Proverbs 14:1-17
Proverbs 14:1-17 The Message (MSG)
Lady Wisdom builds a lovely home; Sir Fool comes along and tears it down brick by brick. An honest life shows respect for GOD; a degenerate life is a slap in his face. Frivolous talk provokes a derisive smile; wise speech evokes nothing but respect. No cattle, no crops; a good harvest requires a strong ox for the plow. A true witness never lies; a false witness makes a business of it. Cynics look high and low for wisdom—and never find it; the open-minded find it right on their doorstep! Escape quickly from the company of fools; they’re a waste of your time, a waste of your words. The wisdom of the wise keeps life on track; the foolishness of fools lands them in the ditch. The stupid ridicule right and wrong, but a moral life is a favored life. The person who shuns the bitter moments of friends will be an outsider at their celebrations. Lives of careless wrongdoing are run-down shacks; holy living builds soaring cathedrals. 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.
Proverbs 14:1-17 King James Version (KJV)
Every wise woman buildeth her house: But the foolish plucketh it down with her hands. He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: But he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him. In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: But the lips of the wise shall preserve them. Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: But much increase is by the strength of the ox. A faithful witness will not lie: But a false witness will utter lies. A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: But knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth. Go from the presence of a foolish man, When thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge. The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: But the folly of fools is deceit. Fools make a mock at sin: But among the righteous there is favour. The heart knoweth his own bitterness; And a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy. The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: But the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish. There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, But the end thereof are the ways of death. Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; And the end of that mirth is heaviness. The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: And a good man shall be satisfied from himself. The simple believeth every word: But the prudent man looketh well to his going. A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: But the fool rageth, and is confident. He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: And a man of wicked devices is hated.
Proverbs 14:1-17 New American Standard Bible - NASB 1995 (NASB1995)
The wise woman builds her house, But the foolish tears it down with her own hands. He who walks in his uprightness fears the LORD, But he who is devious in his ways despises Him. In the mouth of the foolish is a rod for his back, But the lips of the wise will protect them. Where no oxen are, the manger is clean, But much revenue comes by the strength of the ox. A trustworthy witness will not lie, But a false witness utters lies. A scoffer seeks wisdom and finds none, But knowledge is easy to one who has understanding. Leave the presence of a fool, Or you will not discern words of knowledge. The wisdom of the sensible is to understand his way, But the foolishness of fools is deceit. Fools mock at sin, But among the upright there is good will. The heart knows its own bitterness, And a stranger does not share its joy. The house of the wicked will be destroyed, But the tent of the upright will flourish. There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. Even in laughter the heart may be in pain, And the end of joy may be grief. The backslider in heart will have his fill of his own ways, But a good man will be satisfied with his. The naive believes everything, But the sensible man considers his steps. A wise man is cautious and turns away from evil, But a fool is arrogant and careless. A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, And a man of evil devices is hated.
Proverbs 14:1-17 New Century Version (NCV)
A wise woman strengthens her family, but a foolish woman destroys hers by what she does. People who live good lives respect the LORD, but those who live evil lives don’t. Fools will be punished for their proud words, but the words of the wise will protect them. When there are no oxen, no food is in the barn. But with a strong ox, much grain can be grown. A truthful witness does not lie, but a false witness tells nothing but lies. Those who make fun of wisdom look for it and do not find it, but knowledge comes easily to those with understanding. Stay away from fools, because they can’t teach you anything. A wise person will understand what to do, but a foolish person is dishonest. Fools don’t care if they sin, but honest people work at being right. No one else can know your sadness, and strangers cannot share your joy. The wicked person’s house will be destroyed, but a good person’s tent will still be standing. Some people think they are doing right, but in the end it leads to death. Someone who is laughing may be sad inside, and joy may end in sadness. Evil people will be paid back for their evil ways, and good people will be rewarded for their good ones. Fools will believe anything, but the wise think about what they do. Wise people are careful and stay out of trouble, but fools are careless and quick to act. Someone with a quick temper does foolish things, but someone with understanding remains calm.
