Proverbs 15 NLT

1 A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. 

2 The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness. 

3The LORD is watching everywhere, keeping his eye on both the evil and the good. 

4 Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. 

5 Only a fool despises a parent’s discipline; whoever learns from correction is wise. 

6 There is treasure in the house of the godly, but the earnings of the wicked bring trouble. 

7 The lips of the wise give good advice; the heart of a fool has none to give. 

8 The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but he delights in the prayers of the upright. 

9 The LORD detests the way of the wicked, but he loves those who pursue godliness. 

10 Whoever abandons the right path will be severely disciplined; whoever hates correction will die. 

11 Even Death and Destruction hold no secrets from the LORD . How much more does he know the human heart!

12 Mockers hate to be corrected, so they stay away from the wise. 

13 A glad heart makes a happy face; a broken heart crushes the spirit. 

14 A wise person is hungry for knowledge, while the fool feeds on trash. 

15 For the despondent, every day brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast.

16 Better to have little, with fear for the LORD, than to have great treasure and inner turmoil. 

17 A bowl of vegetables with someone you love is better than steak with someone you hate.

18 A hot-tempered person starts fights; a cool-tempered person stops them. 

19 A lazy person’s way is blocked with briers, but the path of the upright is an open highway. 

20Sensible children bring joy to their father; foolish children despise their mother. 

21 Foolishness brings joy to those with no sense; a sensible person stays on the right path. 

22 Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success. 

23Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time! 

24 The path of life leads upward for the wise; they leave the grave behind. 

25 The LORD tears down the house of the proud, but he protects the property of widows.

26 The LORD detests evil plans, but he delights in pure words. 

27 Greed brings grief to the whole family, but those who hate bribes will live. 

28 The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words. 

29 The LORD is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayers of the righteous. 

30 A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news makes for good health. 

31 If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise. 

32 If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding. 

33 Fear of the LORD teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor.

Outline

• Greetings (1:1-4)
• Concerning Elders (1:5-9)
  • Reasons for Leaving Titus in Crete (1:5)
  • Qualifications of Elders (1:6-9)
• Concerning False Teachers (1:10-16)
• Concerning Various Groups in the Congregations (ch. 2)
  • The Instructions to Different Groups (2:1-10)
  • The Foundation for Christian Living (2:11-14)
  • The Duty of Titus (2:15)
• Concerning Believers in General (3:1-8)
  • Obligations as Citizens (3:1-2)
  • Motives for Godly Conduct (3:3-8)
• Concerning Response to Spiritual Error (3:9-11)
• Conclusion, Final Greetings and Benediction (3:12-15)

Titus 3 NLT

1 Remind the believers to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good. 

2 They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone. 

3 Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. 

4 But— When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, 

5 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. 

6 He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. 

7 Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life. 

8 This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teachings are good and beneficial for everyone. 

9 Do not get involved in foolish discussions about spiritual pedigrees or in quarrels and fights about obedience to Jewish laws. These things are useless and a waste of time. 

10 If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them. 

11 For people like that have turned away from the truth, and their own sins condemn them. 

12 I am planning to send either Artemas or Tychicus to you. As soon as one of them arrives, do your best to meet me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to stay there for the winter. 

13 Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos with their trip. See that they are given everything they need. 

14 Our people must learn to do good by meeting the urgent needs of others; then they will not be unproductive. 

15 Everybody here sends greetings. Please give my greetings to the believers—all who love us. May God’s grace be with you all.

Proverbs 14 NLT

1 A wise woman builds her home, but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands. 

2 Those who follow the right path fear the LORD ; those who take the wrong path despise him. 

3A fool’s proud talk becomes a rod that beats him, but the words of the wise keep them safe. 

4 Without oxen a stable stays clean, but you need a strong ox for a large harvest. 

5 An honest witness does not lie; a false witness breathes lies. 

6 A mocker seeks wisdom and never finds it, but knowledge comes easily to those with understanding. 

7 Stay away from fools, for you won’t find knowledge on their lips. 

8 The prudent understand where they are going, but fools deceive themselves.

9 Fools make fun of guilt, but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation. 

10 Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can fully share its joy. 

11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the godly will flourish.

