Proverbs 14:1-35

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. Fools are rewarded with nothing but more foolishness, but the wise are rewarded with knowledge. Evil people will bow down to those who are good; the wicked will bow down at the door of those who do right. The poor are rejected, even by their neighbors, but the rich have many friends. It is a sin to hate your neighbor, but being kind to the needy brings happiness. Those who make evil plans will be ruined, but those who plan to do good will be loved and trusted. Those who work hard make a profit, but those who only talk will be poor. Wise people are rewarded with wealth, but fools only get more foolishness. A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is a traitor. Those who respect the LORD will have security, and their children will be protected. Respect for the LORD gives life. It is like a fountain that can save people from death. A king is honored when he has many people to rule, but a prince is ruined if he has none. Patient people have great understanding, but people with quick tempers show their foolishness. Peace of mind means a healthy body, but jealousy will rot your bones. Whoever mistreats the poor insults their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God. The wicked are ruined by their own evil, but those who do right are protected even in death. Wisdom lives in those with understanding, and even fools recognize it. Doing what is right makes a nation great, but sin will bring disgrace to any people. A king is pleased with a wise servant, but he will become angry with one who causes him shame.