Proverbs 14:1-17 American Standard Version (ASV)
Every wise woman buildeth her house; But the foolish plucketh it down with her own hands. He that walketh in his uprightness feareth Jehovah; But he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him. In the mouth of the foolish is a rod for his pride; But the lips of the wise shall preserve them. Where no oxen are, the crib is clean; But much increase is by the strength of the ox. A faithful witness will not lie; But a false witness uttereth lies. A scoffer seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not; But knowledge is easy unto him that hath understanding. Go into the presence of a foolish man, And thou shalt not perceive in him the lips of knowledge. The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way; But the folly of fools is deceit. A trespass-offering mocketh fools; But among the upright there is good will. The heart knoweth its own bitterness; And a stranger doth not intermeddle with its joy. The house of the wicked shall be overthrown; But the tent of the upright shall flourish. There is a way which seemeth right unto a man; But the end thereof are the ways of death. Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; And the end of mirth is heaviness. The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways; And a good man shall be satisfied from himself. The simple believeth every word; But the prudent man looketh well to his going. A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil; But the fool beareth himself insolently, and is confident. He that is soon angry will deal foolishly; And a man of wicked devices is hated.
Proverbs 14:1-17 New International Version (NIV)
The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down. Whoever fears the LORD walks uprightly, but those who despise him are devious in their ways. A fool’s mouth lashes out with pride, but the lips of the wise protect them. Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox come abundant harvests. An honest witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies. The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning. Stay away from a fool, for you will not find knowledge on their lips. The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception. Fools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwill is found among the upright. Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy. The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish. There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death. Even in laughter the heart may ache, and rejoicing may end in grief. The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways, and the good rewarded for theirs. The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps. The wise fear the LORD and shun evil, but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure. A quick-tempered person does foolish things, and the one who devises evil schemes is hated.
Proverbs 14:1-17 New King James Version (NKJV)
The wise woman builds her house, But the foolish pulls it down with her hands. He who walks in his uprightness fears the LORD, But he who is perverse in his ways despises Him. In the mouth of a fool is a rod of pride, But the lips of the wise will preserve them. Where no oxen are, the trough is clean; But much increase comes by the strength of an ox. A faithful witness does not lie, But a false witness will utter lies. A scoffer seeks wisdom and does not find it, But knowledge is easy to him who understands. Go from the presence of a foolish man, When you do not perceive in him the lips of knowledge. The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way, But the folly of fools is deceit. Fools mock at sin, But among the upright there is favor. The heart knows its own bitterness, And a stranger does not share its joy. The house of the wicked will be overthrown, But the tent of the upright will flourish. There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. Even in laughter the heart may sorrow, And the end of mirth may be grief. The backslider in heart will be filled with his own ways, But a good man will be satisfied from above. The simple believes every word, But the prudent considers well his steps. A wise man fears and departs from evil, But a fool rages and is self-confident. A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, And a man of wicked intentions is hated.
Proverbs 14:1-17 Amplified Bible (AMP)
The wise woman builds her house [on a foundation of godly precepts, and her household thrives], But the foolish one [who lacks spiritual insight] tears it down with her own hands [by ignoring godly principles]. He who walks in uprightness [reverently] fears the LORD [and obeys and worships Him with profound respect], But he who is devious in his ways despises Him. In the mouth of the [arrogant] fool [who rejects God] is a rod for his back, But the lips of the wise [when they speak with godly wisdom] will protect them. Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean, But much revenue [because of good crops] comes by the strength of the ox. A faithful and trustworthy witness will not lie, But a false witness speaks lies. A scoffer seeks wisdom and finds none [for his ears are closed to wisdom], But knowledge is easy for one who understands [because he is willing to learn]. Leave the presence of a [shortsighted] fool, For you will not find knowledge or hear godly wisdom from his lips. The wisdom of the sensible is to understand his way, But the foolishness of [shortsighted] fools is deceit. Fools mock sin [but sin mocks the fools], But among the upright there is good will and the favor and blessing of God. [Prov 10:23] The heart knows its own bitterness, And no stranger shares its joy. The house of the wicked will be overthrown, But the tent of the upright will thrive. There is a way which seems right to a man and appears straight before him, But its end is the way of death. Even in laughter the heart may be in pain, And the end of joy may be grief. The backslider in heart will have his fill with his own [rotten] ways, But a good man will be satisfied with his ways [the godly thought and action which his heart pursues and in which he delights]. The naive or inexperienced person [is easily misled and] believes every word he hears, But the prudent man [is discreet and astute and] considers well where he is going. A wise man suspects danger and cautiously avoids evil, But the fool is arrogant and careless. A quick-tempered man acts foolishly and without self-control, And a man of wicked schemes is hated.
