Proverbs 13
1 A wise son heareth the doctrine of his father: but he that is a scorner, beareth not when he is reproved.
A wise son accepts his father's discipline, but a mocker doesn't listen to correction.
2 Of the fruit of his own mouth shall a man be filled with good things: but the soul of transgressors is wicked.
You'll be rewarded for saying good things, but dishonest people want violence.
3 He that keepeth his mouth, keepeth his soul: but he that hath no guard on his speech shall meet with evils.
Watch what you say and save your life—saying too much leads to disaster.
4 The sluggard willeth and willeth not: but the soul of them that work, shall be made fat.
Lazy people want a lot, but get nothing; if you work hard you'll be well rewarded.
5 The just shall hate a lying word: but the wicked confoundeth, and shall be confounded.
Good people hate lies, but the wicked cause a stink and bring disgrace.
6 Justice keepeth the way of the innocent: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner.
Goodness protects those who live right, but sin overcomes the wicked.
7 One is as it were rich, when he hath nothing: and another is as it were poor, when he hath great riches.
Some pretend to be rich, but don't have anything, while others pretend to be poor and are very rich.
8 The ransom of a man’s life are his riches: but he that is poor beareth not reprehension.
The rich can pay a ransom to save their lives, but the poor aren't troubled in this way.
9 The light of the just giveth joy: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.
The life of good people shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out.
10 Among the proud there are always contentions: but they that do all things with counsel, are ruled by wisdom.
Pride only causes conflict; but those who take advice are wise.
11 Substance got in haste shall be diminished: but that which by little and little is gathered with the hand shall increase.
Wealth gained by fraud quickly disappears, but those who gather bit by bit prosper.
12 Hope that is deferred afflicteth the soul: desire when it cometh is a tree of life.
Hope that's delayed makes you feel sick, but a wish that comes true revives you.
13 Whosoever speaketh ill of any thing, bindeth himself for the time to come: but he that feareth the commandment, shall dwell in peace. Deceitful souls go astray in sins: the just are merciful, and shew mercy.
If you despise words of advice, you'll pay for it; but if you respect what you're told, you'll be rewarded.
14 The law of the wise is a fountain of life, that he may decline from the ruin of death.
The teaching of the wise is like a fountain of life, so you can avoid the snares of death.
15 Good instruction shall give grace: in the way of scorners is a deep pit.
Good sense earns appreciation, but the way of the unfaithful is hard.
16 The prudent mall doth all things with counsel: but he that is a fool, layeth open his folly.
All wise people act intelligently, but stupid people demonstrate their stupidity.
17 The messenger of the wicked shall fall into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health.
A bad messenger creates trouble, but a faithful representative brings healing.
18 Poverty and shame to him that refuseth instruction: but he that yieldeth to reproof, shall be glorified.
Poverty and disgrace come to those who ignore instruction, but those who accept correction are honored.
19 The desire that is accomplished, delighteth the soul: fools hate them that flee from evil things.
It's nice to see a wish come true, but stupid people hate to turn away from evil to achieve this.
20 He that walketh with the wise, shall be wise: a friend of fools shall become like to them.
Being friends with wise people will make you wise, but being friends with stupid people will only cause you problems.
21 Evil pursueth sinners: and to the just good shall be repaid.
Tragedy chases after the sinner, but prosperity rewards the good.
22 The good man leaveth heirs, sons, and grandsons: and the substance of the sinner is kept for the just.
Good people leave an inheritance to their grandchildren, but the sinner's wealth is saved for those who live right.
23 Much food is in the tillage of fathers: but for others it is gathered with out judgment.
The unploughed ground of the poor could produce a lot of food, but it's stolen through injustice.
24 He that spareth the rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him correcteth him betimes.
People who don't discipline their children hate them. Those who love their children carefully discipline them.
25 The just eateth and filleth his soul: but the belly of the wicked is never to be filled.
The good eat until they're full; but the belly of the wicked is empty.
