Category: Scripture

The crooked heart will not prosper; the lying tongue tumbles into trouble. It is painful to be a parent of a fool; there is no joy for the father of a rebel. A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength. The wicked take secret bribes to pervert the course of justice. Sensible people keep their eyes glued on wisdom; but a fool’s eyes wanders to the ends of the earth. Foolish children bring brief to their father and bitterness to the one who gave them birth. It is wrong to punish the godly for being good or flog leaders for being honest. A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered. Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent. (vv. 20-28, NLT)

We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer. People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives. Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed. The Lord has made everything for His own purposes, even the wicked for a day of disaster. The Lord detests the proud; they will surely be punished. Unfailing love and faithfulness make atonement for sin. By fearing the Lord, people avoid evil. When people’s lives please the Lord, even their enemies are at peace with them. Better to have a little, with godliness, than to be rich and dishonest. We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. (vv. 1-9,, NLT)

Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust in the Lord will be joyful. The wise are known for for their understanding, and pleasant words are persuasive. Discretion is a life-giving fountain to those who possess it, but discipline is wasted on fools. Kind words are like honey-sweet to the soul and healthy for the body. (vv. 20-24, NLt)

A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth of a fool belches out in foolishness.

The Lord is watching everywhere, keeping His eye on the evil and the good. Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. Only a fool despise a parent’s discipline; whoever learns from correction is wise. (vv. 1-5, NLT)

Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time! (v. 13, NLT)

A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news makes for good health. (v. 30, NLT)

A wise child accepts a parent’s discipline, a mocker refuses to listen to correction. Wise words will win you a good meal, but treacherous people have an appetite for violence. Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything. Lazy people wan much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper. The godly hate lies; the wicked causes shame and disgrace. Godliness guards the path of the blameless, but the evil are misled by sin. Some people are poor pretend to be rich; others who are rich pretend to be poor. The rich man can pay a ransom for their lives, but the poor won’t even get threatened. The life of the godly is full of light ad joy, but the light of the wicked will be snuffed out.

Pride leads to conflict; those who take advice are wise. Wealth from get-rich schemes quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows over time. Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life. People who despise advice are asking for trouble; those who respect a command will succeed. (vv. 1-13, NLT)

To learn, you must learn discipline; it is stupid to hate correction. The Lord approves of those who are good, but He condemns those who plan wickedness. Wickedness never brings stability, but the godly have deep roots. A worthy wife is. crown for her husband, but a disgraceful woman is like cancer in his bones. The plans of the godly are just; the advise of the wicked is treacherous. The words of the wicked are like a murderous ambush, but the words of the godly save lives. The wicked die and disappear, but the family of the godly stands firm. A sensible person wins admiration, but a warped mine is despised.

Better to be an ordinary person with a servant than to be self-confident but have no food. The godly care for their animals, but the wicked is always cruel. A hard worker has plenty of food, but a person who chases fantasies has no sense. (vv. 1-11, NLT)

An honest witness tells the truth; a false witness tells lies. Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing. Truthful words stand the test of timed, but lies are soon exposed. Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil; joy fills hearts that are planning peace! (vv. 17-20, NLT)

Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up. The godly give good advice to their friends; the wicked lead them astray. Lazy people don’t even cook the game they catch, but the diligent make use of everything they find. The way of the godly leads to life; that path does not lead to death. (vv. 25-28, NLT)

The Lord detests the use of dishonest scales, but He delights in accurate weights. Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Honesty leads good people; dishonesty destroys treacherous people. Richest won’t help on the day of judgment, but right living can save you from death. The godly are directed by honesty; the wicked fall beneath their load of sin. The godliness of good people rescues them; the ambition of treacherous people traps them. When the wicked die, their hopes die with them, for they rely on their own feeble strength. The godly are rescued from trouble, and it falls on the wicked instead. With their words, the godless destroy their friends, but knowledge will rescue the righteous. (vv. 1-9, NLT)

The godly are showered with blessings; the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions. We have happy memories of the godly, but the name of a wicked person rots away. The wise are glad to be instructed, but babbling fools fall flat on their faces. People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will slip and fall. People who wink at wrong causes trouble, but a bold reproof causes peace. The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain; the word of the wicked conceal violent intentions.

Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love makes up for all offenses. Wise words come from the lips of people with understanding, but those lacking sense will be beaten with a rod. Wise people treasure knowledge, but the babbling of a fool invites disaster. (vv. 6-14, NLT)

People who accept discipline are on the pathway to to life, but those who ignore correction will bo astray. Hiding hatred makes you a liar; slandering others make you a fool. Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut. (vv. 17-19, NLT)

Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment. Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life. If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit. If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer. (vv. 10-12, NLT)

There are six things the Lord hates-no, seven things He detests:

haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family.

My son, obey your father’s commands, and don’t neglect your mother’s instruction. Keep their words always in your heart. Tie them around your neck. (vv. 16-20), NLT

My children, listen when your father corrects you. Pay attention and learn good judgement, for I am giving you good advise. Don’t turn away from my instructions. For I, too, was once my father’s son, tenderly love as my mother’s only child.

My father taught me, “Take my words to heart. Follow my commands, and you will live. Get wisdom, develop good judgment. Don’t forget my words or turn away from them. Don’t turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you. Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgement. If you prize wisdom, she will make you great. Embrace her, and she will honor you. She will place a lovely wreath on our head; she will present you with a beautiful crown.” (vv. 1-9, NLT)