Proverbs 14:18-35

Christian Standard Bible

¹⁸ The inexperienced inherit foolishness,
but the sensible are crowned with knowledge.

¹⁹ The evil bow before those who are good,
and the wicked, at the gates of the righteous.

²⁰ A poor person is hated even by his neighbor,^(A)
but there are many who love the rich.^(B)

²¹ The one who despises his neighbor sins,^(C)
but whoever shows kindness to the poor will be happy.^(D)

²² Don’t those who plan evil go astray?^(E)
But those who plan good find loyalty and faithfulness.^(F)

²³ There is profit in all hard work,
but endless talk^[a] leads only to poverty.^(G)

²⁴ The crown of the wise is their wealth,
but the foolishness of fools produces foolishness.

²⁵ A truthful witness rescues lives,
but one who utters lies is deceitful.^(H)

²⁶ In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence
and his children have a refuge.^(I)

²⁷ The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life,
turning people away from the snares of death.^(J)

²⁸ A large population is a king’s splendor,
but a shortage of people is a ruler’s devastation.

²⁹ A patient person shows great understanding,^(K)
but a quick-tempered one promotes foolishness.

³⁰ A tranquil heart is life to the body,^(L)
but jealousy is rottenness to the bones.^(M)

³¹ The one who oppresses the poor person insults his Maker,^(N)
but one who is kind to the needy honors him.^(O)

³² The wicked one is thrown down by his own sin,^(P)
but the righteous one has a refuge in his death.^(Q)

³³ Wisdom resides in the heart of the discerning;^(R)
she is known^[b] even among fools.

³⁴ Righteousness exalts a nation,
but sin is a disgrace to any people.^(S)

³⁵ A king favors a prudent servant,^(T)
but his anger falls on a disgraceful one.