Study Desk

Leave the presence of a [shortsighted] fool, For you will not find knowledge or hear godly wisdom from his lips.

The wisdom of the sensible is to understand his way, But the foolishness of [shortsighted] fools is deceit.

The backslider in heart will have his fill with his own [rotten] ways, But a good man will be satisfied with his ways [the godly thought and action which his heart pursues and in which he delights].

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.

In the [reverent] fear of the LORD there is strong confidence, And His children will [always] have a place of refuge.

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].

He who oppresses the poor taunts and insults his Maker, But he who is kind and merciful and gracious to the needy honors Him.

The wicked is overthrown through his wrongdoing, But the righteous has hope and confidence and a refuge [with God] even in death.

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.

A [flippant, arrogant] fool rejects his father's instruction and correction, But he who [is willing to learn and] regards and keeps in mind a reprimand acquires good sense.

The sacrifice of the wicked is hateful and exceedingly offensive to the LORD, But the prayer of the upright is His delight!

A wise son makes a father glad, But a foolish man despises his mother.

Foolishness is joy to him who is without heart and lacks [intelligent, common] sense, But a man of understanding walks uprightly [making his course straight].

He who profits unlawfully brings suffering to his own house, But he who hates bribes [and does not receive nor pay them] will live.

All the ways of a man are clean and innocent in his own eyes [and he may see nothing wrong with his actions], But the LORD weighs and examines the motives and intents [of the heart and knows the truth].

Commit your works to the LORD [submit and trust them to Him], And your plans will succeed [if you respond to His will and guidance].

When a man's ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

A man's mind plans his way [as he journeys through life], But the LORD directs his steps and establishes them.

A divine decision [given by God] is on the lips of the king [as His representative]; His mouth should not be unfaithful or unjust in judgment.