Study Desk

On the lips of the discerning, [skillful and godly] wisdom is found, But discipline and the rod are for the back of the one who is without common sense and understanding.

He who learns from instruction and correction is on the [right] path of life [and for others his example is a path toward wisdom and blessing], But he who ignores and refuses correction goes off course [and for others his example is a path toward sin and ruin].

The lips of the righteous feed and guide many, But fools [who reject God and His wisdom] die for lack of understanding.

The blessing of the LORD brings [true] riches, And He adds no sorrow to it [for it comes as a blessing from God].

What the wicked fears will come upon him, But the desire of the righteous [for the blessings of God] will be granted.

When it goes well for the righteous, the city rejoices, And when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy.

He who puts up security and guarantees a debt for an outsider will surely suffer [for his foolishness], But he who hates (declines) being a guarantor is secure [from its penalties].

The merciful and generous man benefits his soul [for his behavior returns to bless him], But the cruel and callous man does himself harm.

The fruit of the [consistently] righteous is a tree of life, And he who is wise captures and wins souls [for God—he gathers them for eternity].

The [malevolent] words of the wicked lie in wait for [innocent] blood [to slander], But the mouth of the upright will rescue and protect them.

A righteous man has kind regard for the life of his animal, But even the compassion of the wicked is cruel.

Truthful lips will be established forever, But a lying tongue is [credited] only for a moment.

From the fruit of his mouth a [wise] man enjoys good, But the desire of the treacherous is for violence.

The soul (appetite) of the lazy person craves and gets nothing [for lethargy overcomes ambition], But the soul (appetite) of the diligent [who works willingly] is rich and abundantly supplied.

The ransom for a man's life is his wealth, But the poor man does not even have to listen to a rebuke or threats [from the envious].

Every prudent and self-disciplined man acts with knowledge, But a [closed-minded] fool [who refuses to learn] displays his foolishness [for all to see].

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

In the mouth of the [arrogant] fool [who rejects God] is a rod for his back, But the lips of the wise [when they speak with godly wisdom] will protect them.

A scoffer seeks wisdom and finds none [for his ears are closed to wisdom], But knowledge is easy for one who understands [because he is willing to learn].

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