Old Testament

New Testament

Proverbs 14:6-24 The Message (MSG)

6. Cynics look high and low for wisdom—and never find it;the open-minded find it right on their doorstep!

7. Escape quickly from the company of fools;they’re a waste of your time, a waste of your words.

8. The wisdom of the wise keeps life on track;the foolishness of fools lands them in the ditch.

9. The stupid ridicule right and wrong,but a moral life is a favored life.

10. The person who shuns the bitter moments of friendswill be an outsider at their celebrations.

11. Lives of careless wrongdoing are tumbledown shacks;holy living builds soaring cathedrals.

12-13. There’s a way of life that looks harmless enough;look again—it leads straight to hell.Sure, those people appear to be having a good time,but all that laughter will end in heartbreak.

14. A mean person gets paid back in meanness,a gracious person in grace.

15. The gullible believe anything they’re told;the prudent sift and weigh every word.

16. The wise watch their steps and avoid evil;fools are headstrong and reckless.

17. The hotheaded do things they’ll later regret;the coldhearted get the cold shoulder.

18. Foolish dreamers live in a world of illusion;wise realists plant their feet on the ground.

19. Eventually, evil will pay tribute to good;the wicked will respect God-loyal people.

20. An unlucky loser is shunned by all,but everyone loves a winner.

21. It’s criminal to ignore a neighbor in need,but compassion for the poor—what a blessing!

22. Isn’t it obvious that conspirators lose out,while the thoughtful win love and trust?

23. Hard work always pays off;mere talk puts no bread on the table.

24. The wise accumulate wisdom;fools get stupider by the day.

Read complete chapter Proverbs 14