Proverbs 14:12-35

There’s a way of life that looks harmless enough; look again—it leads straight to hell. Sure, those people appear to be having a good time, but all that laughter will end in heartbreak. A mean person gets paid back in meanness, a gracious person in grace. The gullible believe anything they’re told; the prudent sift and weigh every word. The wise watch their steps and avoid evil; fools are headstrong and reckless. The hotheaded do things they’ll later regret; the coldhearted get the cold shoulder. Foolish dreamers live in a world of illusion; wise realists plant their feet on the ground. Eventually, evil will pay tribute to good; the wicked will respect God-loyal people. An unlucky loser is shunned by all, but everyone loves a winner. It’s criminal to ignore a neighbor in need, but compassion for the poor—what a blessing! Isn’t it obvious that conspirators lose out, while the thoughtful win love and trust? Hard work always pays off; mere talk puts no bread on the table. The wise accumulate wisdom; fools get stupider by the day. Souls are saved by truthful witness and betrayed by the spread of lies. The Fear-of-GOD builds up confidence, and makes a world safe for your children. The Fear-of-GOD is a spring of living water so you won’t go off drinking from poisoned wells. The mark of a good leader is loyal followers; leadership is nothing without a following. Slowness to anger makes for deep understanding; a quick-tempered person stockpiles stupidity. A sound mind makes for a robust body, but runaway emotions corrode the bones. You insult your Maker when you exploit the powerless; when you’re kind to the poor, you honor God. The evil of bad people leaves them out in the cold; the integrity of good people creates a safe place for living. Lady Wisdom is at home in an understanding heart— fools never even get to say hello. God-devotion makes a country strong; God-avoidance leaves people weak. Diligent work gets a warm commendation; shiftless work earns an angry rebuke.