Proverbs 14:1-17 New Living Translation (NLT)
A wise woman builds her home, but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands. Those who follow the right path fear the LORD; those who take the wrong path despise him. A fool’s proud talk becomes a rod that beats him, but the words of the wise keep them safe. Without oxen a stable stays clean, but you need a strong ox for a large harvest. An honest witness does not lie; a false witness breathes lies. A mocker seeks wisdom and never finds it, but knowledge comes easily to those with understanding. Stay away from fools, for you won’t find knowledge on their lips. The prudent understand where they are going, but fools deceive themselves. Fools make fun of guilt, but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation. Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can fully share its joy. The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the godly will flourish. There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death. Laughter can conceal a heavy heart, but when the laughter ends, the grief remains. Backsliders get what they deserve; good people receive their reward. Only simpletons believe everything they’re told! The prudent carefully consider their steps. The wise are cautious and avoid danger; fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence. Short-tempered people do foolish things, and schemers are hated.
Proverbs 14:1-17 The Passion Translation (TPT)
Every wise woman encourages and builds up her family, but a foolish woman over time will tear it down by her own actions. Lovers of truth follow the right path because of their wonderment and worship of God. But the devious display their disdain for him. The words of a proud fool will all come back to haunt him. But the words of the wise will become a shield of protection around them. The only clean stable is an empty stable. So if you want the work of an ox and to enjoy an abundant harvest, you’ll have a mess or two to clean up! An honest witness will never lie, but a deceitful witness lies with every breath. The intellectually arrogant seek for wisdom, but they never seem to discover what they claim they’re looking for. For revelation-knowledge flows to the one who hungers for understanding. The words of the wise are like weapons of knowledge. If you need wise counsel, stay away from the fool. For the wisdom of the wise will keep life on the right track, while the fool only deceives himself and refuses to face reality. Fools mock the need for repentance, while the favor of God rests upon all his lovers. Don’t expect anyone else to fully understand both the bitterness and the joys of all you experience in your life. The household of the wicked is soon torn apart, while the family of the righteous flourishes. You can rationalize it all you want and justify the path of error you have chosen, but you’ll find out in the end that you took the road to destruction. Superficial laughter can hide a heavy heart, but when the laughter ends, the pain resurfaces. Those who turn from the truth get what they deserve, but a good person receives a sweet reward. A gullible person will believe anything, but a sensible person will confirm the facts. A wise person is careful in all things and turns quickly from evil, while the impetuous fool moves ahead with overconfidence. An impulsive person has a short fuse and can ruin everything, but the wise show self-control.
Proverbs 14:1-17 English Standard Version 2016 (ESV)
The wisest of women builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down. Whoever walks in uprightness fears the LORD, but he who is devious in his ways despises him. By the mouth of a fool comes a rod for his back, but the lips of the wise will preserve them. Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean, but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox. A faithful witness does not lie, but a false witness breathes out lies. A scoffer seeks wisdom in vain, but knowledge is easy for a man of understanding. Leave the presence of a fool, for there you do not meet words of knowledge. The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools is deceiving. Fools mock at the guilt offering, but the upright enjoy acceptance. The heart knows its own bitterness, and no stranger shares its joy. The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish. There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. Even in laughter the heart may ache, and the end of joy may be grief. The backslider in heart will be filled with the fruit of his ways, and a good man will be filled with the fruit of his ways. The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps. One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless. A man of quick temper acts foolishly, and a man of evil devices is hated.