Study Desk

Evil plans and thoughts of the wicked are exceedingly vile and offensive to the LORD, But pure words are pleasant words to Him.

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

The heart of the righteous thinks carefully about how to answer [in a wise and appropriate and timely way], But the [babbling] mouth of the wicked pours out malevolent things.

The LORD is far from the wicked [and distances Himself from them], But He hears the prayer of the [consistently] righteous [that is, those with spiritual integrity and moral courage].

He who neglects and ignores instruction and discipline despises himself, But he who learns from rebuke acquires understanding [and grows in wisdom].

The plans and reflections of the heart belong to man, But the [wise] answer of the tongue is from the LORD.

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].

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

The wrath of a king is like a messenger of death, But a wise man will appease it.

Understanding (spiritual insight) is a [refreshing and boundless] wellspring of life to those who have it, But to give instruction and correction to fools is foolishness.

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

The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from the LORD.

The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, But the LORD tests hearts.

He who covers and forgives an offense seeks love, But he who repeats or gossips about a matter separates intimate friends.

A happy heart is good medicine and a joyful mind causes healing, But a broken spirit dries up the bones.

[Skillful and godly] wisdom is in the presence of a person of understanding [and he recognizes it], But the eyes of a [thickheaded] fool are on the ends of the earth.

A [closed-minded] fool does not delight in understanding, But only in revealing his personal opinions [unwittingly displaying his self-indulgence and his stupidity].

Before disaster the heart of a man is haughty and filled with self-importance, But humility comes before honor.

The spirit of a man sustains him in sickness, But as for a broken spirit, who can bear it?

The poor man pleads, But the rich man answers roughly.