| Berean Study Bible | New Living Translation |
| 1Every wise woman builds her house, but a foolish one tears it down with her own hands. | 1A wise woman builds her home, but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands. |
| 2He who walks in uprightness fears the LORD, but the one who is devious in his ways despises Him. | 2Those who follow the right path fear the LORD; those who take the wrong path despise him. |
| 3The proud speech of a fool brings a rod to his back, but the lips of the wise protect them. | 3A fool’s proud talk becomes a rod that beats him, but the words of the wise keep them safe. |
| 4Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but an abundant harvest comes through the strength of the ox. | 4Without oxen a stable stays clean, but you need a strong ox for a large harvest. |
| 5An honest witness does not deceive, but a dishonest witness pours forth lies. | 5An honest witness does not lie; a false witness breathes lies. |
| 6A mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning. | 6A mocker seeks wisdom and never finds it, but knowledge comes easily to those with understanding. |
| 7Stay away from a foolish man; you will gain no knowledge from his speech. | 7Stay away from fools, for you won’t find knowledge on their lips. |
| 8The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools deceives them. | 8The prudent understand where they are going, but fools deceive themselves. |
| 9Fools mock the making of amends, but goodwill is found among the upright. | 9Fools make fun of guilt, but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation. |
| 10The heart knows its own bitterness, and no stranger shares in its joy. | 10Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can fully share its joy. |
| 11The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish. | 11The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the godly will flourish. |
| 12There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. | 12There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death. |
| 13Even in laughter the heart may ache, and joy may end in sorrow. | 13Laughter can conceal a heavy heart, but when the laughter ends, the grief remains. |
| 14The backslider in heart receives the fill of his own ways, but a good man is rewarded for his ways. | 14Backsliders get what they deserve; good people receive their reward. |
| 15The simple man believes every word, but the prudent man watches his steps. | 15Only simpletons believe everything they’re told! The prudent carefully consider their steps. |
| 16A wise man fears and turns from evil, but a fool is careless and reckless. | 16The wise are cautious and avoid danger; fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence. |
| 17A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, and a devious man is hated. | 17Short-tempered people do foolish things, and schemers are hated. |
| 18The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. | 18Simpletons are clothed with foolishness, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. |
| 19The evil bow before the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous. | 19Evil people will bow before good people; the wicked will bow at the gates of the godly. |
| 20The poor man is hated even by his neighbor, but many are those who love the rich. | 20The poor are despised even by their neighbors, while the rich have many “friends.” |
| 21He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who shows kindness to the poor. | 21It is a sin to belittle one’s neighbor; blessed are those who help the poor. |
| 22Do not those who contrive evil go astray? But those who plan goodness find loving devotion and faithfulness. | 22If you plan to do evil, you will be lost; if you plan to do good, you will receive unfailing love and faithfulness. |
| 23There is profit in all labor, but mere talk leads only to poverty. | 23Work brings profit, but mere talk leads to poverty! |
| 24The crown of the wise is their wealth, but the effort of fools is folly. | 24Wealth is a crown for the wise; the effort of fools yields only foolishness. |
| 25A truthful witness saves lives, but one who utters lies is deceitful. | 25A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is a traitor. |
| 26He who fears the LORD is secure in confidence, and his children shall have a place of refuge. | 26Those who fear the LORD are secure; he will be a refuge for their children. |
| 27The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death. | 27Fear of the LORD is a life-giving fountain; it offers escape from the snares of death. |
| 28A large population is a king’s splendor, but a lack of subjects is a prince’s ruin. | 28A growing population is a king’s glory; a prince without subjects has nothing. |
| 29A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man promotes folly. | 29People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness. |
| 30A tranquil heart is life to the body, but envy rots the bones. | 30A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones. |
| 31Whoever oppresses the poor taunts their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors Him. | 31Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker, but helping the poor honors him. |
| 32The wicked man is thrown down by his own sin, but the righteous man has a refuge even in death. | 32The wicked are crushed by disaster, but the godly have a refuge when they die. |
| 33Wisdom rests in the heart of the discerning; even among fools she is known. | 33Wisdom is enshrined in an understanding heart; wisdom is not found among fools. |
| 34Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people. | 34Godliness makes a nation great, but sin is a disgrace to any people. |
| 35A king delights in a wise servant, but his anger falls on the shameful. | 35A king rejoices in wise servants but is angry with those who disgrace him. |
|
