Proverbs 13:1-13

Intelligent children listen to their parents; foolish children do their own thing. The good acquire a taste for helpful conversation; bullies push and shove their way through life. Careful words make for a careful life; careless talk may ruin everything. Indolence wants it all and gets nothing; the energetic have something to show for their lives. A good person hates false talk; a bad person wallows in gibberish. A God-loyal life keeps you on track; sin dumps the wicked in the ditch. A pretentious, showy life is an empty life; a plain and simple life is a full life. The rich can be sued for everything they have, but the poor are free of such threats. The lives of good people are brightly lit streets; the lives of the wicked are dark alleys. Arrogant know-it-alls stir up discord, but wise men and women listen to each other’s counsel. Easy come, easy go, but steady diligence pays off. Unrelenting disappointment leaves you heartsick, but a sudden good break can turn life around. Ignore the Word and suffer; honor God’s commands and grow rich.