Ill-gotten gains do not benefit, But righteousness rescues from death. | Tainted wealth has no lasting value, but right living can save your life. |
Blessings are on the head of the righteous, But the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. | The godly are showered with blessings; the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions. |
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The mentioning 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. |
The wise of heart will receive commands, But a babbling fool will come to ruin. | The wise are glad to be instructed, but babbling fools fall flat on their faces. |
One who walks in integrity walks securely, But one who perverts his ways will be found out. | People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will be exposed. |
Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all offenses. | Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love makes up for all offenses. |
One who is on the path of life follows instruction, But one who ignores a rebuke goes astray. | People who accept discipline are on the pathway to life, but those who ignore correction will go astray. |
One who conceals hatred has lying lips, And one who spreads slander is a fool. | Hiding hatred makes you a liar; slandering others makes you a fool. |
When there are many words, wrongdoing is unavoidable, But one who restrains his lips is wise. | Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut. |
The tongue of the righteous is like choice silver, The heart of the wicked is worth little. | The words of the godly are like sterling silver; the heart of a fool is worthless. |
It is the blessing of the Lord that makes rich, And He adds no sorrow to it. | The blessing of the Lord makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it. |
The hope of the righteous is gladness, But the expectation of the wicked perishes. | The hopes of the godly result in happiness, but the expectations of the wicked come to nothing. |
The way of the Lord is a stronghold for the upright, But ruin to the workers of injustice. | The way of the Lord is a stronghold to those with integrity, but it destroys the wicked. |
The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, But the mouth of the wicked, what is perverted. | The lips of the godly speak helpful words, but the mouth of the wicked speaks perverse words. |
When pride comes, then comes dishonor; But with the humble there is wisdom. | Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. |
The integrity of the upright will guide them, But the perversity of the treacherous will destroy them. | Honesty guides good people; dishonesty destroys treacherous people. |
Riches do not benefit on the day of wrath, But righteousness rescues from death. | Riches won’t help on the day of judgment, but right living can save you from death. |
With his mouth the godless person destroys his neighbor, But through knowledge the righteous will be rescued. | With their words, the godless destroy their friends, but knowledge will rescue the righteous. |
One who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, But one who is trustworthy conceals a matter. | A gossip goes around telling secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence. |
A wicked person earns deceptive wages, But one who sows righteousness gets a true reward. | Evil people get rich for the moment, but the reward of the godly will last. |
A generous person will be prosperous, And one who gives others plenty of water will himself be given plenty. | The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. |
One who loves discipline loves knowledge, But one who hates rebuke is stupid. | To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction. |
A fool’s anger is known at once, But a prudent person conceals dishonor. | 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 faithfully are His delight. | The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth. |