Proverbs 10:1-32

  • A wise son makes his father rejoice (1)

  • Diligent hands bring riches (4)

  • Use of many words brings transgression (19)

  • Jehovah’s blessing makes rich (22)

  • The fear of Jehovah prolongs life (27)

10  Proverbs of Solʹo·mon.+ A wise son makes his father rejoice,+But a foolish son is the grief of his mother.  2  The treasures gained by wickedness will be of no benefit,But righteousness is what rescues from death.+  3  Jehovah will not cause the righteous one* to go hungry,+But he will deny the wicked what they crave.  4  Idle hands will cause poverty,+But diligent hands bring riches.+  5  The son acting with insight gathers the crop in summer,But the son acting shamefully is fast asleep during the harvest.+  6  Blessings are on the head of the righteous one,+But the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.  7  The memory* of the righteous one is due for a blessing,+But the name of the wicked will rot.+  8  The wisehearted person will accept instructions,*+But the one speaking foolishly will be trodden down.+  9  The one walking in integrity will walk in security,+But the one making his ways crooked will be found out.+ 10  The one who slyly winks his eye causes grief,+And the one who speaks foolishly will be trodden down.+ 11  The mouth of the righteous one is a source of life,+But the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.+ 12  Hatred is what stirs up contentions,But love covers over all transgressions.+ 13  Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning person,+But the rod is for the back of one lacking good sense.*+ 14  Those who are wise treasure up knowledge,+But the mouth of the fool invites ruin.+ 15  The wealth* of a rich man is his fortified city. The ruin of the poor is their poverty.+ 16  The activity of the righteous one leads to life;But the produce of the wicked one leads to sin.+ 17  The one who heeds discipline is a path to life,*But the one who ignores reproof leads others astray. 18  The one who conceals his hatred speaks lies,+And the one spreading malicious reports* is stupid. 19  When words are many, transgression cannot be avoided,+But whoever controls his lips acts discreetly.+ 20  The tongue of the righteous one is like the finest silver,+But the heart of the wicked one is worth little. 21  The lips of the righteous one nourish* many,+But the foolish die for lack of sense.+ 22  It is the blessing of Jehovah that makes one rich,+And He adds no pain* with it. 23  Engaging in shameful conduct is like a game to the stupid one,But wisdom is for the man of discernment.+ 24  What the wicked one fears will come upon him;But the desire of the righteous will be granted.+ 25  When the storm passes by, the wicked one will be no more,+But the righteous one is a foundation forever.+ 26  Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes,So the lazy person is to the one who sends him.* 27  The fear of Jehovah prolongs life,+But the years of the wicked will be cut short.+ 28  The expectation* of the righteous brings joy,+But the hope of the wicked will perish.+ 29  The way of Jehovah is a stronghold for the blameless one,+But it means ruin for evildoers.+ 30  The righteous one will never be made to fall,+But the wicked will no longer inhabit the earth.+ 31  The mouth of the righteous one produces* wisdom,But the perverse tongue will be cut off. 32  The lips of the righteous one know what is pleasing,But the mouth of the wicked is perverse.

Footnotes

^ Or “the soul of the righteous one.”
^ Or “reputation.”
^ Lit., “commandments.”
^ Lit., “in want of heart.”
^ Or “valuable thing.”
^ Or possibly, “is on the path to life.”
^ Or “rumors.”
^ Or “guide.”
^ Or “sorrow; hardship.”
^ Or “to his employer.”
^ Or “hope.”
^ Or “bears the fruit of.”