1 A woman's family

is held together

by her wisdom,

but it can be destroyed

by her foolishness.

2 By living right, you show

that you respect the Lord;

by being deceitful, you show

that you despise him.

3 Proud fools are punished

for their stupid talk,

but sensible talk

can save your life.

4 Without the help of an ox

there can be no crop,

but with a strong ox

a big crop is possible.

5 An honest witness

tells the truth;

a dishonest witness

tells nothing but lies.

6 Make fun of wisdom,

and you will never find it.

But if you have understanding,

knowledge comes easily.

7 Stay away from fools,

or you won't learn a thing.

8 Wise people have enough sense

to find their way,

but stupid fools get lost.

9 Fools don't care

if they are wrong,*

but God is pleased

when people do right.

10 No one else can really know

how sad or happy you are.

11 The tent of a good person

stands longer than the house

of someone evil.

12 * You may think you are

on the right road

and still end up dead.

13 Sorrow may hide

behind laughter,

and happiness may end

in sorrow.

14 You harvest what you plant,

whether good or bad.

15 Don't be stupid

and believe all you hear;

be smart and know

where you are headed.

16 Only a stupid fool

is never cautious—

so be extra careful

and stay out of trouble.

17 Fools have quick tempers,

and no one likes you

if you can't be trusted.

18 Stupidity leads to foolishness;

be smart and learn.

19 The wicked will come crawling

to those who obey God.

20 You have no friends

if you are poor,

but you have lots of friends

if you are rich.

21 It's wrong to hate others,

but God blesses everyone

who is kind to the poor.

22 It's a mistake

to make evil plans,

but you will have loyal friends

if you want to do right.

23 Hard work is worthwhile,

but empty talk

will make you poor.

24 Wisdom can make you rich,

but foolishness leads

to more foolishness.

25 An honest witness

can save your life,

but liars can't be trusted.

26 If you respect the Lord,

you and your children

have a strong fortress

27 and a life-giving fountain

that keeps you safe

from deadly traps.

28 Rulers of powerful nations

are held in honor;

rulers of weak nations

are nothing at all.

29 It's smart to be patient,

but it's stupid

to lose your temper.

30 It's healthy to be content,

but envy can eat you up.

31 If you mistreat the poor,

you insult your Creator;

if you are kind to them,

you show him respect.

32 In times of trouble

the wicked are destroyed,

but even at death

the innocent have faith.*

33 Wisdom is found in the minds

of people with good sense,

but fools don't know it.*

34 Doing right brings honor

to a nation,

but sin brings disgrace.

35 Kings reward servants

who act wisely,

but they punish those

who act foolishly.