Proverbs 14:1-35 GNT

[1] Homes are made by the wisdom of women, but are destroyed by foolishness. [2] Be honest and you show that you have reverence for the LORD; be dishonest and you show that you do not. [3] Proud fools talk too much; the words of the wise protect them. [4] Without any oxen to pull the plow your barn will be empty, but with them it will be full of grain. [5] A reliable witness always tells the truth, but an unreliable one tells nothing but lies. [6] Conceited people can never become wise, but intelligent people learn easily. [7] Stay away from foolish people; they have nothing to teach you. [8] Why is a clever person wise? Because he knows what to do. Why is a stupid person foolish? Because he only thinks he knows. [9] Foolish people don't care if they sin, but good people want to be forgiven. [10] Your joy is your own; your bitterness is your own. No one can share them with you. [11] A good person's house will still be standing after an evildoer's house has been destroyed. [12] What you think is the right road may lead to death. [13] Laughter may hide sadness. When happiness is gone, sorrow is always there. [14] Bad people will get what they deserve. Good people will be rewarded for their deeds. [15] A fool will believe anything; smart people watch their step. [16] Sensible people are careful to stay out of trouble, but stupid people are careless and act too quickly. [17] People with a hot temper do foolish things; wiser people remain calm. [18] Ignorant people get what their foolishness deserves, but the clever are rewarded with knowledge. [19] Evil people will have to bow down to the righteous and humbly beg their favor. [20] No one likes the poor, not even their neighbors, but the rich have many friends. [21] If you want to be happy, be kind to the poor; it is a sin to despise anyone. [22] You will earn the trust and respect of others if you work for good; if you work for evil, you are making a mistake. [23] Work and you will earn a living; if you sit around talking you will be poor. [24] Wise people are rewarded with wealth, but fools are known by their foolishness. [25] A witness saves lives when he tells the truth; when he tells lies, he betrays people. [26] Reverence for the LORD gives confidence and security to a man and his family. [27] Do you want to avoid death? Reverence for the LORD is a fountain of life. [28] A king's greatness depends on how many people he rules; without them he is nothing. [29] If you stay calm, you are wise, but if you have a hot temper, you only show how stupid you are. [30] Peace of mind makes the body healthy, but jealousy is like a cancer. [31] If you oppress poor people, you insult the God who made them; but kindness shown to the poor is an act of worship. [32] Wicked people bring about their own downfall by their evil deeds, but good people are protected by their integrity. [33] Wisdom is in every thought of intelligent people; fools know nothing about wisdom. [34] Righteousness makes a nation great; sin is a disgrace to any nation. [35] Kings are pleased with competent officials, but they punish those who fail them.