Study Desk

The lips of the righteous feed many,But fools die for lack of wisdom. [fn]

The way of the LORD is strength for the upright, But destruction will come to the workers of iniquity.

He who is surety for a stranger will suffer, But one who hates being surety is secure.

The merciful man does good for his own soul, But he who is cruel troubles his own flesh.

The words of the wicked are, "Lie in wait for blood," But the mouth of the upright will deliver them.

The truthful lip shall be established forever, But a lying tongue is but for a moment.

The righteous should choose his friends carefully, For the way of the wicked leads them astray.

A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, But the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.

Much food is in the fallow ground of the poor,And for lack of justice there is waste. [fn]

Harsh discipline is for him who forsakes the way, And he who hates correction will die.

The way of life winds upward for the wise,That he may turn away from hell [fn] below.

He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, But he who hates bribes will live.

The LORD has made all for Himself, Yes, even the wicked for the day of doom.

In mercy and truth Atonement is provided for iniquity; And by the fear of the LORD one departs from evil.

It is an abomination for kings to commit wickedness, For a throne is established by righteousness.

The person who labors, labors for himself, For his hungry mouth drives him on.

The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, But the LORD tests the hearts.

Rebuke is more effective for a wise man Than a hundred blows on a fool.

Whoever rewards evil for good, Evil will not depart from his house.

Why is there in the hand of a fool the purchase price of wisdom, Since he has no heart for it?