[1] The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down. [2] Whoever fears the LORD walks uprightly, but those who despise him are devious in their ways. [3] A fool’s mouth lashes out with pride, but the lips of the wise protect them. [4] Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox come abundant harvests. [5] An honest witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies. [6] The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning. [7] Stay away from a fool, for you will not find knowledge on their lips. [8] The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception. [9] Fools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwill is found among the upright. [10] Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy. [11] The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish. [12] There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death. [13] Even in laughter the heart may ache, and rejoicing may end in grief. [14] The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways, and the good rewarded for theirs. [15] The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps. [16] The wise fear the LORD and shun evil, but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure. [17] A quick-tempered person does foolish things, and the one who devises evil schemes is hated. [18] The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
