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Honesty Pride Proud Proverbs 11 Through Proverbs 20:30

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 Proverbs 11

 1 The Lord hates it when people use scales to cheat others.
      But he is delighted when people use honest weights.
 2 When pride comes, shame follows.
      But wisdom comes to those who are not proud.
 3 Those who do what is right are guided by their honest lives.
      But those who aren’t faithful are destroyed by their trickery.
 4 Wealth isn’t worth anything when God judges you.
      But doing what is right saves you from death.
 5 The ways of honest people are made straight because they do what is right.
      But those who do what is wrong are brought down by their own sins.
 6 Godly people are saved by doing what is right.
      But those who aren’t faithful are trapped by evil longings.
 7 When an evil man dies, his hope dies with him.
      Everything he expected to gain from his power will be lost.
 8 Those who do right are saved from trouble.
      But trouble comes on those who do wrong.
 9 With their words ungodly people destroy their neighbors.
      But those who do what is right escape because of their knowledge.
 10 When those who do right succeed, their city is glad.
      When those who do wrong die, people shout for joy.
 11 The blessing of honest people builds up a city.
      But the words of sinners destroy it.
 12 A person who has no sense makes fun of his neighbor.
      But a man who has understanding controls his tongue.
 13 Those who talk about others tell secrets.
      But those who can be trusted keep things to themselves.
 14 Without the guidance of good leaders a nation falls.
      But many good advisers can save it.
 15 Anyone who puts up money for what someone else owes will certainly suffer.
      But a person who doesn’t agree to pay up for someone else is safe.
 16 A woman who has a kind heart gains respect.
      But men who are not kind gain only wealth.
 17 A kind man benefits himself.
      But a mean person brings trouble on himself.
 18 Those who do what is wrong really earn nothing.
      But those who plant what is right will certainly be rewarded.
 19 Right living leads to life.
      But anyone who runs after evil will die.
 20 The Lord hates those whose hearts are twisted.
      But he is pleased with those who live without blame.
 21 You can be sure that sinners will be punished.
      And you can also be sure that godly people will go free.
 22 A beautiful woman who has no sense
      is like a gold ring in a pig’s nose.
 23 What godly people long for ends only in what is good.
      But what sinners hope for ends only in God’s anger.
 24 Some give freely but get even richer.
      Others don’t give what they should but get even poorer.
 25 Anyone who gives a lot will succeed.
      Anyone who renews others will be renewed.
 26 People call down curses on those who store up grain for themselves.
      But blessing makes those who are willing to sell feel like kings.
 27 Anyone who looks for what is good finds favor.
      But bad things happen to a person who plans to do evil.
 28 Those who trust in their riches will fall.
      But those who do right will be as healthy as a green leaf.
 29 Those who bring trouble on their families will receive nothing but wind.
      And foolish people will serve wise people.
 30 The fruit that godly people bear is like a tree of life.
      And those who lead others to do what is right are wise.
 31 Godly people get what they should get on earth.
      So ungodly people and sinners will certainly get what they should get!