12 There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death. 

13 Laughter can conceal a heavy heart, but when the laughter ends, the grief remains. 

14 Backsliders get what they deserve; good people receive their reward. 

15 Only simpletons believe everything they’re told! The prudent carefully consider their steps. 

16 The wise are cautious and avoid danger; fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence. 

17Short-tempered people do foolish things, and schemers are hated. 

18 Simpletons are clothed with foolishness, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. 

19 Evil people will bow before good people; the wicked will bow at the gates of the godly. 

20 The poor are despised even by their neighbors, while the rich have many “friends.” 

21 It is a sin to belittle one’s neighbor; blessed are those who help the poor. 

22 If you plan to do evil, you will be lost; if you plan to do good, you will receive unfailing love and faithfulness. 

23 Work brings profit, but mere talk leads to poverty! 

24 Wealth is a crown for the wise; the effort of fools yields only foolishness. 

25 A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is a traitor. 

26 Those who fear the LORD are secure; he will be a refuge for their children. 

27 Fear of the LORD is a life-giving fountain; it offers escape from the snares of death. 

28 A growing population is a king’s glory; a prince without subjects has nothing. 

29 People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness. 

30 A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones. 

31 Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker, but helping the poor honors him.

32 The wicked are crushed by disaster, but the godly have a refuge when they die. 

33 Wisdom is enshrined in an understanding heart; wisdom is not found among fools. 

34Godliness makes a nation great, but sin is a disgrace to any people. 

35 A king rejoices in wise servants but is angry with those who disgrace him.

Outline

• Greetings (1:1-4)
• Concerning Elders (1:5-9)
  • Reasons for Leaving Titus in Crete (1:5)
  • Qualifications of Elders (1:6-9)
• Concerning False Teachers (1:10-16)
• Concerning Various Groups in the Congregations (ch. 2)
  • The Instructions to Different Groups (2:1-10)
  • The Foundation for Christian Living (2:11-14)
  • The Duty of Titus (2:15)
• Concerning Believers in General (3:1-8)
  • Obligations as Citizens (3:1-2)
  • Motives for Godly Conduct (3:3-8)
• Concerning Response to Spiritual Error (3:9-11)
• Conclusion, Final Greetings and Benediction (3:12-15)

Titus 2 NLT

1 As for you, Titus, promote the kind of living that reflects wholesome teaching. 

2 Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience. 

3Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good. 

4 These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, 

5 to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God. 

6 In the same way, encourage the young men to live wisely. 

7 And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. 

8 Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticized. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us. 

9 Slaves must always obey their masters and do their best to please them. They must not talk back 

10 or steal, but must show themselves to be entirely trustworthy and good. Then they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive in every way.

11 For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. 

12 And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, 

13 while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. 

14 He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds. 

15 You must teach these things and encourage the believers to do them. You have the authority to correct them when necessary, so don’t let anyone disregard what you say.

Proverbs 13 NLT

1 A wise child accepts a parent’s discipline; a mocker refuses to listen to correction. 

2 Wise words will win you a good meal, but treacherous people have an appetite for violence. 

3 Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything. 

4 Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper. 

5 The godly hate lies; the wicked cause shame and disgrace. 

6 Godliness guards the path of the blameless, but the evil are misled by sin.

7 Some who are poor pretend to be rich; others who are rich pretend to be poor. 

8 The rich can pay a ransom for their lives, but the poor won’t even get threatened. 

9 The life of the godly is full of light and joy, but the light of the wicked will be snuffed out. 

10 Pride leads to conflict; those who take advice are wise.

11 Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows over time. 

12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life. 

13People who despise advice are asking for trouble; those who respect a command will succeed. 

14 The instruction of the wise is like a life-giving fountain; those who accept it avoid the snares of death. 

15 A person with good sense is respected; a treacherous person is headed for destruction. 

16 Wise people think before they act; fools don’t—and even brag about their foolishness. 

17 An unreliable messenger stumbles into trouble, but a reliable messenger brings healing. 

18 If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace; if you accept correction, you will be honored. 

19 It is pleasant to see dreams come true, but fools refuse to turn from evil to attain them. 

20 Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble. 

21 Trouble chases sinners, while blessings reward the righteous. 

22 Good people leave an inheritance to their grandchildren, but the sinner’s wealth passes to the godly. 

23 A poor person’s farm may produce much food, but injustice sweeps it all away. 

24 Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them. 

25 The godly eat to their hearts’ content, but the belly of the wicked goes hungry.