The Book of Proverbs is a collection of wise and moral statement about life. David's son, Solomon, wrote many of the Proverbs. People who study the Bible feel that he did not write all of them. They feel that he collected some of them from other people.
Solomon became the king of Israel after King David died. In 1 Kings 3:9,
Solomon asks God to make him wise so that he would be a good king.
He asked, "Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy
people, that I may discern between good and bad:
for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?"
God answered Solomon's prayer and made him very wise. No one before him
or after him has been as wise.
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Proverbs 12
A person who wants to learn loves
knowledge. A person who hates to be corrected is not smart.
[1] Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that
hateth reproof is brutish.
God is happy when a person behaves well. God
condemns a man who behaves wickedly.
[2] A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices
will he condemn.
A man who is wicked will not have safety. Righteous
people will be strong and secure like a tree with strong roots.
[3] A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the
righteous shall not be moved.
A woman who obeys God makes her
husband proud. A woman who shames her husband makes him feel sick inside.
[4] A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed
is as rottenness in his bones.
Good people think about good things. Wicked people
only tell lies.
[5] The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked
are deceit.
Words of wicked people bring blood and death. Words
of good people save them.
[6] The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of
the upright shall deliver them.
Wicked people are destroyed and die. Good people
and their families will live.
[7] The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous
shall stand.
People will think well of a wise man. People
will hate a man with an evil heart.
[8] A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a
perverse heart shall be despised.
A man might not look or act rich. But he can afford
to pay another person to work for him. Another man might look and act
rich. But he can't even afford to buy food to eat. The man who does
not look rich is better than the man who acts rich.
[9] He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that
honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.
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A good man treats his animals well. A wicked man
thinks he shows mercy to his animals, but he is really cruel and mean to
them.
[10] A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies
of the wicked are cruel.
A man who works hard on his land will have enough
food to eat. A man who tries to copy worthless people does not have
understanding.
[11] He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that
followeth vain persons is void of understanding.
Wicked people want what evil men have. Good people have deep roots like
strong trees. A strong tree grows good fruit. Good people do good things.
[12] The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous
yieldeth fruit.
Wicked people tell lies, and they get caught. Good
people do not tell lies. They stay out of trouble.
[13] The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just
shall come out of trouble.
A man will be rewarded if his words and work are good.
[14] A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the
recompence of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him.
A foolish person thinks he is always right. A wise
person gets advice from other people.
[15] The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto
counsel is wise.
A fool will get mad and lose his temper quickly. A
smart man ignores people who insult him.
[16] A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.
A good person will tell the truth. A dishonest
person tells lies.
[17] He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness
deceit.
Sharp words hurt people like a sword. Wise words
make people feel better.
[18] There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of
the wise is health.
Lips that tell true words will last
forever. A tongue that tells lies only lasts for a short time.
[19] The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is
but for a moment.
Evil people plan to do evil things. People who are good and peaceful make
other people happy and joyful.
[20] Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the
counsellers of peace is joy.
Evil things do not happen to people who are fair.
Wicked people have a lot of trouble.
[21] There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled
with mischief.
God hates lips that tell lies. God is happy
with people who tell the truth.
[22] Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are
his delight.
A smart man does not tell everything. A foolish man
tells his foolishness to everyone.
[23] A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth
foolishness.
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| From Wallpaper4God.com |
People who work hard become
leaders. Lazy people
are always under someone else's control.
[24] The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be
under tribute.
Sadness in a man's heart will make him stoop over
and feel tired. A kind word makes a man feel happy.
[25] Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh
it glad.
Good people show their neighbors how to behave
well. Wicked people cause their neighbors to behave badly.
[26] The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the
wicked seduceth them.
A lazy man does not hunt and cook his own food. A
man who works hard gets good food.
[27] The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the
substance of a diligent man is precious.
People who behave well will have life. They will
not die.
[28] In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there
is no death.
Proverbs 13
A smart son listens to what his father teaches him. A
stubborn person
does not want to hear his parents correct him.
[1] A wise son heareth his father's instruction: but a scorner
heareth not rebuke.
Good things will happen to a man who says good
words. People who do not obey God's laws will have violence.
[2] A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the
transgressors shall eat violence.
A person who is careful about his words will live.
A person who talks too much will be destroyed.
[3] He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his
lips shall have destruction.
A lazy person wants a lot but has nothing. A person who works hard
will have a lot.
[4] The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the
diligent shall be made fat.
A good man hates lying. A bad man
does awful and shameful things.
[5] A righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh
to shame.
A man who loves God will have good behavior. He
will be righteous. A sinner is controlled by wickedness.
[6] Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but wickedness
overthroweth the sinner.
There are people who get a lot of
money, but they have nothing. There are people who are poor, but they
are very rich.
[7] There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that
maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.
A rich man may have to pay a ransom (money) to
people who threaten him. But poor people do not hear any threats.
[8] The ransom of a man's life are his riches: but the poor heareth not
rebuke.
Righteous, good people will be
happy and light. But wicked people will be dark.
