Proverbs 14:24

A wise person deserves wealth and honour. However, many wise people are not wealthy. This may be because, for a wise person, wisdom is more important than money. A wise person works hard, but he does not work merely to get money. He works hard to get more wisdom.

A fool hates wisdom. He might work to get money, but he is stupid. He can only earn foolish things. He should work to get wisdom.

v25 A witness who tells the truth saves lives.

A false witness can ruin someone by his lies.

v26 The man who respects God is safe. God is like a castle for him.

God will protect the man, and he will protect his children too.

v27 Respect God, and live!

Respect God, and he will save you from death!

v28 A king cannot rule without the support of his people.

Without his people’s help, he has no army to win a war.

v29 A patient person has great understanding.

If you become angry quickly, then you are a fool.

v30 If your mind is content, your body will be strong.

But if you are jealous, even your bones will be weak.

v31 If you are cruel to poor people, then you hate God. Remember that God made them too.

Be kind to poor people. Then you will give honour to God.

v32 When trouble comes, evil people suffer.

A good person is safe, even when he dies.

v33 A wise person has wisdom in his heart.

Fools do not know wisdom.

v34 If the people are good, then their nation becomes great.

But if the people are evil, then their nation suffers shame.

v35 A king is pleased with a wise servant.

A king is angry if his servant causes shame.