Proverbs 14:18-35

The naive [are unsophisticated and easy to exploit and] inherit foolishness, But the sensible [are thoughtful and far-sighted and] are crowned with knowledge. The evil will bow down before the good, And the wicked [will bow down] at the gates of the righteous. The poor man is hated even by his neighbor, But those who love the rich are many. He who despises his neighbor sins [against God and his fellow man], But happy [blessed and favored by God] is he who is gracious and merciful to the poor. Do they not go astray who devise evil and wander from the way of righteousness? But kindness and truth will be to those who devise good. In all labor there is profit, But mere talk leads only to poverty. The crown of the wise is their wealth [of wisdom], But the foolishness of [closed-minded] fools is [nothing but] folly. A truthful witness saves lives, But he who speaks lies is treacherous. In the [reverent] fear of the LORD there is strong confidence, And His children will [always] have a place of refuge. The [reverent] fear of the LORD [that leads to obedience and worship] is a fountain of life, So that one may avoid the snares of death. [John 4:10, 14] In a multitude of people is a king’s glory, But in a lack of people is a [pretentious] prince’s ruin. He who is slow to anger has great understanding [and profits from his self-control], But he who is quick-tempered exposes and exalts his foolishness [for all to see]. [Prov 16:32; James 1:19] A calm and peaceful and tranquil heart is life and health to the body, But passion and envy are like rottenness to the bones. He who oppresses the poor taunts and insults his Maker, But he who is kind and merciful and gracious to the needy honors Him. [Prov 17:5; Matt 25:40, 45] The wicked is overthrown through his wrongdoing, But the righteous has hope and confidence and a refuge [with God] even in death. Wisdom rests [silently] in the heart of one who has understanding, But what is in the heart of [shortsighted] fools is made known. [Is 32:6] Righteousness [moral and spiritual integrity and virtuous character] exalts a nation, But sin is a disgrace to any people. The king’s favor and good will are toward a servant who acts wisely and discreetly, But his anger and wrath are toward him who acts shamefully. [Matt 24:45, 47]