Proverbs 14:1-35 CEV

[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.