Proverbs 14

The Proverbs of Solomon

1 e The wisest of women f builds her house,
but folly with her own hands g tears it down.
 2 Whoever h walks in uprightness fears the Lord,
but he who is i devious in his ways despises him.
 3 By the mouth of a fool comes j a rod for his back, 1
k but the lips of the wise will preserve them.
 4 Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean,
but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox.
 5 l A faithful witness does not lie,
but m a false witness breathes out lies.
 6 n A scoffer seeks wisdom o in vain,
but p knowledge is easy for a man of understanding.
 7 Leave the presence of a fool,
for there you do not meet words of knowledge.
 8 The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way,
but the folly of fools is deceiving.
 9 q Fools mock at the guilt offering,
but the upright enjoy acceptance. 2
10 The heart knows its own r bitterness,
and no stranger shares its joy.
 11 s The house of the wicked will be destroyed,
but the tent of the upright will flourish.
 12 t There is a way that seems right to a man,
but u its end is the way to death. 3
13 Even in laughter the heart may ache,
and v the end of joy may be w grief.
 14 The backslider in heart will be x filled with the fruit of his ways,
and y a good man will be filled with the fruit of his ways.
 15 z The simple believes everything,
but the prudent gives thought to his steps.
 16 a One who is wise is cautious 4 and b turns away from evil,
but a fool is reckless and careless.
 17 A man of c quick temper acts foolishly,
and a man of evil devices is hated.
 18 The simple inherit folly,
but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
 19 d The evil bow down before the good,
the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
 20 e The poor is disliked even by his neighbor,
f but the rich has many friends.
 21 Whoever g despises his neighbor is a sinner,
but h blessed is he who is generous to the poor.
 22 Do they not go astray who i devise evil?
Those who devise good meet 5 j steadfast love and faithfulness.
 23 In all toil there is profit,
but mere talk k tends only to poverty.
 24 The crown of the wise is their wealth,
but the folly of fools brings folly.
 25 A truthful witness saves lives,
but one who l breathes out lies is deceitful.
 26 In the fear of the Lord one has m strong confidence,
and n his children will have o a refuge.
 27 The fear of the Lord is p a fountain of life,
that one may q turn away from the snares of death.
 28 In r a multitude of people is the glory of a king,
but without people a prince is ruined.
 29 Whoever is s slow to anger has great understanding,
but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.
 30 A tranquil 6 heart gives t life to the flesh,
but u envy 7 makes v the bones rot.
 31 Whoever oppresses a poor man w insults his x Maker,
y but he who is generous to the needy honors him.
 32 z The wicked is overthrown through his evildoing,
but a the righteous finds refuge in his death.
 33 Wisdom b rests in the heart of a man of understanding,
but it makes itself known even in the midst of fools. 8
34 Righteousness exalts a nation,
but sin is a reproach to any people.
 35 A servant who deals wisely has c the king's favor,
but his wrath falls on one who acts shamefully.

