The integrity of the upright will guide them, But the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them. | Honesty guides good people; dishonesty destroys treacherous people. |
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. |
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The hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbor, But through knowledge the righteous will be delivered. | With their words, the godless destroy their friends, but knowledge will rescue the righteous. |
A talebearer reveals secrets, But he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter. | A gossip goes around telling secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence. |
The wicked man does deceptive work, But he who sows righteousness will have a sure reward. | Evil people get rich for the moment, but the reward of the godly will last. |
The generous soul will be made rich, And he who waters will also be watered himself. | The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. |
Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, But he who hates correction is stupid. | To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction. |
A fool’s wrath is known at once, But a prudent man covers shame. | A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted. |
Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, But counselors of peace have joy. | Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil; joy fills hearts that are planning peace! |
Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, But those who deal truthfully are His delight. | The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth. |
The hand of the diligent will rule, But the lazy man will be put to forced labor. | Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave. |
Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad. | Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up. |
He who guards his mouth preserves his life, But he who opens 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 is his riches, But the poor does not hear rebuke. | The rich can pay a ransom for their lives, but the poor won’t even get threatened. |
By pride comes nothing but strife, But with the well-advised is wisdom. | Pride leads to conflict; those who take advice are wise. |
Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished, But he who gathers by labor will increase. | Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows over time. |
Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But when the desire comes, it is a tree of life. | Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life. |
He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will be destroyed. | Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble. |
A faithful witness does not lie, But a false witness will utter lies. | An honest witness does not lie; a false witness breathes lies. |
There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. | There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death. |
In all labor there is profit, But idle chatter leads only to poverty. | Work brings profit, but mere talk leads to poverty! |
He who is slow to wrath has great understanding, But he who is impulsive exalts folly. | People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness. |
Righteousness exalts 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 turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. | A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. |
A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, But perverseness in it breaks the spirit. | Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. |