The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute. | Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave. |
Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad. | Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up. |
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He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction. | Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything. |
The ransom of a man's life are his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke. | The rich can pay a ransom for their lives, but the poor won’t even get threatened. |
Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom. | Pride leads to conflict; those who take advice are wise. |
Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase. | Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows over time. |
Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life. | Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life. |
He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. | Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble. |
A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies. | An honest witness does not lie; a false witness breathes lies. |
There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. | There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death. |
In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury. | Work brings profit, but mere talk leads to poverty! |
He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly. | People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness. |
Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people. | Godliness makes a nation great, but sin is a disgrace to any people. |
A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. | A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. |
A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit. | Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. |
A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent. | Only a fool despises a parent’s discipline; whoever learns from correction is wise. |
Better is little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble therewith. | Better to have little, with fear for the Lord, than to have great treasure and inner turmoil. |
Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established. | Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success. |
A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it! | Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time! |
The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility. | Fear of the Lord teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor. |
Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established. | Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed. |
Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right. | Better to have little, with godliness, than to be rich and dishonest. |
A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps. | We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. |
How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver! | How much better to get wisdom than gold, and good judgment than silver! |
He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he. | Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the Lord will be joyful. |