Proverbs 14:1-35 VOICE

[1] A wise woman builds her house, but a foolish one picks it to splinters with her own hands. [2] Whoever travels through life with integrity respects the Eternal, but whoever turns from it hates Him. [3] A fool's words betray his pride and invite punishment, but the humble speech of the wise will spare them. [4] A farm without oxen has a manger without grain; there's a good return in the strength of an ox. [5] An honest witness can always be trusted, but a false witness breathes out nothing but lies. [6] Wisdom eludes mockers, though they seek it, but insight comes quickly to those with understanding. [7] Walk away from the company of fools, for you cannot find insight in their words. [8] It takes wisdom for the clever to understand the path they are on, but the fool is deceived by his own foolishness. [9] Fools make a mockery of guilt and repentance, but those who do what is right receive special standing. [10] Only the heart can know its own resentment; likewise no stranger can experience its joy. [11] The house of the wicked will be destroyed, while the tent of the upright will prosper. [12] Before every person lies a road that seems to be right, but the end of that road is death and destruction. [13] Laughter can mask heartache, and joy often gives way to grief. [14] A disloyal heart has its fill of disloyal ways, but a good person will be satisfied from above. [15] The gullible believe anything they are told, but clever people know to question every step. [16] The wise are cautious and stay far from evil, but fools are hotheaded and careless. [17] Quick-tempered people make fools of themselves, and evil schemers make many enemies. [18] The naive are heirs to foolishness, but the clever are honored with insight. [19] Evil people will be humbled before the good; the wicked will stoop at the doorstep of the righteous. [20] The poor are hated even by their own neighbors, but the rich are loved by many friends. [21] Those who have contempt for their neighbors are sinners, but those who are kind to the poor are happy. [22] Don't those who work evil stray from the truth? Those who plan goodness experience unfailing love and faithfulness. [23] Prosperity comes from hard work, but talking too much leads to great scarcity. [24] The wise are honored for their wealth; the reward of fools is more foolishness. [25] A truthful witness protects lives by not allowing evil to triumph, but a deceitful witness speaks lies and puts the innocent in jeopardy. [26] Reverence for the Eternal brings bold confidence, and one's offspring will have hope of protection. [27] Respect and honor for Him is the basis of a satisfied life, which guards a person from being trapped in the snares of death. [28] A king's splendor is in his many people, but a declining population will lead to his ruin. [29] Whoever is patient and slow to anger shows great understanding, but whoever has a quick temper magnifies his foolishness. [30] A serene heart can add years to one's life; but jealous passion rots the bones. [31] Whoever oppresses the poor insults his Maker, but anyone who is gracious to the needy honors Him. [32] The wicked are waylaid by their evil actions, but the right-living find hope's sanctuary even in their death. [33] Wisdom rests in the heart of one with insight and can even be experienced by fools. [34] Living according to God's instructions makes a nation great, but sin colors those who commit it with disgrace. [35] The king shows kindness to a servant who acts wisely, but his anger burns toward one who brings shame.