(KJV) Proverbs 14

⥃The Wise Woman

[1] Every wise¹ woman buildeth her house: but the foolish² plucketh it down with her hands. [2] He that walketh³ in his uprightness feareth the Lord: but⁴ [he that is] perverse in his ways despiseth him. [3] In the mouth⁵ of the foolish [is] a rod of pride: but⁶ the lips of the wise shall preserve them. [4] Where no oxen [are], the crib [is] clean⁷: but⁸ much increase [is] by the strength of the ox. [5] A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.⁹ [6] A scorner¹⁰ seeketh wisdom, and [findeth it] not: but knowledge¹¹ [is] easy unto him that understandeth. [7] Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not [in him] the lips of knowledge.¹² [8] The wisdom¹³ of the prudent [is] to understand his way: but the folly¹⁴ of fools [is] deceit. [9] Fools¹⁵ make a mock at sin: but among¹⁶ the righteous [there is] favour. [10] The heart¹⁷ knoweth his¹⁸ own bitterness; and¹⁹ a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy. [11] The house²⁰ of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle²¹ of the upright shall flourish. [12] There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof [are] the ways of death.²² [13] Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth [is] heaviness.²³ [14] The backslider²⁴ in heart shall be filled²⁵ with his own ways: and a good²⁶ man [shall be satisfied] from himself. [15] The simple²⁷ believeth every word: but the prudent²⁸ [man] looketh well to his going. [16] A wise [man] feareth²⁹, and departeth from evil: but the fool³⁰ rageth, and is confident. [17] [He that³¹ is] soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man³² of wicked devices is hated. [18] The simple inherit³³ folly: but the prudent³⁴ are crowned with knowledge. [19] The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.³⁵ [20] The poor³⁶ is hated even of his own neighbour: but³⁷ the rich [hath] many friends³⁸. [21] He that despiseth³⁹ his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath⁴⁰ mercy on the poor, happy [is] he. [22] Do they not err⁴¹ that devise evil? but⁴² mercy and truth [shall be] to them that devise⁴³ good. [23] In all⁴⁴ labour there is profit: but⁴⁵ the talk of the lips [tendeth] only to penury. [24] The crown⁴⁶ of the wise [is] their riches: [but] the foolishness⁴⁷ of fools [is] folly. [25] A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful [witness] speaketh lies.⁴⁸ [26] In the fear⁴⁹ of the Lord [is] strong confidence: and his⁵⁰ children shall have a place of refuge. [27] The fear of the Lord [is] a fountain⁵¹ of life, to⁵² depart from the snares of death. [28] In the multitude of people [is] the king’s honour: but in the want of people [is] the destruction of the prince.⁵³ [29] [He that is] slow⁵⁴ to wrath [is] of great understanding: but⁵⁵ [he that is] hasty⁵⁶ of spirit exalteth⁵⁷ folly. [30] A sound⁵⁸ heart [is] the life of the flesh: but envy⁵⁹ the rottenness⁶⁰ of the bones. [31] He that oppresseth⁶¹ the poor reproacheth his Maker: but⁶² he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor. [32] The wicked is driven⁶³ away in his wickedness: but the righteous⁶⁴ hath hope in his death. [33] Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but [that which is] in the midst of fools is made known.⁶⁵ [34] Righteousness⁶⁶ exalteth a nation: but⁶⁷ sin [is] a reproach to any people⁶⁸. [35] The king’s⁶⁹ favour [is] toward a wise servant: but his wrath is [against] him⁷⁰ that causeth shame.