The hands of the diligent ones shall rule, but laziness ends in slave labor. | Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor. |
Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but a kind word makes it glad. | Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up. |
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He who guards his mouth guards his soul. One who opens wide his lips comes to ruin. | Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin. |
The ransom of a man’s life is his riches, but the poor hear no threats. | A person’s riches may ransom their life, but the poor cannot respond to threatening rebukes. |
Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is with people who take advice. | Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice. |
Wealth gained dishonestly dwindles away, but he who gathers by hand makes it grow. | Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow. |
Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when longing is fulfilled, it is a tree of life. | Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. |
One who walks with wise men grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm. | Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm. |
A truthful witness will not lie, but a false witness pours out lies. | An honest witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies. |
There is a way which seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. | There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death. |
In all hard work there is profit, but the talk of the lips leads only to poverty. | All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty. |
He who is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a quick temper displays folly. | Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly. |
Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people. | Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people. |
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. | A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. |
A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but deceit in it crushes the spirit. | The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit. |
A fool despises his father’s correction, but he who heeds reproof shows prudence. | A fool spurns a parent’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence. |
Better is little, with the fear of Yahweh, than great treasure with trouble. | Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil. |
Where there is no counsel, plans fail; but in a multitude of counselors they are established. | Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. |
Joy comes to a man with the reply of his mouth. How good is a word at the right time! | A person finds joy in giving an apt reply— and how good is a timely word! |
The fear of Yahweh teaches wisdom. Before honor is humility. | Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor. |
Commit your deeds to Yahweh, and your plans shall succeed. | Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. |
Better is a little with righteousness, than great revenues with injustice. | Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice. |
A man’s heart plans his course, but Yahweh directs his steps. | In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. |
How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! Yes, to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. | How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver! |
He who heeds the Word finds prosperity. Whoever trusts in Yahweh is blessed. | Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord. |