To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. | To do righteousness and justice Is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. |
One who gossips reveals secrets, but a trustworthy man keeps things hidden. | A talebearer reveals secrets, But he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter. |
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The whispers of a gossiper are tasty morsels that corrode one’s inner being. | The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, And they go down into the inmost body. |
Righteousness is a sign of a nation’s greatness, but sin degrades any people. | Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people. |
Some friends can lead us to ruin, but a true friend is closer than a brother. | A man who has friends must himself be friendly, 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, nor turn away from the words of my mouth. |
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; Remove your foot from evil. |
A fool spurns his father’s correction, but whoever heeds admonition is prudent. | A fool despises his father’s instruction, But he who receives correction is prudent. |
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 the law of your mother. |
Fine words are not becoming to a fool, and much less are false words to a noble. | Excellent speech is not becoming to a fool, Much less lying lips to a prince. |
A fool gives free rein to his anger, but a wise man bides his time and calms it. | A fool vents all his feelings, But a wise man holds them back. |
Blessed is the person who has found wisdom, the one who has gained understanding. | Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding. |
A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son gives grief to his mother. | A wise son makes a glad father, But a foolish son is the grief of his mother. |
The blessing of the Lord is what brings wealth, and our toil adds nothing to it. | The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, And He adds no sorrow with it. |
A cheerful heart is excellent medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. | A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones. |
A man is haughty until disaster overtakes him, but humility comes before honors. | Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, And before honor is humility. |
Diligent labor always yields profit, but idle conversation only leads to poverty. | In all labor there is profit, But idle chatter leads only to poverty. |
The righteous is remembered with blessings, but the name of the wicked fades away. | The memory of the righteous is blessed, But the name of the wicked will rot. |
Whoever observes the commandments will live, but the one who scorns them will die. | He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul, But he who is careless of his ways will die. |
A man’s attraction is his kindness; it is far better to be poor than to be a liar. | What is desired in a man is kindness, And a poor man is better than a liar. |
Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their parents. | Children’s children are the crown of old men, And the glory of children is their father. |
A generous person will be enriched; he who refreshes others will also be refreshed. | The generous soul will be made rich, And he who waters will also be watered himself. |
Do not wear yourself out in the pursuit of wealth, and cease even to think about it. | Do not overwork to be rich; Because of your own understanding, cease! |
It is rash to pledge a sacred gift, or to make a vow and then have second thoughts. | It is a snare for a man to devote rashly something as holy, And afterward to reconsider his vows. |
The way of the Lord is a stronghold for the upright, but destruction for evildoers. | The way of the Lord is strength for the upright, But destruction will come to the workers of iniquity. |