[9] The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall
be put out.
Someone who is too proud (vain)
will not want to hear advice. A person who is wise will listen to advice
from other people.
[10] Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.
If a person gets money in a wrong way, the money
will not last long. A person who earns his money by working will continue to
have money.
[11] Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by
labour shall increase.
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A person is very sad when he hopes for something
and doesn't get it. But when he gets what he hoped for, he is happy
and feels alive again.
[12] Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is
a tree of life.
Anyone who hates God's word will be destroyed.
Anyone who respects God's word will be rewarded.
[13] Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the
commandment shall be rewarded.
Wise people obey God's laws. It will keep them away
from death and will give them life.
[14] The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of
death.
People who have good understanding have an easy
time. People who behave badly have a hard time.
[15] Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.
A smart man behaves wisely. A foolish man shows
that he doesn't know anything.
[16] Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his
folly.
A bad messenger brings trouble. A faithful helper
brings health.
[17] A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is
health.
If a person refuses to listen when someone tries to
teach him, he will be poor and ashamed. If a person listens when someone
corrects him, he will be honored.
[18] Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he
that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.
When a people does something that they really wanted
to do, they are happy. It is sweet to their soul. Fools don't
want to stop doing evil things.
[19] The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to
fools to depart from evil.
A person who hangs around with wise people will
also be wise. A person who hangs around with fools will be destroyed.
[20] He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools
shall be destroyed.
Evil follows people who sin. Righteous, good people
will be repaid for doing good things.
[21] Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.
A good man leaves money for his children and
grandchildren after he dies. A sinner's wealth will go to the good people
after he dies.
[22] A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the
wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.
If poor people grow a lot of food on their farms,
it will be destroyed by people who are not fair.
[23] Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed
for want of judgment.
A man who loves his son will discipline him and
correct him when he behaves badly.
[24] He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him
chasteneth him betimes.
Good people will have all the food they want.
Wicked people will always feel hungry.
[25] The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of
the wicked shall want.
Proverbs 14
If a woman is wise, she builds her house. If she is
foolish, she destroys it.
[1] Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish
plucketh it down with her hands.
A person who respects God behaves well. A person
who hates God behaves badly.
[2] He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: but he that is
perverse in his ways despiseth him.
Foolish people are too proud and say foolish
things. Wise people say smart things that save them.
[3] In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise
shall preserve them.
If a farm has no oxen, the farm will not grow
anything. If there is a strong ox, the farm will grow a lot.
[4] Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the
strength of the ox.
An honest person will not lie. A person who is not
honest will tell lies.
[5] A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.
A person who does not believe will look for wisdom,
but he will not find it. A man who understands will find knowledge easily.
[6] A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto
him that understandeth.
If you see that a person is foolish and knows
nothing, get away from him.
[7] Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him
the lips of knowledge.
A smart person knows the good way to behave. A
foolish person will only behave dishonestly.
[8] The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of
fools is deceit.
Foolish people make fun of sin. But God loves
people who are righteous and obey Him.
[9] Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.
Everyone knows how he himself feels inside. Another person
cannot change the joy he feels inside.
[10] The heart knoweth his own bitterness; and a stranger doth not
intermeddle with his joy.
Wicked people will end up with nothing. Good people
will continue to be strong.
[11] The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle of the
upright shall flourish.
Some people think they are doing the right things,
but they are not. Their behavior will lead to death.
[12] There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are
the ways of death.
A person can be laughing, but feel sad inside.
After they finish laughing, they feel sad again.
[13] Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is
heaviness.
A person may have loved God in the past, but now he
doesn't. He does bad things, then bad things will happen to him. A good man
will do good things, then good things will happen to him.
[14] The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good
man shall be satisfied from himself.
A person who is not smart believes everything he
hears. A smart man is careful about his actions.
[15] The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to
his going.
A wise man is afraid of evil and runs away from it.
A foolish person gets mad easily and thinks he knows everything.
[16] A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and
is confident.
A person who gets mad quickly behaves foolishly.
People hate a man who is always planning wicked things.
[17] He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is
hated.
People who don't know much do foolish tings.
Careful people have a lot of knowledge.
[18] The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
Evil people will have to obey good people. Wicked
people will have to bow at the gates of the good people.
[19] The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the
righteous.
Many people hate a poor person, even his neighbors.
A rich person has many friends.
[20] The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many
friends.
It is a sin to hate your neighbor. A person who has
mercy on poor people is happy.
[21] He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the
poor, happy is he.
People who plan evil things make big mistakes. People who do good
things will have truth.
[22] Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them
that devise good.
People who work will make a profit. People who only
talk will be poor.
[23] In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to
penury.
Wise people will be rich. Foolish
people will just be more foolish.
[24] The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is
folly.
A person who tells the truth will
save lives. A dishonest person only tells lies.
[25] A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.
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People who respect God will feel safe. God's
children will have a place of safety.
[26] In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall
have a place of refuge.
If you respect the Lord, you will have life. You
will escape the trap of death.
[27] The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares
of death.
