The hand of the diligent will rule, But the lazy hand will be put to forced labor. | Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor. |
Anxiety in a person’s heart weighs it down, But a good word makes it glad. | Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up. |
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One who guards his mouth protects his life; 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 person’s life is his wealth, But the poor hears no rebuke. | A person’s riches may ransom their life, but the poor cannot respond to threatening rebukes. |
Through overconfidence comes nothing but strife, But wisdom is with those who receive counsel. | Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice. |
Wealth obtained from nothing dwindles, But one who gathers by labor increases it. | Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow. |
Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But desire fulfilled 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 people will be wise, But a companion of fools will suffer harm. | Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm. |
A trustworthy witness will not lie, But a false witness declares lies. | An honest witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies. |
There is a way which seems right to a person, But its end is the way of death. | There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death. |
In all labor there is profit, But mere talk leads only to poverty. | All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty. |
One who is slow to anger has great understanding; But one who is quick-tempered exalts foolishness. | 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 soothing tongue is a tree of life, But perversion in it crushes the spirit. | The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit. |
A fool rejects his father’s discipline, But he who complies with rebuke is sensible. | A fool spurns a parent’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence. |
Better is a little with the fear of the Lord Than great treasure, and turmoil with the treasure. | Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil. |
Without consultation, plans are frustrated, But with many counselors they succeed. | Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. |
A person has joy in an apt answer, And how delightful is a timely word! | A person finds joy in giving an apt reply— and how good is a timely word! |
The fear of the Lord is the instruction for wisdom, And before honor comes humility. | Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor. |
Commit your works to the Lord, And your plans will be established. | Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. |
Better is a little with righteousness Than great income with injustice. | Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice. |
The mind of a person plans his way, But the Lord 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! And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver. | How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver! |
One who pays attention to the word will find good, And blessed is one who trusts in the Lord. | Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord. |