Proverbs 14:1-35 NCV

[1] A wise woman strengthens her family, but a foolish woman destroys hers by what she does. [2] People who live good lives respect the LORD, but those who live evil lives don't. [3] Fools will be punished for their proud words, but the words of the wise will protect them. [4] When there are no oxen, no food is in the barn. But with a strong ox, much grain can be grown. [5] A truthful witness does not lie, but a false witness tells nothing but lies. [6] Those who make fun of wisdom look for it and do not find it, but knowledge comes easily to those with understanding. [7] Stay away from fools, because they can't teach you anything. [8] A wise person will understand what to do, but a foolish person is dishonest. [9] Fools don't care if they sin, but honest people work at being right. [10] No one else can know your sadness, and strangers cannot share your joy. [11] The wicked person's house will be destroyed, but a good person's tent will still be standing. [12] Some people think they are doing right, but in the end it leads to death. [13] Someone who is laughing may be sad inside, and joy may end in sadness. [14] Evil people will be paid back for their evil ways, and good people will be rewarded for their good ones. [15] Fools will believe anything, but the wise think about what they do. [16] Wise people are careful and stay out of trouble, but fools are careless and quick to act. [17] Someone with a quick temper does foolish things, but someone with understanding remains calm. [18] Fools are rewarded with nothing but more foolishness, but the wise are rewarded with knowledge. [19] Evil people will bow down to those who are good; the wicked will bow down at the door of those who do right. [20] The poor are rejected, even by their neighbors, but the rich have many friends. [21] It is a sin to hate your neighbor, but being kind to the needy brings happiness. [22] Those who make evil plans will be ruined, but those who plan to do good will be loved and trusted. [23] Those who work hard make a profit, but those who only talk will be poor. [24] Wise people are rewarded with wealth, but fools only get more foolishness. [25] A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is a traitor. [26] Those who respect the LORD will have security, and their children will be protected. [27] Respect for the LORD gives life. It is like a fountain that can save people from death. [28] A king is honored when he has many people to rule, but a prince is ruined if he has none. [29] Patient people have great understanding, but people with quick tempers show their foolishness. [30] Peace of mind means a healthy body, but jealousy will rot your bones. [31] Whoever mistreats the poor insults their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God. [32] The wicked are ruined by their own evil, but those who do right are protected even in death. [33] Wisdom lives in those with understanding, and even fools recognize it. [34] Doing what is right makes a nation great, but sin will bring disgrace to any people. [35] A king is pleased with a wise servant, but he will become angry with one who causes him shame.