Proverbs 12 

1 Anyone who loves to be trained loves knowledge.
      Anyone who hates to be corrected is stupid.
 2 The Lord blesses anyone who does good.
      But he judges any man who is tricky.
 3 If a man does what is evil, he can’t become strong and steady.
      But if people do what is right, they can’t be removed from the land.
 4 A noble wife is her husband’s crown.
      But a wife who brings shame is like sickness in his bones.
 5 The plans of godly people are right.
      But the advice of sinners will lead you the wrong way.
 6 The words of those who are evil hide and wait to spill people’s blood.
      But the speech of those who are honest saves them from traps like that.
 7 Sinners are destroyed and taken away.
      But the houses of godly people stand firm.
 8 A man is praised for how wise he is.
      But people hate those who have twisted minds.
 9 Being nobody and having a servant
      is better than pretending to be somebody and having no food.
 10 Those who do what is right take good care of their animals.
      But the kindest acts of those who do wrong are mean.
 11 Anyone who farms his land will have plenty of food.
      But a person who chases dreams has no sense.
 12 Those who do what is wrong want to steal from others.
      But those who do what is right bear good fruit because of their deep roots.
 13 A sinner is trapped by his sinful talk.
      But a godly person escapes trouble.
 14 Many good things come from what a man says.
      And the work of his hands rewards him.
 15 The way of a foolish person seems right to him.
      But a wise person listens to advice.
 16 Foolish people are easily upset.
      But wise people pay no attention to hurtful words.
 17 An honest witness tells the truth.
      But a dishonest witness tells lies.
 18 Thoughtless words cut like a sword.
      But the tongue of wise people brings healing.
 19 Truthful words last forever.
      But lies last for only a moment.
 20 There are lies in the hearts of those who plan evil.
      But there is joy for those who work to bring peace.
 21 No harm comes to godly people.
      But sinners have all the trouble they can handle.
 22 The Lord hates those whose lips tell lies.
      But he is pleased with people who tell the truth.
 23 Wise people keep their knowledge to themselves.
      But the hearts of foolish people shout foolish things.
 24 Hands that work hard will rule.
      But people who don’t want to work will become slaves.
 25 Worry makes a man’s heart heavy.
      But a kind word cheers him up.
 26 Godly people are careful about the friends they choose.
      But the way of sinners leads them down the wrong path.
 27 Anyone who refuses to work doesn’t even cook what he catches.
      But a man who works hard values what he has.
 28 There is life in doing what is right.
      Along that path you will never die.

Proverbs 13 

1 A wise child pays attention to what his father teaches him.
      But anyone who makes fun of others doesn’t listen to warnings.
 2 The good things a man says benefit him.
      But a liar loves to hurt others.
 3 Anyone who guards what he says guards his life.
      But anyone who speaks without thinking will be destroyed.
 4 People who refuse to work want things and get nothing.
      But the longings of people who work hard are completely satisfied.
 5 Those who do right hate what is false.
      But those who do wrong bring shame and dishonor.
 6 Doing right guards those who are honest.
      But evil destroys those who are sinful.
 7 Some people pretend to be rich but have nothing.
      Others pretend to be poor but have great wealth.
 8 A man who is rich might have to pay to save his life.
      But a poor person is not in danger of that.
 9 The lights of godly people shine brightly.
      But the lamps of sinners are blown out.
 10 Pride only leads to arguing.
      But those who take advice are wise.
 11 Money that is gained in the wrong way disappears.
      But money that is gathered little by little grows.
 12 Hope that is put off makes one sick at heart.
      But a longing that is met is like a tree of life.
 13 Anyone who hates what he is taught will pay for it later.
      But a person who respects a command will be rewarded.
 14 The teaching of wise people is like a fountain that gives life.
      It turns those who listen to it away from the jaws of death.
 15 Good understanding wins favor.
      But the way of liars doesn’t last.
 16 Wise people act in keeping with the knowledge they have.
      But foolish people show how foolish they are.
 17 An evil messenger gets into trouble.
      But a messenger who is trusted brings healing.
 18 Those who turn away from their training become poor and ashamed.
      But those who accept warnings are honored.
 19 A longing that is met is like something that tastes sweet.
      But foolish people hate to turn away from evil.
 20 Anyone who walks with wise people grows wise.
      But a companion of foolish people suffers harm.
 21 Hard times chase those who are sinful.
      But success is the reward of those who do right.
 22 A good person leaves what he owns to his children and grandchildren.
      But a sinner’s wealth is stored up for those who do right.
 23 The fields of poor people might produce a lot of food.
      But those who beat them down destroy it all.
 24 Those who don’t correct their children hate them.
      But those who love them are careful to train them.
 25 Those who do right eat until they are full.
      But the stomachs of those who do wrong go hungry.

