The Wise Son and the Wicked
Proverbs 10
This chapter opens a long collection of short, paired sayings contrasting a wise son with a foolish one, and more broadly contrasting the righteous with the ungodly in speech, labor, and reward. Recurring themes include the blessing that rests on the righteous, the destruction awaiting the wicked, and the value of restrained, truthful speech.
About these editions
The Septuagint (LXX) in Greek, with Charles Thomson’s 1808 and Sir Lancelot Brenton’s 1851 English translations, set beside the King James Version and the Jewish Masoretic text (JPS 1917) where they align, so you can compare the Greek and the Hebrew. All public domain; choose which to show with the controls above.
Thomson 1808Septuagint
Brenton 1851Septuagint
Greek · BrentonSeptuagint
KJV 1769Masoretic
JPS 1917Masoretic
1
ThomsonA WISE son maketh a father glad; but a foolish son is a grief to the mother.
BrentonA wise son makes his father glad: but a foolish son is a grief to his mother.
GreekΥἱὸς σοφὸς εὐφραίνει πατέρα, υἱὸς δὲ ἄφρων λύπη τῇ μητρί.
KJVThe proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.
JPSThe proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father; but a foolish son is the grief of his mother.
2
ThomsonTreasures cannot profit the wicked; but righteousness will deliver from death.
BrentonTreasures shall not profit the lawless: but righteousness shall deliver from death.
GreekΟὐκ ὠφελήσουσι θησαυροὶ ἀνόμους, δικαιοσύνη δὲ ῥύσεται ἐκ θανάτου.
KJVTreasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.
JPSTreasures of wickedness profit nothing; but righteousness delivereth from death.
3
ThomsonThe Lord will not kill with hunger a righteous soul; but He will overthrow the life of the wicked.
BrentonThe Lord will not famish a righteous soul: but he will overthrow the life of the ungodly.
GreekΟὐ λιμοκτονήσει Κύριος ψυχὴν δικαίαν, ζωὴν δὲ ἀσεβῶν ἀνατρέψει.
KJVThe LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked.
JPSThe LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish; but He thrusteth away the desire of the wicked.
4
Thomson—
BrentonPoverty brings a man low: but the hands of the vigorous make rich.
GreekΠενία ἄνδρα ταπεινοῖ, χεῖρες δὲ ἀνδρείων πλουτίζουσιν·
KJV—
JPS—
4a
ThomsonWant humbleth a man; but the hands of the diligent enrich. A well-instructed son will be wise, and shall have the simple for a servant.
BrentonA son who is instructed shall be wise, and shall use the fool for a servant.
Greekυἱὸς πεπαιδευμένος σοφὸς ἔσται, τῷ δὲ ἄφρονι διακόνῳ χρήσεται.
KJV—
JPS—
5
ThomsonA prudent son is safe from heat; but a transgressing son is blasted in harvest.
BrentonA wise son is saved from heat: but a lawless son is blighted of the winds in harvest.
GreekΔιεσώθη ἀπὸ καύματος υἱὸς νοήμων, ἀνεμόφθορος δὲ γίνεται ἐν ἀμητῷ υἱὸς παράνομος.
KJVHe that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.
JPSA wise son gathereth in summer; but a son that doeth shamefully sleepeth in harvest.
6
ThomsonThe blessing of the Lord is on the head of the righteous; but untimely grief shall stop the mouth of the wicked.
BrentonThe blessing of the Lord is upon the head of the just: but untimely grief shall cover the mouth of the ungodly.
GreekΕὐλογία Κυρίου ἐπὶ κεφαλὴν δικαίου, στόμα δὲ ἀσεβῶν καλύψει πένθος ἄωρον.
KJVBlessings are upon the head of the just: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.
JPSBlessings are upon the head of the righteous; but the mouth of the wicked concealeth violence.
7
ThomsonThe just are remembered with praises; but the name of the wicked is extinguished.
BrentonThe memory of the just is praised; but the name of the ungodly man is extinguished.
GreekΜνήμη δικαίων μετʼ ἐγκωμίων, ὄνομα δὲ ἀσεβοῦς σβέννυται.
KJVThe memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.
JPSThe memory of the righteous shall be for a blessing; but the name of the wicked shall rot.
8
ThomsonThe wise in heart will receive commandments; but a prevaricating babbler shall be subverted.
BrentonA wise man in heart will receive commandments; but he that is unguarded in his lips shall be overthrown in his perverseness.
GreekΣοφὸς καρδίᾳ δέξεται ἐντολὰς, ὁ δὲ ἄστεγος χείλες σκολιάζων ὑποσκελισθήσεται.
KJVThe wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.
JPSThe wise in heart will receive commandments; but a prating fool shall fall.
9
ThomsonHe who walketh uprightly walketh securely; but he who perverteth his ways shall be known.
BrentonHe that walks simply, walks confidently; but he that perverts his ways shall be known.
GreekὋς πορεύεται ἁπλῶς, πορεύεται πεποιθώς· ὁ δὲ διαστρέφων τὰς ὁδοὺς αὐτοῦ, γνωσθήσεται.
KJVHe that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.
JPS—
10
ThomsonHe who winketh deceitfully with his eyes, collecteth sorrows for men; but he who reproveth freely maketh peace.
BrentonHe that winks with his eyes deceitfully, procures griefs for men; but he that reproves boldly is a peacemaker.
GreekὉ ἐννεύων ὀφθαλμοῖς μετὰ δόλου, συνάγει ἀνδράσι λύπας· ὁ δὲ ἐλέγχων μετὰ παῤῥησίας, εἰρηνοποιεῖ.
KJV—
JPS—
11
ThomsonThere is a fountain of life in the hand of the righteous; but destruction will stop the mouth of the wicked.
BrentonThere is a fountain of life in the hand of a righteous man; but destruction shall cover the mouth of the ungodly.
GreekΠηγὴ ζωῆς ἐν χειρὶ δικαίου, στόμα δὲ ἀσεβοῦς καλύψει ἀπώλεια.
KJVThe mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.
JPSThe mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life; but the mouth of the wicked concealeth violence.
12
Thomson—
BrentonHatred stirs up strife; but affection covers all that do not love strife.
GreekΜῖσος ἐγείρει νεῖκος, πάντας δὲ τοὺς μὴ φιλονεικοῦντας καλύπτει φιλία.
KJVHatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.
JPSHatred stirreth up strifes; but love covereth all transgressions.
13
ThomsonHe who from his lips uttereth wisdom, smiteth an imprudent man with a rod.
BrentonHe that brings forth wisdom from his lips smites the fool with a rod.
GreekὋ ἐκ χειλέων προφέρει σοφίαν, ῥάβδῳ τύπτει ἄνδρα ἀκάρδιον.
KJVIn the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.
JPSIn the lips of him that hath discernment wisdom is found; but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.
14
ThomsonWise men will lay up knowledge; but the mouth of the rash is near destruction.
BrentonThe wise will hide discretion; but the mouth of the hasty draws near to ruin.
GreekΣοφοