Proverbs 10:4-23

Proverbs 10:4-23 The Message (MSG)

Sloth makes you poor; diligence brings wealth. Make hay while the sun shines—that’s smart; go fishing during harvest—that’s stupid. Blessings accrue on a good and honest life, but the mouth of the wicked is a dark cave of abuse. A good and honest life is a blessed memorial; a wicked life leaves a rotten stench. A wise heart takes orders; an empty head will come unglued. Honesty lives confident and carefree, but Shifty is sure to be exposed. An evasive eye is a sign of trouble ahead, but an open, face-to-face meeting results in peace. The mouth of a good person is a deep, life-giving well, but the mouth of the wicked is a dark cave of abuse. Hatred starts fights, but love pulls a quilt over the bickering. You’ll find wisdom on the lips of a person of insight, but the shortsighted needs a slap in the face. The wise accumulate knowledge—a true treasure; know-it-alls talk too much—a sheer waste. The wealth of the rich is their security; the poverty of the indigent is their ruin. The wage of a good person is exuberant life; an evil person ends up with nothing but sin. The road to life is a disciplined life; ignore correction and you’re lost for good. Liars secretly hoard hatred; fools openly spread slander. The more talk, the less truth; the wise measure their words. The speech of a good person is worth waiting for; the blabber of the wicked is worthless. The talk of a good person is rich fare for many, but chatterboxes die of an empty heart. GOD GOD’s blessing makes life rich; nothing we do can improve on God. An empty-head thinks mischief is fun, but a mindful person relishes wisdom.

Proverbs 10:4-23 King James Version (KJV)

He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: But the hand of the diligent maketh rich. He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: But he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame. Blessings are upon the head of the just: But violence covereth the mouth of the wicked. The memory of the just is blessed: But the name of the wicked shall rot. The wise in heart will receive commandments: But a prating fool shall fall. He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: But he that perverteth his ways shall be known. He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: But a prating fool shall fall. The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: But violence covereth the mouth of the wicked. Hatred stirreth up strifes: But love covereth all sins. In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: But a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding. Wise men lay up knowledge: But the mouth of the foolish is near destruction. The rich man's wealth is his strong city: The destruction of the poor is their poverty. The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: The fruit of the wicked to sin. He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: But he that refuseth reproof erreth. He that hideth hatred with lying lips, And he that uttereth a slander, is a fool. In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: But he that refraineth his lips is wise. The tongue of the just is as choice silver: The heart of the wicked is little worth. The lips of the righteous feed many: But fools die for want of wisdom. The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, And he addeth no sorrow with it. It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: But a man of understanding hath wisdom.

Proverbs 10:4-23 New American Standard Bible - NASB 1995 (NASB1995)

Poor is he who works with a negligent hand, But the hand of the diligent makes rich. He who gathers in summer is a son who acts wisely, But he who sleeps in harvest is a son who acts shamefully. Blessings are on the head of the righteous, But the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. The memory of the righteous is blessed, But the name of the wicked will rot. The wise of heart will receive commands, But a babbling fool will be ruined. He who walks in integrity walks securely, But he who perverts his ways will be found out. He who winks the eye causes trouble, And a babbling fool will be ruined. The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, But the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all transgressions. On the lips of the discerning, wisdom is found, But a rod is for the back of him who lacks understanding. Wise men store up knowledge, But with the mouth of the foolish, ruin is at hand. The rich man’s wealth is his fortress, The ruin of the poor is their poverty. The wages of the righteous is life, The income of the wicked, punishment. He is on the path of life who heeds instruction, But he who ignores reproof goes astray. He who conceals hatred has lying lips, And he who spreads slander is a fool. When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, But he who restrains his lips is wise. The tongue of the righteous is as choice silver, The heart of the wicked is worth little. The lips of the righteous feed many, But fools die for lack of understanding. It is the blessing of the LORD that makes rich, And He adds no sorrow to it. Doing wickedness is like sport to a fool, And so is wisdom to a man of understanding.

Proverbs 10:4-23 New Century Version (NCV)

A lazy person will end up poor, but a hard worker will become rich. Those who gather crops on time are wise, but those who sleep through the harvest are a disgrace. Good people will have rich blessings, but the wicked will be overwhelmed by violence. Good people will be remembered as a blessing, but evil people will soon be forgotten. The wise do what they are told, but a talkative fool will be ruined. The honest person will live in safety, but the dishonest will be caught. A wink may get you into trouble, and foolish talk will lead to your ruin. The words of a good person give life, like a fountain of water, but the words of the wicked contain nothing but violence. Hatred stirs up trouble, but love forgives all wrongs. Wise people speak with understanding, but people without wisdom should be punished. The wise don’t tell everything they know, but the foolish talk too much and are ruined. Having lots of money protects the rich, but having no money destroys the poor. Good people are rewarded with life, but evil people are paid with punishment. Whoever accepts correction is on the way to life, but whoever ignores correction will lead others away from life. Whoever hides hate is a liar. Whoever tells lies is a fool. If you talk a lot, you are sure to sin; if you are wise, you will keep quiet. The words of a good person are like pure silver, but an evil person’s thoughts are worth very little. Good people’s words will help many others, but fools will die because they don’t have wisdom. The LORD’s blessing brings wealth, and no sorrow comes with it. A foolish person enjoys doing wrong, but a person with understanding enjoys doing what is wise.