Proverbs 14 

1 A wise woman builds her house.
      But a foolish woman tears hers down with her own hands.
 2 An honest person has respect for the Lord.
      But a person whose paths are crooked hates him.
 3 Foolish people are punished for what they say.
      But the things wise people say keep them safe.
 4 Where there are no oxen, the feed box is empty.
      But a strong ox brings in a great harvest.
 5 An honest witness does not lie.
      But a dishonest witness pours out lies.
 6 Those who make fun of others look for wisdom and don’t find it.
      But knowledge comes easily to those who understand what is right.
 7 Stay away from a foolish man.
      You won’t find knowledge in what he says.
 8 People are wise and understanding when they think about the way they live.
      But people are foolish when their foolish ways trick them.
 9 Foolish people laugh at making things right when they sin.
      But honest people try to do the right thing.
 10 Each heart knows its own sadness.
      And no one else can share its joy.
 11 The houses of sinners will be destroyed.
      But the tents of honest people will stand firm.
 12 There is a way that may seem right to a man.
      But in the end it leads to death.
 13 Even when you laugh, your heart can be hurting.
      And your joy can end in sadness.
 14 Those who aren’t faithful will be paid back
      for what they’ve done.
   And good men will receive rewards
      for how they’ve lived.
 15 A childish person believes anything.
      But a wise person thinks about how he lives.
 16 A wise person has respect for the Lord and avoids evil.
      But a foolish person gets mad and is thoughtless.
 17 Anyone who gets angry quickly does foolish things.
      And a man who is tricky is hated.
 18 Childish people act in keeping with their foolish ways.
      But knowledge makes wise people feel like kings.
 19 Evil people will bow down in front of good people.
      And those who do wrong will bow down at the gates of those who do right.
 20 Poor people are avoided even by their neighbors.
      But rich people have many friends.
 21 Anyone who hates his neighbor commits sin.
      But blessed is the person who is kind to those in need.
 22 Those who plan evil go down the wrong path.
      But those who plan good find love and truth.
 23 All hard work pays off.
      But if all you do is talk, you will be poor.
 24 The wealth of wise people is their crown.
      But the foolish ways of foolish people lead to what is foolish.
 25 An honest witness saves lives.
      But a dishonest witness tells lies.
 26 Anyone who shows respect for the Lord has a strong tower.
      It will be a safe place for his children.
 27 Respect for the Lord is like a fountain that gives life.
      It turns you away from the jaws of death.
 28 A large population is a king’s glory.
      But a prince without followers is destroyed.
 29 Anyone who is patient has great understanding.
      But anyone who gets angry quickly shows how foolish he is.
 30 A peaceful heart gives life to the body.
      But jealousy rots the bones.
 31 Anyone who crushes poor people makes fun of their Maker.
      But anyone who is kind to those in need honors God.
 32 When trouble comes, sinners are brought down.
      But godly people have a safe place even when they die.
 33 Wisdom rests in the hearts of those who understand what is right.
      And even among foolish people she makes herself known.
 34 Doing what is right lifts people up.
      But sin brings shame to any nation.
 35 A king is pleased with a wise servant.
      But a servant who is full of shame invites the king’s anger.