A king will be strong if many of his people honor
him. If the people who honor him are few, he will be destroyed.
[28] In the multitude of people is the king's honour: but in the want of
people is the destruction of the prince.
A person who is smart will not get
mad quickly. A person who gets mad fast shows his foolishness.
[29] He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is
hasty of spirit exalteth folly.
If a person feels content, he will have life. If
a person feels jealousy, he will not be healthy.
[30] A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the
bones.
If a person treats poor people badly, he is
insulting God. If a person honors God, he will treat poor people well.
[31] He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that
honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.
Wicked people are destroyed because
they behave wickedly. Good people have hope to live after they die.
[32] The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath
hope in his death.
If a person is wise and has understanding, his
wisdom will be quiet and in his heart. But the foolishness of fools is seen
by everyone.
[33] Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that
which is in the midst of fools is made known.
Righteous, good people make the country better.
Sinful people bring shame to any country.
[34] Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.
A king will be happy with a wise worker. A king
will be angry with a person who brings shame.
[35] The king's favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against
him that causeth shame.
Proverbs 15
A quiet, calm answer takes away anger. Hurtful, insulting words make
more anger.
[1] A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir
up anger.
Wise people say good words. Foolish people say
foolish words.
[2] The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools
poureth out foolishness.
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| From Wallpaper4God.com |
God's eyes are everywhere. He sees everything that
is evil and everything that is good.
[3] The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the
good.
A person who says only good things will help other
people have life. A person who says perverse, dirty things hurts other
people.
[4] A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a
breach in the spirit.
A foolish person does not like to listen to his
father's advice. A smart person will learn from people who correct him.
[5] A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof
is prudent.
Righteous, good people have a lot of treasure.
Wicked, bad people only have trouble.
[6] In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of
the wicked is trouble.
Wise people say wise things. Foolish people only
say stupid things.
[7] The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish
doeth not so.
If a wicked person makes a sacrifice to God, God hates it. If a good
person prays to God, God is very happy.
[8] The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the
prayer of the upright is his delight.
God hates the things that wicked people do. God
loves people who obey His laws.
[9] The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him
that followeth after righteousness.
A person who does not obey God gets mad if
someone tells him he's wrong. A person who hates to be corrected will die.
[10] Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that
hateth reproof shall die.
God can see everything -- even hell and people who are
dead. If He can see that, he can see what's in the hearts of men.
[11] Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts
of the children of men?
A person who doubts God does not love someone who
tells him he's wrong. He won't go ask advice from a wise person.
[12] A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto
the wise.
If a person feels happy inside, he will be happy
on the outside, too. If a person is depressed inside, their spirit will be
broken and unhappy on the outside.
[13] A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart
the spirit is broken.
A smart person always tries to learn more. A
foolish person just wants more foolishness.
[14] The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the
mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.
Unhappy people will always have bad
days. Happy people will always have happiness.
[15] All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart
hath a continual feast.
It is better to be poor and love God than to be
rich and have trouble.
[16] Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and
trouble therewith.
It is better to have love and have only a little
food than a big meal with people who hate.
[17] Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred
therewith.
A man with a bad temper stirs up trouble. A man who
has patience keeps peace.
[18] A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger
appeaseth strife.
A lazy man will have a hard time in life. It
will be like trying to walk through tall thorns and stickers. A righteous
good man will have an easier life. It will be like walking on a path that is
clear.
[19] The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of
the righteous is made plain.
If a father has a wise son, he will be happy.
A foolish man will hate his mother.
[20] A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his
mother.
A person who is not wise will be happy with
foolishness. A man who has understanding will behave well.
[21] Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of
understanding walketh uprightly.
If a person does not ask for advice, his plans will
not succeed. If a person gets a lot of advice, his plans will succeed.
[22] Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of
counsellers they are established.
A man who says good words at the right time will
have joy. His words will bring happiness.
[23] A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due
season, how good is it!
A wise person will live a good life so that he will
go to heaven. He will escape from hell.
[24] The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell
beneath.
God will destroy the house of a person who is too
proud. God will give the widow a home.
[25] The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the
border of the widow.
God hates evil thoughts. God loves nice words from
pure people.
[26] The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the
words of the pure are pleasant words.
A greedy person makes trouble for his family.
A person who is not greedy and does not take bribes (money to do something
bad) will live.
[27] He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth
gifts shall live.
A righteous good person thinks before he answers.
A wicked person says many evil things.
[28] The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the
wicked poureth out evil things.
God is far away from wicked people, but he is close to good people. He hears
the prayers of good people.
[29] The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the
righteous.
Seeing pretty things and hearing about good things
makes a person feel happy and strong.
[30] The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the
bones fat.
A wise person will listen when
someone gives him advice.
[31] The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.
A person who does not listen when someone corrects
him does not care about himself. A person who listens to correction
becomes smarter.
[32] He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that
heareth reproof getteth understanding.
If you respect God, you will become wise. But
first, you must be humble and not be too proud.
[33] The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is
humility.
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