THE BOOK OF PROVERBS

 

Proverbs 13

1 ¶ A wise son listens to his father’s instruction: but a mocker will not hear criticism.

2 ¶ A man can enjoy good as a fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors feed on violence.

3 ¶ He who guards his mouth protects his life: but he who does not restrain his lips invites destruction.

4 ¶ The soul of the sluggard desires, and has nothing: but the soul of the diligent will prosper.

5 ¶ A righteous man hates lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and comes to shame.

6 ¶ Righteousness guards one who is upright in the way: but wickedness overthrows the sinner.

7 ¶ There is one who pretends to be rich, yet has nothing: there is one who pretends to be poor, yet has great riches.

8 ¶ A man’s riches are the ransom for his life: but the poor does not hear such threats.

9 ¶ The light of the righteous shines brightly: but the lamp of the wicked will be put out.

10 ¶ Strife is caused only by pride: but those who accept advice gain wisdom.

11 ¶ Wealth gained without effort will dwindle away: but whoever earns it by labor will increase it.

12 ¶ Hope that is delayed makes the heart sick: but when what is hoped for becomes a reality, it is a tree of life.

13 ¶ The one who despises instruction will be destroyed: but he who takes the commandment seriously will find reward.

14 ¶ A wise man’s instruction is a fountain of life, turning people away from the snares of death.

15 ¶ Good understanding brings favor: but the way of transgressors is hard.

16 ¶ Any sensible man will act wisely: but a fool displays his stupidity.

17 ¶ A wicked envoy will cause trouble: but a faithful ambassador heals differences.

18 ¶ Poverty and shame come to one who refuses correction: but he who takes rebuke seriously will be honored.

19 ¶ The fulfillment of one’s desire is sweet to the soul: but fools hate to depart from evil.

20 ¶ He who walks with wise men will be wise: but a companion of fools will be destroyed.

21 ¶ Disaster hunts down sinners: but the righteous are rewarded with good.

22 ¶ A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children: but the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.

23 ¶ There is much food in the plowed ground of the poor: but it is swept away by injustice.

24 ¶ He who will not use his stick hates his son: but he who loves him will punish him when it is called for.

25 ¶ The righteous eats until he is full: but the appetite of the wicked is never satisfied.