  1. Cross References
    Proverbs 9:1
    Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn her seven pillars.
    Proverbs 24:3
    By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established.
  2. Cross References
    Deuteronomy 25:9
    Then his brother's wife shall go up to him in the presence of the elders and pull his sandal off his foot and spit in his face. And she shall answer and say, 'So shall it be done to the man who does not build up his brother's house.
    Ruth 4:11
    Then all the people who were at the gate and the elders said, "We are witnesses. May the Lord make the woman, who is coming into your house, like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the house of Israel. May you act worthily in Ephrathah and be renowned in Bethlehem.
  3. Cross References
    Proverbs 11:11
    By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is overthrown.
  4. Cross References
    Proverbs 19:1
    Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool.
    Proverbs 28:6
    Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.
  5. Cross References
    Proverbs 2:15
    Men whose paths are crooked, and who are devious in their ways.
  6. Cross References
    Jeremiah 18:18
    Then they said, "Come, let us make plots against Jeremiah, for the law shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet. Come, let us strike him with the tongue, and let us not pay attention to any of his words.
  7. Cross References
    Proverbs 12:6
    The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the mouth of the upright delivers them.
  8. Cross References
    Exodus 23:1
    You shall not spread a false report. You shall not join hands with a wicked man to be a malicious witness.
  9. Cross References
    Proverbs 6:19
    A false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.
  10. Cross References
    Proverbs 24:7
    Wisdom is too high for a fool; in the gate he does not open his mouth.
  11. Cross References
    Psalms 25:9
    He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.
    1 Peter 5:5
    Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.
  12. Cross References
    Proverbs 8:9
    They are all straight to him who understands, and right to those who find knowledge.
    Proverbs 15:14
    The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly.
    Proverbs 17:24
    The discerning sets his face toward wisdom, but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.
  13. Cross References
    Proverbs 10:23
    Doing wrong is like a joke to a fool, but wisdom is pleasure to a man of understanding.
  14. Cross References
    1 Samuel 1:10
    She was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly.
    Job 3:20
    Why is light given to him who is in misery, and life to the bitter in soul.
  15. Cross References
    Proverbs 3:33
    The Lord 's curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the dwelling of the righteous.
    Proverbs 15:25
    The Lord tears down the house of the proud but maintains the widow's boundaries.
    Job 8:15
    He leans against his house, but it does not stand; he lays hold of it, but it does not endure.
    Job 21:28
    For you say, 'Where is the house of the prince? Where is the tent in which the wicked lived?
  16. Cross References
    Proverbs 16:25
    There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.
    Proverbs 12:15
    The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.
  17. Cross References
    Proverbs 5:5
    Her feet go down to death; her steps follow the path to Sheol.
    Romans 6:21
    But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death.
    Proverbs 7:27
    Her house is the way to Sheol, going down to the chambers of death.
  18. Cross References
    Ecclesiastes 2:2
    I said of laughter, "It is mad," and of pleasure, "What use is it?
    Luke 6:25
    Woe to you who are full now, for you shall be hungry. "Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep.
  19. Cross References
    Proverbs 10:1
    The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is a sorrow to his mother.
  20. Cross References
    Proverbs 1:31
    Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way, and have their fill of their own devices.
    Matthew 6:2
    Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.
    Matthew 6:5
    And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.
  21. Cross References
    Proverbs 12:14
    From the fruit of his mouth a man is satisfied with good, and the work of a man's hand comes back to him.
    Isaiah 3:10
    Tell the righteous that it shall be well with them, for they shall eat the fruit of their deeds.
  22. Cross References
    Proverbs 1:4
    To give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth -
  23. Cross References
    Proverbs 22:3
    The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.
    Proverbs 27:12
    The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.
  24. Cross References
    Proverbs 3:7
    Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.
    Job 28:28
    And he said to man, 'Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.'
    Psalms 34:14
    Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
  25. Cross References
    Proverbs 14:29
    Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.
  26. Cross References
    Genesis 42:6
    Now Joseph was governor over the land. He was the one who sold to all the people of the land. And Joseph's brothers came and bowed themselves before him with their faces to the ground.
    1 Samuel 2:36
    And everyone who is left in your house shall come to implore him for a piece of silver or a loaf of bread and shall say, "Please put me in one of the priests' places, that I may eat a morsel of bread."'
  27. Cross References
    Proverbs 19:7
    All a poor man's brothers hate him; how much more do his friends go far from him! He pursues them with words, but does not have them.
  28. Cross References
    Proverbs 19:4
    Wealth brings many new friends, but a poor man is deserted by his friend.
  29. Cross References
    Proverbs 11:12
    Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent.
  30. Cross References
    Psalms 41:1
    Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble the Lord delivers him.
  31. Cross References
    Proverbs 3:29
    Do not plan evil against your neighbor, who dwells trustingly beside you.
  32. Cross References
    Proverbs 3:3
    Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart.
  33. Cross References
    Proverbs 11:24
    One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.
    Proverbs 21:5
    The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.
    Proverbs 22:16
    Whoever oppresses the poor to increase his own wealth, or gives to the rich, will only come to poverty.
  34. Cross References
    Proverbs 14:5
    A faithful witness does not lie, but a false witness breathes out lies.
  35. Cross References
    Proverbs 1:33
    But whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.
  36. Cross References
    Psalms 73:15
    If I had said, "I will speak thus," I would have betrayed the generation of your children.
  37. Cross References
    Psalms 14:6
    You would shame the plans of the poor, but the Lord is his refuge.
  38. Cross References
    Proverbs 10:11
    The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
  39. Cross References
    Proverbs 13:14
    The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.
  40. Cross References
    1 Kings 4:20
    Judah and Israel were as many as the sand by the sea. They ate and drank and were happy.
  41. Cross References
    Proverbs 16:32
    Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.
    Proverbs 19:11
    Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.
    Proverbs 14:17
    A man of quick temper acts foolishly, and a man of evil devices is hated.
    Ecclesiastes 7:9
    Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the bosom of fools.
    James 1:19
    Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.
  42. Cross References
    Proverbs 4:22
    For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh.
  43. Cross References
    Psalms 112:10
    The wicked man sees it and is angry; he gnashes his teeth and melts away; the desire of the wicked will perish!
  44. Cross References
    Proverbs 12:4
    An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones.
  45. Cross References
    Proverbs 17:5
    Whoever mocks the poor insults his Maker; he who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished.
    Matthew 25:40
    And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.
    Matthew 25:45
    Then he will answer them, saying, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.
  46. Cross References
    Proverbs 22:2
    The rich and the poor meet together; the Lord is the maker of them all.
    Job 35:10
    But none says, 'Where is God my Maker, who gives songs in the night.
  47. Cross References
    Proverbs 28:8
    Whoever multiplies his wealth by interest and profit gathers it for him who is generous to the poor.
  48. Cross References
    Proverbs 24:16
    For the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity.
  49. Cross References
    Genesis 49:18
    I wait for your salvation, O Lord.
    Psalms 16:11
    You make known to me the path of life; in your ...
    Psalms 17:15
    As for me, I shall behold your face in righteou...
    Psalms 23:4
    Even though I walk through the valley of the sh...
    2 Corinthians 1:9
    Indeed, we felt that we had received the senten...
    2 Corinthians 5:8
    Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rathe...
    2 Timothy 4:18
    The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed an...
    Numbers 23:10
    Who can count the dust of Jacob or number the f...
    Job 19:25 - 27
    For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the l...
  50. Cross References
    Ecclesiastes 7:9
    Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the bosom of fools.
    Proverbs 12:16
    The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult.
    Proverbs 29:11
    A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.
  51. Cross References
    Proverbs 16:13
    Righteous lips are the delight of a king, and he loves him who speaks what is right.
    Proverbs 22:11
    He who loves purity of heart, and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend.
    Matthew 24:45 - 47
    Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time?
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.
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