Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but he who mingles with fools will suffer harm. | Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble. |
My son, if your heart is wise, then my heart will be glad. | My child, if your heart is wise, my own heart will rejoice! |
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Let no one delude himself. If anyone among you considers himself to be wise by worldly standards, he must become a fool in order to be truly wise. | Stop deceiving yourselves. If you think you are wise by this world’s standards, you need to become a fool to be truly wise. |
A fool gives free rein to his anger, but a wise man bides his time and calms it. | Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back. |
A wise man will heed commandments, but a babbling fool will come to grief. | The wise are glad to be instructed, but babbling fools fall flat on their faces. |
A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son gives grief to his mother. | A wise child brings joy to a father; a foolish child brings grief to a mother. |
The words of a wise man win favor, but a fool’s tongue is his undoing. | Wise words bring approval, but fools are destroyed by their own words. |
The father of a good man will rejoice; he who begets a wise son will delight in him. | The father of godly children has cause for joy. What a pleasure to have children who are wise. |
Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; if he closes his lips, he is regarded as intelligent. | Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent. |
Who among you is wise and understanding? Prove by your good life that your works are done with the humility that comes from wisdom. | If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. |
Everyone who hears these words of mine and acts in accordance with them will be like a wise man who constructed his house on a rock foundation. | Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. |
The law of the Lord is perfect, affording refreshment to the soul. The decree of the Lord is worthy of trust, imparting wisdom to the simple. | The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. |
Let those who are wise understand these words, and let the prudent acknowledge them. For straight are the ways of the Lord; the upright walk in them, but sinners stumble. | Let those who are wise understand these things. Let those with discernment listen carefully. The paths of the Lord are true and right, and righteous people live by walking in them. But in those paths sinners stumble and fall. |
Therefore, take care to live as intelligent people, and do not be like those who are senseless. Make the most of the present time, for this is a wicked age. | So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. |
Do not pride yourself on your own wisdom; fear the Lord and turn your back on evil. This will provide healing for your flesh and restore strength to your body. | Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones. |
Many shall be purified, cleansed, and refined, but the wicked will persist in their evil ways. | Many will be purified, cleansed, and refined by these trials. But the wicked will continue in their wickedness, and none of them will understand. Only those who are wise will know what it means. |
After Jesus had been born in Bethlehem of Judea during the reign of King Herod, wise men traveled from the east and arrived in Jerusalem, inquiring, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw the rising of his star, and we have come to pay him homage.” | Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.” |
Live in harmony with one another. Do not consider yourself to be better than others, but associate with the lowly, and never be conceited. | Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! |
Do not wear yourself out in the pursuit of wealth, and cease even to think about it. | Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich. Be wise enough to know when to quit. |
Do not assert that the past was better than the present, for such a statement is not a sign of wisdom. | Don’t long for “the good old days.” This is not wise. |
To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. | All honor and glory to God forever and ever! He is the eternal King, the unseen one who never dies; he alone is God. Amen. |
Where many words are spoken, sin is not absent, but whoever restrains his tongue is prudent. | Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut. |
An ignorant man causes strife by his insolence, but wisdom is found with those who take advice. | Pride leads to conflict; those who take advice are wise. |
Teach us to comprehend how few our days are so that our hearts may be filled with wisdom. | Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom. |
A fool is quick to show his anger, but a prudent man ignores an insult. | A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted. |