Study Desk

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].

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

Fools mock sin [but sin mocks the fools], But among the upright there is good will and the favor and blessing of God.

The house of the wicked will be overthrown, But the tent of the upright will thrive.

There is a way which seems right to a man and appears straight before him, But its end is the way of death.

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 naive or inexperienced person [is easily misled and] believes every word he hears, But the prudent man [is discreet and astute and] considers well where he is going.

A wise man suspects danger and cautiously avoids evil, But the fool is arrogant and careless.

The naive [are unsophisticated and easy to exploit and] inherit foolishness, But the sensible [are thoughtful and far-sighted and] are crowned with knowledge.

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.

Do they not go astray who devise evil and wander from the way of righteousness? But kindness and truth will be to those who devise good.

In all labor there is profit, But mere talk leads only to poverty.

The crown of the wise is their wealth [of wisdom], But the foolishness of [closed-minded] fools is [nothing but] folly.

A truthful witness saves lives, But he who speaks lies is treacherous.

In a multitude of people is a king's glory, But in a lack of people is a [pretentious] prince's ruin.

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].

A calm and peaceful and tranquil heart is life and health to the body, But passion and envy are like rottenness to the bones.

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.