Proverbs 14:1-35 ERV

[1] A wise woman makes her home what it should be, but the home of a foolish woman is destroyed by her own actions. [2] Those who live right respect the LORD, but dishonest people hate him. [3] Foolish words cause you trouble; wise words protect you. [4] A barn with no cattle might be clean, but strong bulls are needed for a good harvest. [5] A good witness is one who does not lie. A bad witness is a liar who cannot be trusted. [6] Anyone who makes fun of wisdom will never find it, but knowledge comes easily to those who understand its value. [7] Stay away from fools, there is nothing they can teach you. [8] Wisdom lets smart people know what they are doing, but stupid people only think they know. [9] Fines are needed to make fools obey the law, but good people are happy to obey it. [10] When you are sad, no one else feels the pain; and when you are happy, no one else can really feel the joy. [11] An evil person's house will be destroyed, but a good person's family will do well. [12] There is a way that people think is right, but it leads only to death. [13] Laughter might hide your sadness. But when the laughter is gone, the sadness remains. [14] Evil people will be paid back for the wrong they do, and good people will be rewarded for the good they do. [15] Fools believe every word they hear, but wise people think carefully about everything. [16] Wise people are careful and avoid trouble; fools are too confident and careless. [17] A quick-tempered person does stupid things, but it is also true that people don't like anyone who quietly plans evil. [18] Fools are rewarded with more foolishness. Smart people are rewarded with knowledge. [19] Good people will defeat those who are evil, and the wicked will be forced to show respect to those who live right. [20] The poor have no friends, not even their neighbors, but the rich have many friends. [21] It is wrong to say bad things about your neighbors. Be kind to the poor, and you will be blessed. [22] Whoever works to do good will find love and loyalty. It is a mistake to work at doing evil. [23] If you work hard, you will have plenty. If you do nothing but talk, you will not have enough. [24] A wise person's reward is wealth, but a fool's reward is foolishness. [25] A witness who tells the truth saves lives, but one who tells lies hurts others. [26] People who respect the LORD will be safe, and they will make their children feel secure. [27] Respect for the LORD gives true life and will save you from death's trap. [28] Kings of large nations have great honor. Rulers without a country have nothing. [29] A patient person is very smart. A quick-tempered person makes stupid mistakes. [30] Peace of mind makes the body healthy, but jealousy is like a cancer. [31] Whoever takes advantage of the poor insults their Maker, but whoever is kind to them honors him. [32] The wicked will be defeated by their evil, but good people are protected by their honesty. [33] A wise person is always thinking wise thoughts, but a fool knows nothing about wisdom. [34] Goodness makes a nation great, but sin is a shame to any people. [35] Kings are pleased with intelligent officials, but they will punish shameful ones.