Proverbs 15 

1 A gentle answer turns anger away.
      But mean words stir up anger.
 2 The tongues of wise people use knowledge well.
      But the mouths of foolish people pour out foolish words.
 3 The eyes of the Lord are everywhere.
      They watch those who are evil and those who are good.
 4 A tongue that brings healing is like a tree of life.
      But a tongue that tells lies produces a broken spirit.
 5 A foolish person turns his back on how his father has trained him.
      But anyone who accepts being corrected shows understanding.
 6 The houses of those who do what is right hold great wealth.
      But those who do what is wrong earn only trouble.
 7 The lips of wise people spread knowledge.
      But that’s not true of the hearts of foolish people.
 8 The Lord hates the sacrifice of sinful people.
      But the prayers of honest people please him.
 9 The Lord hates how sinners live.
      But he loves those who run after what is right.
 10 Hard training is in store for anyone who leaves the right path.
      A person who hates to be corrected will die.
 11 Death and the Grave lie open in front of the Lord.
      So the hearts of mere men certainly lie open to him!
 12 Anyone who makes fun of others doesn’t like to be corrected.
      He won’t ask wise people for advice.
 13 A happy heart makes a face look cheerful.
      But a sad heart produces a broken spirit.
 14 A heart that understands what is right looks for knowledge.
      But the mouths of foolish people feed on what is foolish.
 15 All the days of those who are crushed are filled with pain and suffering.
      But a cheerful heart enjoys a good time that never ends.
 16 It is better to have respect for the Lord and have little
      than to be rich and have trouble.
 17 A meal of vegetables where there is love
      is better than the finest meat where there is hatred.
 18 A man who burns with anger stirs up fights.
      But a person who is patient calms things down.
 19 The way of people who don’t want to work is blocked with thorns.
      But the path of honest people is a wide road.
 20 A wise son makes his father glad.
      But a foolish son hates his mother.
 21 A person who has no sense enjoys doing foolish things.
      But a man who has understanding walks straight ahead.
 22 Plans fail without good advice.
      But they succeed when there are many advisers.
 23 Joy is found in giving the right answer.
      And how good is a word spoken at the right time!
 24 The path of life leads up for those who are wise.
      It keeps them from going down to the grave.
 25 The Lord tears down the proud person’s house.
      But he keeps the widow’s property safe.
 26 The Lord hates the thoughts of sinful people.
      But the thoughts of pure people are pleasing to him.
 27 Anyone who always wants more brings trouble to his family.
      But a person who refuses to be paid off will live.
 28 The hearts of those who do right think about how they will answer.
      But the mouths of those who do wrong pour out evil.
 29 The Lord is far away from those who do wrong.
      But he hears the prayers of those who do right.
 30 A cheerful look brings joy to your heart.
      And good news gives health to your body.
 31 If you listen to a warning, you will live.
      You will be at home among those who are wise.
 32 Anyone who turns away from his training hates himself.
      But anyone who accepts being corrected gains understanding.
 33 Having respect for the Lord teaches you how to live wisely.
      So don’t be proud if you want to be honored.

Proverbs 16 

1 People make plans in their hearts.
      But the Lord controls what they say.
 2 Everything a man does might seem right to him.
      But the Lord knows what that man is thinking.
 3 Commit to the Lord everything you do.
      Then your plans will succeed.
 4 The Lord works everything out for his own purposes.
      Even those who do wrong were made for a day of trouble.
 5 The Lord hates all those who have proud hearts.
      You can be sure that they will be punished.
 6 Through love and truth sin is paid for.
      People avoid evil when they have respect for the Lord.
 7 When the way you live pleases the Lord,
      he makes even your enemies live at peace with you.
 8 It is better to have a little and do right
      than to have a lot and be unfair.
 9 In your heart you plan your life.
      But the Lord decides where your steps will take you.
 10 A king might speak as if his words come from God.
      But what he says should not turn right into wrong.
 11 Honest scales and balances come from the Lord.
      He made all of the weights in the bag.
 12 A king hates it when his people do what is wrong.
      A ruler is made secure when they do what is right.
 13 Kings are pleased when what you say is honest.
      They value people who speak the truth.
 14 An angry king can order your death.
      But a wise man will try to calm him down.
 15 When a king’s face is happy, it means life.
      His favor is like rain in the spring.
 16 It is much better to get wisdom than gold.
      It is much better to choose understanding than silver.
 17 The path of honest people takes them away from evil.
      Those who guard their ways guard their lives.
 18 If you are proud, you will be destroyed.
      If you are proud, you will fall.
 19 Suppose you are lowly in spirit and are with those who are beaten down.
      That’s better than sharing stolen goods with those who are proud.
 20 If anyone pays attention to what he is taught, he will succeed.
      Blessed is the person who puts his trust in the Lord.
 21 Wise hearts are known for understanding what is right.
      Pleasant words make people want to learn more.
 22 Understanding is like a fountain of life to those who have it.
      But foolish people are punished for the foolish things they do.
 23 The hearts of wise people guide their mouths.
      Their words make people want to learn more.
 24 Pleasant words are like honey.
      They are sweet to the spirit and bring healing to the body.
 25 There is a way that may seem right to a man.
      But in the end it leads to death.
 26 The hunger of a worker makes him work.
      His hunger drives him on.
 27 A worthless man plans to do evil things.
      His words are like a burning fire.
 28 A twisted person stirs up fights.
      Anyone who talks about others comes between close friends.
 29 A man who wants to hurt others tries to get them to sin.
      He leads them down a path that isn’t good.
 30 When he winks with his eyes, he is planning to do wrong.
      When his lips are tightly closed, he is up to no good.
 31 Gray hair is a glorious crown.
      You get it by living the right way.
 32 It is better to be patient than to fight.
      It is better to control your temper than to take a city.
 33 Lots are cast into the lap to make decisions.
      But everything they decide comes from the Lord.

