1Solomon's proverbs. A wise son makes his father happy, but a stupid son only brings his mother grief.

2Wealth gained through evil does you no good; but living right saves you from death.

3The Lord doesn't let good people go hungry, but he stops the wicked from getting what they want.

4Lazy hands make you poor, but hard-working hands make you rich.

5A son who gathers crops during the summer is sensible, but the one who sleeps during harvest brings disgrace.

6Those who are good are blessed, but what the wicked say hides their violent nature.

7The good are remembered as a blessing, but the reputation of the wicked will rot.

8Those who think wisely pay attention to instruction, but a stupid chatterbox ends up in disaster.

9Honest people will live in safety, but those who behave deceitfully will be caught out.

10People who wink slyly ¹⁸cause trouble, but someone who gives a strong rebuke brings peace. ¹⁹

11What good people say is a spring that gives life, but what the wicked say hides their violent nature.

12Hatred causes conflict, but love covers all wrongs.

13Wisdom comes from people with good judgment, but stupid people are punished with a rod.

14Wise people accumulate knowledge, but the chattering of stupid people is a prelude to disaster.

15The wealth of the rich provides them protection, while the poverty of the poor ruins them.

16If you do right you're rewarded with life, but if you're wicked all you gain is sin.

17If you accept instruction, you're on the path to life, but if you reject correction you'll go astray.

18Anyone who hides their hatred is lying, and anyone who spreads slander is stupid.

19If you talk too much, you'll say something wrong. Be wise and take care what you say.

20What good people say is like the best silver, but the mind of the wicked isn't worth much.

21Advice from good people helps feed many others, but stupid people die because they have no sense.

22The Lord's blessing makes you rich, and he doesn't add any sadness to accompany it.

23Stupid people think it's fun to do wrong, but someone who has wisdom understands what's right.

24What the wicked fear will happen to them, while what good people hope for will be granted.

25When the storm hits, the wicked are no more, but the good are safe and secure forever.

26In the same way vinegar irritates the teeth and smoke irritates the eyes, lazy people irritate their employers.

27Honoring the Lord makes your life longer, but the years the wicked live will be cut short.

28Good people look forward to happiness, but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing.

29The way of the Lord protects those who do right, but he destroys those who do evil.

30The good will never be removed from the land, but the wicked will not remain there.

31What good people say produces wisdom, but liars will have their tongues cut out.

32Good people know the right thing to say, but the wicked always lie.