Treasures obtained by wicked means profit nothing, but a righteous life brings delivery from death. | Tainted wealth has no lasting value, but right living can save your life. |
Blessings are showered on the head of the righteous, but sorrow will cover the face of the wicked. | The godly are showered with blessings; the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions. |
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The righteous is remembered with blessings, but the name of the wicked fades away. | We have happy memories of the godly, but the name of a wicked person rots away. |
A wise man will heed commandments, but a babbling fool will come to grief. | The wise are glad to be instructed, but babbling fools fall flat on their faces. |
Anyone who leads an honorable life walks in safety, but whoever pursues wicked ways will be found out. | People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will be exposed. |
Hatred stirs up strife, but love overlooks all offenses. | Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love makes up for all offenses. |
Whoever heeds admonition is on the path to life, but anyone who rejects correction goes astray. | People who accept discipline are on the pathway to life, but those who ignore correction will go astray. |
Lying lips conceal hatred, and anyone who slanders another is a fool. | Hiding hatred makes you a liar; slandering others makes you a fool. |
Where many words are spoken, sin is not absent, but whoever restrains his tongue is prudent. | Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut. |
The tongue of the just man is like pure silver; the heart of the wicked is without worth. | The words of the godly are like sterling silver; the heart of a fool is worthless. |
The blessing of the Lord is what brings wealth, and our toil adds nothing to it. | The blessing of the Lord makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it. |
The hope of the righteous brings them joy, but the expectations of the wicked are frustrated. | The hopes of the godly result in happiness, but the expectations of the wicked come to nothing. |
The way of the Lord is a stronghold for the upright, but destruction for evildoers. | The way of the Lord is a stronghold to those with integrity, but it destroys the wicked. |
The lips of the righteous utter words of kindness, but the mouth of the wicked knows only how to pervert. | The lips of the godly speak helpful words, but the mouth of the wicked speaks perverse words. |
When pride is nurtured, disgrace soon follows, but wisdom is the hallmark of the humble. | Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. |
The upright are guarded by their integrity; the treacherous are destroyed by their own duplicity. | Honesty guides good people; dishonesty destroys treacherous people. |
Riches will be of no avail on 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. |
With his mouth the godless man seeks to ruin his neighbor, but knowledge enables the righteous to be delivered. | With their words, the godless destroy their friends, but knowledge will rescue the righteous. |
One who gossips reveals secrets, but a trustworthy man keeps things hidden. | A gossip goes around telling secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence. |
The labors of the wicked man produce little profit, but the one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward. | Evil people get rich for the moment, but the reward of the godly will last. |
A generous person will be enriched; he who refreshes others will also be refreshed. | The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. |
Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but the one who hates correction is stupid. | To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction. |
A fool is quick to show his anger, but a prudent man ignores an insult. | A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted. |
Deceit is in the heart of those who plot evil, but those who counsel peace have joy. | Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil; joy fills hearts that are planning peace! |
The Lord abhors lying lips, but he delights in those who are truthful. | The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth. |