Proverbs 17 

1 It is better to eat a dry crust of bread in peace and quiet
      than to eat a big dinner in a house that is full of fighting.
 2 A wise servant will rule over a shameful child.
      He will be given part of the property as if he were a family member.
 3 Fire tests silver. Heat tests gold.
      But the Lord tests our hearts.
 4 An evil person listens to evil words.
      A liar pays attention to words that are harmful.
 5 Anyone who laughs at those who are poor makes fun of their Maker.
      Anyone who is happy when others suffer will be punished.
 6 Grandchildren are like a crown to older people.
      And children are proud of their parents.
 7 It isn’t proper for foolish people to brag.
      And it certainly isn’t proper for rulers to tell lies!
 8 Money buys favors for those who give it.
      No matter where they turn, they succeed.
 9 Those who erase a sin by forgiving it show love.
      But those who talk about it come between close friends.
 10 A person who understands what is right learns more from just a warning
      than a foolish person learns from 100 strokes with a whip.
 11 An evil person never wants to obey.
      An official who shows no mercy will be sent against him.
 12 It is better to meet a bear whose cubs have been stolen
      than to meet a foolish person who is acting foolishly.
 13 Evil will never leave the house
      of anyone who pays back evil for good.
 14 Starting to argue is like making a crack in a dam.
      So drop the matter before a fight breaks out.
 15 The Lord hates two things.
      He hates it when the guilty are set free.
      He also hates it when those who aren’t guilty are punished.
 16 What good is money in the hands of a foolish person?
      He doesn’t want to become wise.
 17 A friend loves at all times.
      He is there to help when trouble comes.
 18 A man who has little sense agrees to pay what other people owe.
      It isn’t wise to put up money for others.
 19 The one who loves to argue loves to sin.
      The one who builds a high gate is just asking to be destroyed.
 20 If your heart is twisted, you won’t succeed.
      If your tongue tells lies, you will get into trouble.
 21 It is sad to have a foolish child.
      The parents of a foolish person have no joy.
 22 A cheerful heart makes you healthy.
      But a broken spirit dries you up.
 23 Anyone who does wrong accepts favors in secret.
      Then he turns what is right into wrong.
 24 Anyone who understands what is right keeps wisdom in view.
      But the eyes of a foolish person look everywhere else.
 25 A foolish child makes his father sad
      and his mother sorry.
 26 It isn’t good to punish those who aren’t guilty.
      It isn’t good to whip officials just because they are honest.
 27 Anyone who has knowledge controls his words.
      A man who has understanding is not easily upset.
 28 We think even a foolish person is wise if he keeps silent.
      We think he understands what is right if he controls his tongue.

