The Living Bible (207 page)
Authors: Inc. Tyndale House Publishers
Tags: #BIBLES / Other Translations / Text
A wise woman builds her house, while a foolish woman tears hers down by her own efforts.
2
To do right honors God; to sin is to despise him.
3
A rebel’s foolish talk should prick his own pride! But the wise man’s speech is respected.
4
An empty stable stays clean—but there is no income from an empty stable.
5
A truthful witness never lies; a false witness always lies.
6
A mocker never finds the wisdom he claims he is looking for, yet it comes easily to the man with common sense.
7
If you are looking for advice, stay away from fools.
8
The wise man looks ahead. The fool attempts to fool himself and won’t face facts.
9
The common bond of rebels is their guilt.
*
The common bond of godly people is goodwill.
10
Only the person involved can know his own bitterness or joy—no one else can really share it.
11
The work of the wicked will perish; the work of the godly will flourish.
12
Before every man there lies a wide and pleasant road that seems right but ends in death.
13
Laughter cannot mask a heavy heart. When the laughter ends, the grief remains.
14
The backslider gets bored with himself; the godly man’s life is exciting.
15
Only a simpleton believes everything he’s told! A prudent man understands the need for proof.
16
A wise man is cautious and avoids danger; a fool plunges ahead with great confidence.
17
A short-tempered man is a fool. He hates the man who is patient.
18
The simpleton is crowned with folly; the wise man is crowned with knowledge.
19
Evil men shall bow before the godly.
20-21
Even his own neighbors despise the poor man, while the rich have many “friends.” But to despise the poor is to sin. Blessed are those who help them.
22
Those who plot evil shall wander away and be lost, but those who plan good shall be granted mercy and quietness.
23
Work brings profit; talk brings poverty!
24
Wise men are praised for their wisdom; fools are despised for their folly.
25
A witness who tells the truth saves good men from being sentenced to death, but a false witness is a traitor.
26
Reverence for God gives a man deep strength; his children have a place of refuge and security.
27
Reverence for the Lord is a fountain of life; its waters keep a man from death.
28
A growing population is a king’s glory; a dwindling nation is his doom.
29
A wise man controls his temper. He knows that anger causes mistakes.
30
A relaxed attitude lengthens a man’s life; jealousy rots it away.
31
Anyone who oppresses the poor is insulting God who made them. To help the poor is to honor God.
32
The godly have a refuge when they die, but the wicked are crushed by their sins.
33
Wisdom is enshrined in the hearts of men of common sense, but it must shout loudly before fools will hear it.
34
Godliness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.
35
A king rejoices in servants who know what they are doing; he is angry with those who cause trouble.
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words cause quarrels.
2
A wise teacher makes learning a joy; a rebellious teacher spouts foolishness.
3
The Lord is watching everywhere and keeps his eye on both the evil and the good.
4
Gentle words cause life and health; griping brings discouragement.
5
Only a fool despises his father’s advice; a wise son considers each suggestion.
6
There is treasure in being good, but trouble dogs the wicked.
7
Only the good can give good advice. Rebels can’t.
8
The Lord hates the gifts of the wicked but delights in the prayers of his people.
9-10
The Lord despises the deeds of the wicked but loves those who try to be good. If they stop trying, the Lord will punish them; if they rebel against that punishment, they will die.
11
The depths of hell are open to God’s knowledge. How much more the hearts of all mankind!
12
A mocker stays away from wise men because he hates to be scolded.
13
A happy face means a glad heart; a sad face means a breaking heart.
14
A wise man is hungry for truth, while the mocker feeds on trash.
15
When a man is gloomy, everything seems to go wrong; when he is cheerful, everything seems right!
16
Better a little with reverence for God than great treasure and trouble with it.
17
It is better to eat soup with someone you love than steak with someone you hate.
18
A quick-tempered man starts fights; a cool-tempered man tries to stop them.
19
A lazy fellow has trouble all through life; the good man’s path is easy!
20
A sensible son gladdens his father. A rebellious son saddens his mother.
*
21
If a man enjoys folly, something is wrong! The sensible stay on the pathways of right.
22
Plans go wrong with too few counselors; many counselors bring success.
23
Everyone enjoys giving good advice, and how wonderful it is to be able to say the right thing at the right time!
24
The road of the godly leads upward, leaving hell behind.
25
The Lord destroys the possessions of the proud but cares for widows.
26
The Lord hates the thoughts of the wicked but delights in kind words.
*
27
Dishonest money brings grief to all the family, but hating bribes brings happiness.
*
28
A good man thinks before he speaks; the evil man pours out his evil words without a thought.
29
The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayers of the righteous.
30
Pleasant sights and good reports give happiness and health.
31-32
If you profit from constructive criticism, you will be elected to the wise men’s hall of fame. But to reject criticism is to harm yourself and your own best interests.
33
Humility and reverence for the Lord will make you both wise and honored.
We can make our plans, but the final outcome is in God’s hands.
2
We can always “prove” that we are right, but is the Lord convinced?
3
Commit your work to the Lord, then it will succeed.
4
The Lord has made everything for his own purposes—even the wicked for punishment.
5
Pride disgusts the Lord. Take my word for it
—proud men shall be punished.
6
Iniquity is atoned for by mercy and truth; evil is avoided by reverence for God.
7
When a man is trying to please God, God makes even his worst enemies to be at peace with him.
8
A little gained honestly is better than great wealth gotten by dishonest means.
9
We should make plans—counting on God to direct us.
10
God will help the king to judge the people fairly; there need be no mistakes.
11
The Lord demands fairness in every business deal.
*
He established this principle.
12
It is a horrible thing for a king to do evil. His right to rule depends upon his fairness.
*
13
The king rejoices when his people are truthful and fair.
14
The anger of the king is a messenger of death, and a wise man will appease it.
15
Many favors are showered on those who please the king.
16
How much better is wisdom than gold, and understanding than silver!
17
The path of the godly leads away from evil; he who follows that path is safe.
18
Pride goes before destruction and haughtiness before a fall.
19
Better poor and humble than proud and rich.
20
God blesses those who obey him; happy the man who puts his trust in the Lord.
21
The wise man is known by his common sense, and a pleasant teacher is the best.
22
Wisdom is a fountain of life to those possessing it, but a fool’s burden is his folly.
23
From a wise mind comes careful and persuasive speech.
24
Kind words are like honey—enjoyable and healthful.
25
Before every man there lies a wide and pleasant road he thinks is right, but it ends in death.
26
Hunger is good—if it makes you work to satisfy it!
27
Idle hands are the devil’s workshop; idle lips are his mouthpiece.
*
28
An evil man sows strife; gossip separates the best of friends.
29
Wickedness loves company—and leads others into sin.
*
30
The wicked man stares into space with pursed lips, deep in thought, planning his evil deeds.
31
White hair is a crown of glory and is seen most among the godly.
32
It is better to be slow-tempered than famous; it is better to have self-control than to control an army.
33
We toss the coin,
*
but it is the Lord who controls its decision.