Proverbs 14 — NIV

Proverbs 14:1“The Wise Woman Builds Her House 1 The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.”

Proverbs 14:2“2 Whoever fears the Lord walks uprightly, but those who despise him are devious in their ways.”

Proverbs 14:3“3 A fool’s mouth lashes out with pride, but the lips of the wise protect them.”

Proverbs 14:4“4 Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox come abundant harvests.”

Proverbs 14:5“5 An honest witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies.”

Proverbs 14:6“6 The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.”

Proverbs 14:7“7 Stay away from a fool, for you will not find knowledge on their lips.”

Proverbs 14:8“8 The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception.”

Proverbs 14:9“9 Fools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwill is found among the upright.”

Proverbs 14:10“10 Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy.”

Proverbs 14:11“11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish.”

Proverbs 14:12“12 There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.”

Proverbs 14:13“13 Even in laughter the heart may ache, and rejoicing may end in grief.”

Proverbs 14:14“14 The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways, and the good rewarded for theirs.”

Proverbs 14:15“15 The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.”

Proverbs 14:16“16 The wise fear the Lord and shun evil, but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure.”

Proverbs 14:17“17 A quick-tempered person does foolish things, and the one who devises evil schemes is hated.”

Proverbs 14:18“18 The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.”

Proverbs 14:19“19 Evildoers will bow down in the presence of the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.”

Proverbs 14:20“20 The poor are shunned even by their neighbors, but the rich have many friends.”

Proverbs 14:21“21 It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.”

Proverbs 14:22“22 Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find[a] love and faithfulness.”

Proverbs 14:23“23 All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.”

Proverbs 14:24“24 The wealth of the wise is their crown, but the folly of fools yields folly.”

Proverbs 14:25“25 A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is deceitful.”

Proverbs 14:26“26 Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge.”

Proverbs 14:27“27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.”

Proverbs 14:28“28 A large population is a king’s glory, but without subjects a prince is ruined.”

Proverbs 14:29“29 Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.”

Proverbs 14:30“30 A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”

Proverbs 14:31“31 Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.”

Proverbs 14:32“32 When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous seek refuge in God.”

Proverbs 14:33“33 Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning and even among fools she lets herself be known.[b]”

Proverbs 14:34“34 Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people.”

Proverbs 14:35“35 A king delights in a wise servant, but a shameful servant arouses his fury.”