Study Desk

The light of the righteous [within him—grows brighter and] rejoices, But the lamp of the wicked [is a temporary light and] goes out.

Through pride and presumption come nothing but strife, But [skillful and godly] wisdom is with those who welcome [well-advised] counsel.

Wealth obtained by fraud dwindles, But he who gathers gradually by [honest] labor will increase [his riches].

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But when desire is fulfilled, it is a tree of life.

Whoever despises the word and counsel [of God] brings destruction upon himself, But he who [reverently] fears and respects the commandment [of God] will be rewarded.

Good understanding wins favor [from others], But the way of the unfaithful is hard [like barren, dry soil].

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 wicked messenger falls into hardship, But a faithful ambassador brings healing.

Poverty and shame will come to him who refuses instruction and discipline, But he who accepts and learns from reproof or censure is honored.

Desire realized is sweet to the soul; But it is detestable to fools to turn away from evil [which they have planned].

He who walks [as a companion] with wise men will be wise, But the companions of [conceited, dull-witted] fools [are fools themselves and] will experience harm.

Adversity pursues sinners, But the [consistently] upright will be rewarded with prosperity.

Abundant food is in the fallow (uncultivated) ground of the poor, But [without protection] it is swept away by injustice.

He who withholds the rod [of discipline] hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines and trains him diligently and appropriately [with wisdom and love].

The [consistently] righteous has enough to satisfy his appetite, But the stomach of the wicked is in need [of bread].

The wise woman builds her house [on a foundation of godly precepts, and her household thrives], But the foolish one [who lacks spiritual insight] tears it down with her own hands [by ignoring godly principles].

He who walks in uprightness [reverently] fears the LORD [and obeys and worships Him with profound respect], But he who is devious in his ways despises Him.

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.

Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean, But much revenue [because of good crops] comes by the strength of the ox.

A faithful and trustworthy witness will not lie, But a false witness speaks lies.