The Tanakh · JPS 1917 Translation

Proverbs 14

Jewish Publication Society 1917 · Ketuvim — the Writings

Proverbs chapter 14 — part of the Ketuvim — the Writings in the Jewish Bible. In the classic JPS 1917 translation it opens: “Every wise woman buildeth her house; but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.” — the complete text of all 35 verses is below, free to read online.

1Every wise woman buildeth her house; but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.

2He that walketh in his uprightness feareth HaShem; but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth Him.

3In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride; but the lips of the wise shall preserve them.

4Where no oxen are, the crib is clean; but much increase is by the strength of the ox.

5A faithful witness will not lie; but a false witness breatheth forth lies.

6A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not; but knowledge is easy unto him that hath discernment.

7Go from the presence of a foolish man, for thou wilt not perceive the lips of knowledge.

8The wisdom of the prudent is to look well to his way; but the folly of fools is deceit.

9Amends pleadeth for fools; but among the upright there is good will.

10The heart knoweth its own bitterness; and with its joy no stranger can intermeddle.

11The house of the wicked shall be overthrown; but the tent of the upright shall flourish.

12There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

13Even in laughter the heart acheth; and the end of mirth is heaviness.

14The dissembler in heart shall have his fill from his own ways; and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.

15The thoughtless believeth every word; but the prudent man looketh well to his going.

16A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil; but the fool behaveth overbearingly, and is confident.

17He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly; and a man of wicked devices is hated.

18The thoughtless come into possession of folly; but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

19The evil bow before the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

20The poor is hated even of his own neighbour; but the rich hath many friends.

21He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth; but he that is gracious unto the humble, happy is he.

22Shall they not go astray that devise evil? But mercy and truth shall be for them that devise good.

23In all labour there is profit; but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.

24The crown of the wise is their riches; but the folly of fools remaineth folly.

25A true witness delivereth souls; but he that breatheth forth lies is all deceit.

26In the fear of HaShem a man hath strong confidence; and his children shall have a place of refuge.

27The fear of HaShem is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.

28In the multitude of people is the king's glory; but in the want of people is the ruin of the prince.

29He that is slow to anger is of great understanding; but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.

30A tranquil heart is the life of the flesh; but envy is the rottenness of the bones.

31He that oppresseth the poor blasphemeth his Maker; but he that is gracious unto the needy honoureth Him.

32The wicked is thrust down in his misfortune; but the righteous, even when he is brought to death, hath hope.

33In the heart of him that hath discernment wisdom resteth; but in the inward part of fools it maketh itself known.

34Righteousness exalteth a nation; but sin is a reproach to any people.

35The king's favour is toward a servant that dealeth wisely; but his wrath striketh him that dealeth shamefully.

35 verses · JPS 1917 (public domain)

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