Proverbs 18 

1 A person who isn’t friendly looks out only for himself.
      He opposes all good sense.
 2 A foolish person doesn’t want to understand.
      He takes delight in saying only what he thinks.
 3 People hate it when evil comes.
      And they refuse to honor those who bring shame.
 4 The words of a person’s mouth are like deep water.
      But the fountain of wisdom is like a flowing stream.
 5 It isn’t good to favor those who do wrong.
      And it isn’t good to hold back what is fair from those who aren’t guilty.
 6 What a foolish person says leads to arguing.
      He is just asking for a beating.
 7 The words of a foolish person drag him down.
      He is trapped by what he says.
 8 The words of anyone who talks about others are like tasty bites of food.
      They go deep down inside you.
 9 Anyone who doesn’t want to work
      is like someone who destroys.
 10 The name of the Lord is like a strong tower.
      Godly people run to it and are safe.
 11 The wealth of rich people is like a city that makes them feel safe.
      They think of it as a city with walls that can’t be climbed.
 12 If a man’s heart is proud, he will be destroyed.
      So don’t be proud if you want to be honored.
 13 To answer before listening
      is foolish and shameful.
 14 A man’s cheerful heart gives him strength when he is sick.
      You can’t keep going if you have a broken spirit.
 15 Those whose hearts understand what is right get knowledge.
      The ears of those who are wise listen for it.
 16 A gift opens the way for the one who gives it.
      It helps him meet important people.
 17 The first one to tell his case seems right.
      Then someone else comes forward and questions him.
 18 Casting lots will put a stop to arguing.
      It will keep the strongest enemies apart.
 19 A broken friendship is harder to deal with than a city that has high walls around it.
      And arguing is like the locked gates of a mighty city.
 20 A man can fill his stomach with what he says.
      The words from his lips can satisfy him.
 21 Your tongue has the power of life and death.
      Those who love to talk will eat the fruit of their words.
 22 The one who finds a wife finds what is good.
      He receives favor from the Lord.
 23 Poor people beg for mercy.
      But rich people answer in a mean way.
 24 Even a man who has many companions can be destroyed.
      But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Proverbs 19 

1 It is better to be poor and to live without blame
      than to be foolish and to twist words around.
 2 It isn’t good to get all stirred up without knowledge.
      And it isn’t good to be in a hurry and miss the way.
 3 A man’s own foolish acts destroy his life.
      But his heart is angry with the Lord.
 4 Wealth brings many friends.
      But the friends of poor people leave them alone.
 5 A dishonest witness will be punished.
      And those who pour out lies will not go free.
 6 Many try to win the favor of rulers.
      And everyone is the friend of a man who gives gifts.
 7 A poor person is avoided by his whole family.
      His friends avoid him even more.
   The poor person runs after them to beg.
      But he can’t find them.
 8 Anyone who gets wisdom loves himself.
      Anyone who values understanding succeeds.
 9 A dishonest witness will be punished.
      And those who pour out lies will die.
 10 It isn’t proper for a foolish person to live in great comfort.
      And it is much worse when a slave rules over princes!
 11 A man’s wisdom makes him patient.
      He will be honored if he forgives someone who sins against him.
 12 A king’s anger is like a lion’s roar.
      But his favor is like dew on the grass.
 13 If a child is foolish, he destroys his father.
      A nagging wife is like dripping that never stops.
 14 You will receive houses and wealth from your parents.
      But a wise wife is given by the Lord.
 15 Anyone who doesn’t want to work sleeps his life away.
      And a person who refuses to work goes hungry.
 16 Those who obey what they are taught guard their lives.
      But those who don’t care how they live will die.
 17 Anyone who is kind to poor people lends to the Lord.
      God will reward him for what he has done.
 18 Train your child. Then there is hope.
      Don’t do anything to bring about his death.
 19 Anyone who burns with anger must pay for it.
      If you save him, you will have to do it again.
 20 Listen to advice and accept what you are taught.
      In the end you will be wise.
 21 A man may have many plans in his heart.
      But the Lord’s purpose wins out in the end.
 22 Every man longs for love that never fails.
      It is better to be poor than to be a liar.
 23 Having respect for the Lord leads to life.
      Then you will be content and free from trouble.
 24 A person who doesn’t want to work leaves his hand in the dish.
      He won’t even bring it back up to his mouth!
 25 If you whip a person who makes fun of others,
      childish people will learn to be wise.
   If you warn someone who already understands what is right,
      he will gain even more knowledge.
 26 A child who robs his father and drives out his mother
      brings shame and dishonor.
 27 My son, if you stop listening to what I teach you,
      you will wander away from the words of knowledge.
 28 A dishonest witness makes fun of what is right.
      The mouths of those who do wrong gulp down evil.
 29 Those who make fun of others will be judged.
      Foolish people will be punished.

