| Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones. | Kind words are like honey— sweet to the soul and healthy for the body. |
| A perverse man sows strife, And a whisperer separates the best of friends. | A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends. |
| He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. | Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city. |
| Children’s children are the crown of old men, And the glory of children is their father. | Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged; parents are the pride of their children. |
| Excellent speech is not becoming to a fool, Much less lying lips to a prince. | Eloquent words are not fitting for a fool; even less are lies fitting for a ruler. |
| He who covers a transgression seeks love, But he who repeats a matter separates friends. | Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends. |
| A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity. | A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need. |
| A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones. | A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength. |
| Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive. | Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent. |
| A fool has no delight in understanding, But in expressing his own heart. | Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions. |
| A fool’s lips enter into contention, And his mouth calls for blows. | Fools’ words get them into constant quarrels; they are asking for a beating. |
| The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, And they go down into the inmost body. | Rumors are dainty morsels that sink deep into one’s heart. |
| The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe. | The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe. |
| The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, And like a high wall in his own esteem. | The rich think of their wealth as a strong defense; they imagine it to be a high wall of safety. |
| Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, And before honor is humility. | Haughtiness goes before destruction; humility precedes honor. |
| A man’s gift makes room for him, And brings him before great men. | Giving a gift can open doors; it gives access to important people! |
| Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And 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 finds a wife finds a good thing, And obtains favor from the Lord. | The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the Lord. |
| A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. | There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother. |
| He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; He who keeps understanding will find good. | To acquire wisdom is to love yourself; people who cherish understanding will prosper. |
| Houses and riches are an inheritance from fathers, But a prudent wife is from the Lord. | Fathers can give their sons an inheritance of houses and wealth, but only the Lord can give an understanding wife. |
| He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul, But he who is careless of his ways will die. | Keep the commandments and keep your life; despising them leads to death. |
| There are many plans in a man’s heart, Nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand. | You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail. |
| What is desired in a man is kindness, And a poor man is better than a liar. | Loyalty makes a person attractive. It is better to be poor than dishonest. |
| It is honorable for a man to stop striving, Since any fool can start a quarrel. | Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling. |
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