Study Desk

The hope of the righteous [those of honorable character and integrity] is joy, But the expectation of the wicked [those who oppose God and ignore His wisdom] comes to nothing.

The way of the LORD is a stronghold to the upright, But it is ruin to those who do evil.

The [consistently] righteous will never be shaken, But the wicked will not inhabit the earth.

The mouth of the righteous flows with [skillful and godly] wisdom, But the perverted tongue will be cut out.

The lips of the righteous know (speak) what is acceptable, But the mouth of the wicked knows (speaks) what is perverted (twisted).

A false balance and dishonest business practices are extremely offensive to the LORD, But an accurate scale is His delight.

When pride comes [boiling up with an arrogant attitude of self-importance], then come dishonor and shame, But with the humble [the teachable who have been chiseled by trial and who have learned to walk humbly with God] there is wisdom and soundness of mind.

The integrity and moral courage of the upright will guide them, But the crookedness of the treacherous will destroy them.

Riches will not provide security in the day of wrath and judgment, But righteousness rescues from death.

The righteousness of the blameless will smooth their way and keep it straight, But the wicked will fall by his own wickedness.

The righteousness of the upright will rescue them, But the treacherous will be caught by their own greed.

With his mouth the godless man destroys his neighbor, But through knowledge and discernment the righteous will be rescued.

By the blessing [of the influence] of the upright the city is exalted, But by the mouth of the wicked it is torn down.

He who despises his neighbor lacks sense, But a man of understanding keeps silent.

He who goes about as a gossip reveals secrets, But he who is trustworthy and faithful keeps a matter hidden.

Where there is no [wise, intelligent] guidance, the people fall [and go off course like a ship without a helm], But in the abundance of [wise and godly] counselors there is victory.

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].

A gracious and good woman attains honor, And ruthless men attain riches [but not respect].

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 wicked man earns deceptive wages, But he who sows righteousness and lives his life with integrity will have a true reward [that is both permanent and satisfying].