The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute. | The hands of the diligent ones shall rule, but laziness ends in slave labor. |
Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad. | Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but a kind word makes it glad. |
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He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction. | He who guards his mouth guards his soul. One who opens wide his lips comes to ruin. |
The ransom of a man's life are his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke. | The ransom of a man’s life is his riches, but the poor hear no threats. |
Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom. | Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is with people who take advice. |
Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase. | Wealth gained dishonestly dwindles away, but he who gathers by hand makes it grow. |
Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life. | Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when longing is fulfilled, it is a tree of life. |
He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. | One who walks with wise men grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm. |
A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies. | A truthful witness will not lie, but a false witness pours out lies. |
There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. | There is a way which seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. |
In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury. | In all hard work there is profit, but the talk of the lips leads only to poverty. |
He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly. | He who is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a quick temper displays folly. |
Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people. | Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people. |
A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. | A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. |
A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit. | A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but deceit in it crushes the spirit. |
A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent. | A fool despises his father’s correction, but he who heeds reproof shows prudence. |
Better is little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble therewith. | Better is little, with the fear of Yahweh, than great treasure with trouble. |
Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established. | Where there is no counsel, plans fail; but in a multitude of counselors they are established. |
A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it! | Joy comes to a man with the reply of his mouth. How good is a word at the right time! |
The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility. | The fear of Yahweh teaches wisdom. Before honor is humility. |
Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established. | Commit your deeds to Yahweh, and your plans shall succeed. |
Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right. | Better is a little with righteousness, than great revenues with injustice. |
A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps. | A man’s heart plans his course, but Yahweh directs his steps. |
How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver! | How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! Yes, to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. |
He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he. | He who heeds the Word finds prosperity. Whoever trusts in Yahweh is blessed. |