Proverbs 10:4-23 American Standard Version (ASV)

He becometh poor that worketh with a slack hand; But the hand of the diligent maketh rich. He that gathereth in summer is a wise son; But he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame. Blessings are upon the head of the righteous; But violence covereth the mouth of the wicked. The memory of the righteous is blessed; But the name of the wicked shall rot. The wise in heart will receive commandments; But a prating fool shall fall. He that walketh uprightly walketh surely; But he that perverteth his ways shall be known. He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow; But a prating fool shall fall. The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life; But violence covereth the mouth of the wicked. Hatred stirreth up strifes; But love covereth all transgressions. In the lips of him that hath discernment wisdom is found; But a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding. Wise men lay up knowledge; But the mouth of the foolish is a present destruction. The rich man’s wealth is his strong city: The destruction of the poor is their poverty. The labor of the righteous tendeth to life; The increase of the wicked, to sin. He is in the way of life that heedeth correction; But he that forsaketh reproof erreth. He that hideth hatred is of lying lips; And he that uttereth a slander is a fool. In the multitude of words there wanteth not transgression; But he that refraineth his lips doeth wisely. The tongue of the righteous is as choice silver: The heart of the wicked is little worth. The lips of the righteous feed many; But the foolish die for lack of understanding. The blessing of Jehovah, it maketh rich; And he addeth no sorrow therewith. It is as sport to a fool to do wickedness; And so is wisdom to a man of understanding.

Proverbs 10:4-23 New International Version (NIV)

Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth. He who gathers crops in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son. Blessings crown the head of the righteous, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked. The name of the righteous is used in blessings, but the name of the wicked will rot. The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin. Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out. Whoever winks maliciously causes grief, and a chattering fool comes to ruin. The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs. Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of one who has no sense. The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invites ruin. The wealth of the rich is their fortified city, but poverty is the ruin of the poor. The wages of the righteous is life, but the earnings of the wicked are sin and death. Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray. Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips and spreads slander is a fool. Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues. The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value. The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of sense. The blessing of the LORD brings wealth, without painful toil for it. A fool finds pleasure in wicked schemes, but a person of understanding delights in wisdom.

Proverbs 10:4-23 New King James Version (NKJV)

He who has a slack hand becomes poor, But the hand of the diligent makes rich. He who gathers in summer is a wise son; He who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame. Blessings are on the head of the righteous, But violence covers the mouth of the wicked. The memory of the righteous is blessed, But the name of the wicked will rot. The wise in heart will receive commands, But a prating fool will fall. He who walks with integrity walks securely, But he who perverts his ways will become known. He who winks with the eye causes trouble, But a prating fool will fall. The mouth of the righteous is a well of life, But violence covers the mouth of the wicked. Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all sins. Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has understanding, But a rod is for the back of him who is devoid of understanding. Wise people store up knowledge, But the mouth of the foolish is near destruction. The rich man’s wealth is his strong city; The destruction of the poor is their poverty. The labor of the righteous leads to life, The wages of the wicked to sin. He who keeps instruction is in the way of life, But he who refuses correction goes astray. Whoever hides hatred has lying lips, And whoever spreads slander is a fool. In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise. The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; The heart of the wicked is worth little. The lips of the righteous feed many, But fools die for lack of wisdom. The blessing of the LORD makes one rich, And He adds no sorrow with it. To do evil is like sport to a fool, But a man of understanding has wisdom.

Proverbs 10:4-23 Amplified Bible (AMP)

Poor is he who works with a negligent and idle hand, But the hand of the diligent makes him rich. He who gathers during summer and takes advantage of his opportunities is a son who acts wisely, But he who sleeps during harvest and ignores the moment of opportunity is a son who acts shamefully. Blessings are on the head of the righteous [the upright, those in right standing with God], But the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. The memory of the righteous [person] is a [source of] blessing, But the name of the wicked will [be forgotten and] rot [like a corpse]. The wise in heart [are willing to learn so they] will accept and obey commands (instruction), But the babbling fool [who is arrogant and thinks himself wise] will come to ruin. He who walks in integrity and with moral character walks securely, But he who takes a crooked way will be discovered and punished. He who [maliciously] winks the eye [of evil intent] causes trouble; And the babbling fool [who is arrogant and thinks himself wise] will come to ruin. The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life and his words of wisdom are a source of blessing, But the mouth of the wicked conceals violence and evil. Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers and overwhelms all transgressions [forgiving and overlooking another’s faults]. On the lips of the discerning, [skillful and godly] wisdom is found, But discipline and the rod are for the back of the one who is without common sense and understanding. Wise men store up and treasure knowledge [in mind and heart], But with the mouth of the foolish, ruin is at hand. The rich man’s wealth is his fortress; The ruin of the poor is their poverty. The wages of the righteous [the upright, those in right standing with God] is [a worthwhile, meaningful] life, The income of the wicked, punishment. He who learns from instruction and correction is on the [right] path of life [and for others his example is a path toward wisdom and blessing], But he who ignores and refuses correction goes off course [and for others his example is a path toward sin and ruin]. He who hides hatred has lying lips, And he who spreads slander is a fool. When there are many words, transgression and offense are unavoidable, But he who controls his lips and keeps thoughtful silence is wise. The tongue of the righteous is like precious silver (greatly valued); The heart of the wicked is worth little. The lips of the righteous feed and guide many, But fools [who reject God and His wisdom] die for lack of understanding. The blessing of the LORD brings [true] riches, And He adds no sorrow to it [for it comes as a blessing from God]. Engaging in evil is like sport to the fool [who refuses wisdom and chases sin], But to a man of understanding [skillful and godly] wisdom brings joy.