Proverbs 20

1 Wine causes you to make fun of others, and beer causes you to start fights.
      Anyone who is led down the wrong path by them is not wise.
 2 A king’s anger is like a lion’s roar.
      Anyone who makes him angry may lose his life.
 3 Avoiding a fight brings honor to a man.
      But every foolish person is quick to argue.
 4 Anyone who refuses to work doesn’t plow in the right season.
      When he looks for a crop at harvest time, he doesn’t find it.
 5 The purposes of a man’s heart are like deep water.
      But a man who has understanding brings them out.
 6 Many claim to have love that never fails.
      But who can find a faithful man?
 7 Anyone who does what is right lives without blame.
      Blessed are his children after him.
 8 A king sits on his throne to judge.
      He gets rid of all evil when he sees it.
 9 No one can say, "I have kept my heart pure.
      I’m clean. I haven’t sinned."
 10 The Lord hates two things.
      He hates weights that weigh things heavier or lighter than they really are.
      He also hates measures that measure things larger or smaller than they really are.
 11 A child is known by his actions.
      He is known by whether his conduct is pure and right.
 12 The Lord has made two things.
      He has made ears that hear.
      He has also made eyes that see.
 13 Don’t love sleep, or you will become poor.
      Stay awake, and you will have more food than you need.
 14 "It’s no good. It’s no good!" says a buyer.
      Then off he goes and brags about what he bought.
 15 There is gold. There are plenty of rubies.
      But lips that speak knowledge are a priceless jewel.
 16 Take the coat of one who puts up money for what a stranger owes.
      Hold it until you get paid back if he does it for a woman who commits adultery.
 17 Food gained by cheating tastes sweet to a man.
      But he will end up with a mouth full of sand.
 18 Make plans by asking for guidance.
      If you go to war, get good advice.
 19 A person who talks about others tells secrets.
      So avoid anyone who talks too much.
 20 If anyone calls down curses on his father or mother,
      his lamp will be blown out in total darkness.
 21 Property you gain quickly at the beginning
      will not be blessed in the end.
 22 Don’t say, "I’ll get even with you for the wrong you did to me!"
      Wait for the Lord, and he will save you.
 23 The Lord hates weights that weigh things heavier or lighter than they really are.
      Scales that are not honest don’t please him.
 24 The Lord directs a man’s steps.
      So how can anyone understand his own way?
 25 A man is trapped if he makes a hasty promise to God
      and only later thinks about what he said.
 26 A wise king gets rid of evil people.
      He runs the threshing wheel over them.
 27 The lamp of the Lord searches a man’s heart.
      It searches deep down inside him.
 28 Love and truth keep a king safe.
      Faithful love makes his throne secure.
 29 Young men are proud of their strength.
      Gray hair brings honor to old men.
 30 Blows and wounds wash evil away.
      And beatings make you pure deep down inside.