Every word of God is flawless. He is a shield to those who take refuge in him. | Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to him for protection. |
Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, but righteousness delivers from death. | Tainted wealth has no lasting value, but right living can save your life. |
|
A fool has no delight in understanding, but only in revealing his own opinion. | Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions. |
The prospect of the righteous is joy, but the hope of the wicked will perish. | The hopes of the godly result in happiness, but the expectations of the wicked come to nothing. |
One who walks with wise men grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm. | Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble. |
Riches don’t profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death. | Riches won’t help on the day of judgment, but right living can save you from death. |
A cheerful heart makes good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. | A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength. |
My son, keep your father’s commandment, and don’t forsake your mother’s teaching. | My son, obey your father’s commands, and don’t neglect your mother’s instruction. |
Excellent speech isn’t fitting for a fool, much less do lying lips fit a prince. | Eloquent words are not fitting for a fool; even less are lies fitting for a ruler. |
The liberal soul shall be made fat. He who waters shall be watered also himself. | The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. |
A fool despises his father’s correction, but he who heeds reproof shows prudence. | Only a fool despises a parent’s discipline; whoever learns from correction is wise. |
He who turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination. | God detests the prayers of a person who ignores the law. |
In all hard work there is profit, but the talk of the lips leads only to poverty. | Work brings profit, but mere talk leads to poverty! |
He who gets wisdom loves his own soul. He who keeps understanding shall find good. | To acquire wisdom is to love yourself; people who cherish understanding will prosper. |
It is a snare to a man to make a rash dedication, then later to consider his vows. | Don’t trap yourself by making a rash promise to God and only later counting the cost. |
He who guards his mouth guards his soul. One who opens wide his lips comes to ruin. | Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything. |
Wealth gained dishonestly dwindles away, but he who gathers by hand makes it grow. | Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows over time. |
Lying lips are an abomination to Yahweh, but those who do the truth are his delight. | The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth. |
A fool shows his annoyance the same day, but one who overlooks an insult is prudent. | A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted. |
Death and life are in the power of the tongue; those who love it will eat its fruit. | The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences. |
He who follows after righteousness and kindness finds life, righteousness, and honor. | Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor. |
Children’s children are the crown of old men; the glory of children is their parents. | Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged; parents are the pride of their children. |
House and riches are an inheritance from fathers, but a prudent wife is from Yahweh. | Fathers can give their sons an inheritance of houses and wealth, but only the Lord can give an understanding wife. |
It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarreling. | Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling. |
He lays up sound wisdom for the upright. He is a shield to those who walk in integrity. | He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. |