, but wisdom is with those who take advice. | Pride leads to conflict; those who take advice are wise. |
The wicked earn no real gain, but those who sow righteousness get a true reward. | Evil people get rich for the moment, but the reward of the godly will last. |
The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever else you get, get insight. | Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment. |
House and wealth are inherited from parents, 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. |
A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing personal opinion. | Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions. |
Pleasant 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. |
What is desirable in a person is loyalty, and it is better to be poor than a liar. | Loyalty makes a person attractive. It is better to be poor than dishonest. |
Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools suffers harm. | Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble. |
My child, keep your father's commandment, and do not forsake your mother's teaching. | My son, obey your father’s commands, and don’t neglect your mother’s instruction. |
Deceit is in the mind of those who plan evil, but those who counsel peace have joy. | Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil; joy fills hearts that are planning peace! |
Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their parents. | Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged; parents are the pride of their children. |
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. |
A fool despises a parent's instruction, but the one who heeds admonition is prudent. | Only a fool despises a parent’s discipline; whoever learns from correction is wise. |