Proverbs 13:1-18

1A wise son listens to his father's teaching. But if you tell a proud person that he is wrong, he will not listen.

2If you say kind words, you will eat good things. But wicked people only want to be cruel.

3Someone who thinks before he speaks will keep his life safe. But someone who talks too much will destroy himself.

4A lazy person always wants to have more, but he will not get it. If a person works hard, he will have more than he needs.

5Honest people hate anything that is false. But wicked people do things that bring them shame.

6When honest people do what is right, it keeps them safe. But when sinners do evil things, it destroys them.

7Somebody who has nothing may still pretend to be rich. Somebody else may pretend to be poor, but he is very rich.

8A rich person may have to use his money to save his life. But poor people do not have that problem.

9Righteous people have joy that shines like a bright light. But wicked people have a light that will quickly go out.

10A person who boasts only causes trouble. But if you accept good advice, it shows that you are wise.

11If you try to get money quickly, you will not stay rich for long. But if you are patient, you will become rich little by little.

12When you do not receive the things that you hope for, it makes you sad. But when you receive what you have always wanted, you are very happy.

13If you do not accept good teaching, you will destroy yourself. If you accept good advice, it will help you to do well.

14The teaching of wise people is like a spring of water that gives life. It will keep you away from death's dangerous traps.

15People respect a person who has wise thoughts. But the way that wicked people live destroys them.

16Careful people need to understand what they are doing. But a fool quickly shows how foolish he is.

17If you send a message with a wicked person, he will cause trouble. But if you send someone that you can trust, he will bring peace.

18Anyone who turns away from good teaching will become poor and ashamed. But if you accept advice when you do something wrong, people will respect you.