To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. | To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. |
One who gossips reveals secrets, but a trustworthy man keeps things hidden. | A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret. |
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The whispers of a gossiper are tasty morsels that corrode one’s inner being. | The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts. |
Righteousness is a sign of a nation’s greatness, but sin degrades any people. | Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people. |
Some friends can lead us to ruin, but a true friend is closer than a brother. | One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. |
Acquire wisdom and gain understanding; never forget or turn aside from my words. | Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them. |
Do not swerve either to the right or to the left; keep your foot far from evil. | Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil. |
A fool spurns his father’s correction, but whoever heeds admonition is prudent. | A fool spurns a parent’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence. |
Observe your father’s command, my son, and do not reject your mother’s teaching. | My son, keep your father’s command and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. |
Fine words are not becoming to a fool, and much less are false words to a noble. | Eloquent lips are unsuited to a godless fool— how much worse lying lips to a ruler! |
A fool gives free rein to his anger, but a wise man bides his time and calms it. | Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end. |
Blessed is the person who has found wisdom, the one who has gained understanding. | Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding. |
A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son gives grief to his mother. | A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son brings grief to his mother. |
The blessing of the Lord is what brings wealth, and our toil adds nothing to it. | The blessing of the Lord brings wealth, without painful toil for it. |
A cheerful heart is excellent medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. | A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. |
A man is haughty until disaster overtakes him, but humility comes before honors. | Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor. |
Diligent labor always yields profit, but idle conversation only leads to poverty. | All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty. |
The righteous is remembered with blessings, but the name of the wicked fades away. | The name of the righteous is used in blessings, but the name of the wicked will rot. |
Whoever observes the commandments will live, but the one who scorns them will die. | Whoever keeps commandments keeps their life, but whoever shows contempt for their ways will die. |
A man’s attraction is his kindness; it is far better to be poor than to be a liar. | What a person desires is unfailing love; better to be poor than a liar. |
Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their parents. | Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children. |
A generous person will be enriched; he who refreshes others will also be refreshed. | A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. |
Do not wear yourself out in the pursuit of wealth, and cease even to think about it. | Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness. |
It is rash to pledge a sacred gift, or to make a vow and then have second thoughts. | It is a trap to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider one’s vows. |
The way of the Lord is a stronghold for the upright, but destruction for evildoers. | The way of the Lord is a refuge for the blameless, but it is the ruin of those who do evil. |