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(skip to chapter 17)
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but the LORD
has the final word.
2We may think we know
what is right,
but the LORD is the judge
of our motives.
3Share your plans with the LORD,
and you will succeed.
4The LORD has a reason
for everything he does,
and he lets evil people live
only to be punished.
5The LORD doesn't like
anyone who is conceited--
you can be sure
they will be punished.
6If we truly love God,
our sins will be forgiven;
if we show him respect,
we will keep away from sin.
7When we please the LORD,
even our enemies
make friends with us.
8It's better to be honest
and poor
than to be dishonest
and rich.
9We make our own plans,
but the LORD decides
where we will go.
10Rulers speak with authority
and are never wrong.
11The LORD doesn't like it
when we cheat in business.
12Justice makes rulers powerful.
They should hate evil
13and like honesty and truth.
14An angry ruler
can put you to death.
So be wise!
Don't make one angry.
15When a ruler is happy
and pleased with you,
it's like refreshing rain,
and you will live.
16It's much better to be wise
and sensible
than to be rich.
17God's people avoid evil ways,
and they protect themselves
by watching where they go.
18Too much pride
will destroy you.
19You are better off
to be humble and poor
than to get rich
from what you take by force.
20If you know what you're doing, you will prosper.
God blesses everyone
who trusts him.
21Good judgment proves
that you are wise,
and if you speak kindly,
you can teach others.
22Good sense is a fountain
that gives life,
but fools are punished
by their foolishness.
23You can persuade others
if you are wise
and speak sensibly.
24Kind words are like honey--
they cheer you up
and make you feel strong.
25Sometimes what seems right
is really a road to death.
26The hungrier you are,
the harder you work.
27Worthless people plan trouble.
Even their words burn
like a flaming fire.
28Gossip is no good!
It causes hard feelings
and comes between friends.
29Don't trust violent people.
They will mislead you
to do the wrong thing.
30When someone winks
or grins behind your back,
trouble is on the way.
31Gray hair is a glorious crown
worn by those
who have lived right.
32Controlling your temper
is better than being a hero
who captures a city.
33We make our own decisions,
but the LORD alone
determines what happens.
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in peace and quiet
is better than a feast eaten
where everyone argues.
2A hard-working slave
will be placed in charge
of a no-good child,
and that slave will be given
the same inheritance
that each child receives.
3Silver and gold are tested
by flames of fire;
our thoughts are tested
by the LORD.
4Troublemakers listen
to troublemakers,
and liars listen to liars.
5By insulting the poor,
you insult your Creator.
You will be punished
if you make fun
of someone in trouble.
6Grandparents are proud
of their grandchildren,
and children should be proud
of their parents.
7It sounds strange for a fool
to talk sensibly,
but it's even worse
for a ruler to tell lies.
8A bribe works miracles
like a magic charm
that brings good luck.
9You will keep your friends
if you forgive them,
but you will lose your friends
if you keep talking about
what they did wrong.
10A sensible person
accepts correction,
but you can't beat sense
into a fool.
11Cruel people want to rebel,
and so vicious attackers
will be sent against them.
12A bear robbed of her cubs
is far less dangerous
than a stubborn fool.
13You will always have trouble
if you are mean to those
who are good to you.
14The start of an argument
is like a water leak--
so stop it before
real trouble breaks out.
15The LORD doesn't like those
who defend the guilty
or condemn the innocent.
16Why should fools have money
for an education
when they refuse to learn?
17A friend is always a friend,
and relatives are born
to share our troubles.
18It's stupid to guarantee
someone else's loan.
19The wicked and the proud
love trouble
and keep begging
to be hurt.
20Dishonesty does you no good,
and telling lies
will get you in trouble.
21It's never pleasant
to be the parent of a fool
and have nothing but pain.
22If you are cheerful,
you feel good;
if you are sad,
you hurt all over.
23Crooks accept secret bribes
to keep justice
from being done.
24Anyone with wisdom knows
what makes good sense,
but fools can never
make up their minds.
25Foolish children bring sorrow
to their father
and pain to their mother.
26It isn't fair
to punish the innocent
and those who do right.
27It makes a lot of sense
to be a person of few words
and to stay calm.
28Even fools seem smart
when they are quiet.
to think only of yourself
and to sneer at people
who have sense. 2Fools have no desire to learn;
they would much rather
give their own opinion.
3Wrongdoing leads to shame
and disgrace.
4Words of wisdom
are a stream
that flows
from a deep fountain.
5It's wrong to favor the guilty
and keep the innocent
from getting justice.
6Foolish talk will get you
into a lot of trouble.
7Saying foolish things
is like setting a trap
to destroy yourself.
8There's nothing so delicious
as the taste of gossip!
It melts in your mouth.
9Being lazy is no different
from being a troublemaker.
10The LORD is a mighty tower
where his people can run
for safety--
11the rich think their money
is a wall of protection.
12Pride leads to destruction;
humility leads to honor.
13It's stupid and embarrassing
to give an answer
before you listen.
14Being cheerful helps
when we are sick,
but nothing helps
when we give up.
15Everyone with good sense
wants to learn.
16A gift will get you in
to see anyone.
17You may think you have won
your case in court,
until your opponent speaks.
18Drawing straws is one way
to settle a difficult case.
19Making up with a friend
you have offended is harder than breaking
through a city wall.
20Make your words good--
you will be glad you did.
21Words can bring death or life!
Talk too much, and you will eat
everything you say.
22A man's greatest treasure
is his wife--
she is a gift from the LORD.
23The poor must beg for help,
but the rich can give
a harsh reply.
24Some friends don't help, but a true friend is closer
than your own family.