Proverbs 10:4-23 New Living Translation (NLT)

Lazy people are soon poor; hard workers get rich. A wise youth harvests in the summer, but one who sleeps during harvest is a disgrace. The godly are showered with blessings; the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions. We have happy memories of the godly, but the name of a wicked person rots away. The wise are glad to be instructed, but babbling fools fall flat on their faces. People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will be exposed. People who wink at wrong cause trouble, but a bold reproof promotes peace. The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain; the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions. Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love makes up for all offenses. Wise words come from the lips of people with understanding, but those lacking sense will be beaten with a rod. Wise people treasure knowledge, but the babbling of a fool invites disaster. The wealth of the rich is their fortress; the poverty of the poor is their destruction. The earnings of the godly enhance their lives, but evil people squander their money on sin. People who accept discipline are on the pathway to life, but those who ignore correction will go astray. Hiding hatred makes you a liar; slandering others makes you a fool. Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut. The words of the godly are like sterling silver; the heart of a fool is worthless. The words of the godly encourage many, but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense. The blessing of the LORD makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it. Doing wrong is fun for a fool, but living wisely brings pleasure to the sensible.

Proverbs 10:4-23 The Passion Translation (TPT)

Slackers will know what it means to be poor, while the hard worker becomes wealthy. Know the importance of the season you’re in and a wise son you will be. But what a waste when an incompetent son sleeps through his day of opportunity! The lover of God is enriched beyond belief, but the evil man only curses his luck. The reputation of the righteous becomes a sweet memorial to him, while the wicked life only leaves a rotten stench. The heart of the wise will easily accept instruction. But those who do all the talking are too busy to listen and learn. They’ll just keep stumbling ahead into the mess they created. The one who walks in integrity will experience a fearless confidence in life, but the one who is devious will eventually be exposed. The troublemaker always has a clever plan and won’t look you in the eye, but the one who speaks correction honestly can be trusted to make peace. The teachings of the lovers of God are like living truth flowing from the fountain of life, but the words of the wicked hide an ulterior motive. Hatred keeps old quarrels alive, but love draws a veil over every insult and finds a way to make sin disappear. Words of wisdom flow from the one with true discernment. But to the heartless, words of wisdom become like rods beating their backside. Wise men don’t divulge all that they know, but chattering fools blurt out words that bring them to the brink of ruin. A rich man’s wealth becomes like a citadel of strength, but the poverty of the poor leaves their security in shambles. The lovers of God earn their wages for a life of righteousness, but the wages of the wicked are squandered on a life of sin. If you readily receive correction, you are walking on the path to life. But if you reject rebuke, you’re guaranteed to go astray. The one who hides his hatred while pretending to be your friend is nothing but a liar. But the one who slanders you behind your back proves that he’s a fool, never to be trusted. If you keep talking, it won’t be long before you’re saying something really wrong. Prove you’re wise from the very start— just bite your tongue and be strong! The teachings of the godly ones are like pure silver, bringing words of redemption to others, but the heart of the wicked is corrupt. The lovers of God feed many with their teachings, but the foolish ones starve themselves for lack of an understanding heart. True enrichment comes from the blessing of the Lord, with rest and contentment in knowing that it all comes from him. The fool finds fun in planning to do wrong, but the wise delight in having discernment.

Proverbs 10:4-23 English Standard Version 2016 (ESV)

A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. He who gathers in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame. Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot. The wise of heart will receive commandments, but a babbling fool will come to ruin. Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out. Whoever winks the eye causes trouble, and a babbling fool will come to ruin. The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses. On the lips of him who has understanding, wisdom is found, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks sense. The wise lay up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool brings ruin near. A rich man’s wealth is his strong city; the poverty of the poor is their ruin. The wage of the righteous leads to life, the gain of the wicked to sin. Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life, but he who rejects reproof leads others astray. The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever utters slander is a fool. When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent. The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; the heart of the wicked is of little worth. The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of sense. The blessing of the LORD makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it. Doing wrong is like a joke to a fool, but wisdom is pleasure to a man of understanding.