1 * To accept correction is wise,

to reject it is stupid.

2 The Lord likes everyone

who lives right,

but he punishes everyone

who makes evil plans.

3 Sin cannot offer security!

But if you live right,

you will be as secure

as a tree with deep roots.

4 A helpful wife is a jewel

for her husband,

but a shameless wife

will make his bones rot.

5 Good people have kind thoughts,

but you should never trust

the advice of someone evil.

6 Bad advice is a deadly trap,

but good advice

is like a shield.

7 Once the wicked are defeated,

they are gone forever,

but no one who obeys God

will ever be thrown down.

8 Good sense is worthy of praise,

but stupidity is a curse.

9 It's better to be ordinary

and have only one servant*

than to think you are somebody

and starve to death.

10 Good people are kind

to their animals,

but a mean person is cruel.

11 Hard working farmers have more

than enough food;

daydreamers are nothing more

than stupid fools.

12 An evil person tries to hide

behind evil;*

good people are like trees

with deep roots.

13 We trap ourselves

by telling lies,

but we stay out of trouble

by living right.

14 We are rewarded or punished

for what we say and do.

15 Fools think they know

what is best,

but a sensible person

listens to advice.

16 Losing your temper is foolish;

ignoring an insult is smart.

17 An honest person

tells the truth in court,

but a dishonest person

tells nothing but lies.

18 Sharp words cut like a sword,

but words of wisdom heal.

19 Truth will last forever;

lies are soon found out.

20 An evil mind is deceitful,

but gentle thoughts

bring happiness.

21 Good people never have trouble,

but troublemakers

have more than enough.

22 The Lord hates every liar,

but he is the friend of all

who can be trusted.

23 Be sensible and don't tell

everything you know—

only fools spread

foolishness everywhere.

24 Work hard, and you

will be a leader;

be lazy, and you

will end up a slave.

25 Worry is a heavy burden,

but a kind word

always brings cheer.

26 You are better off to do right,

than to lose your way

by doing wrong.*

27 Anyone too lazy to cook

will starve,

but a hard worker

is a valuable treasure.*

28 Living right is a pathway

that leads to life

and away from death.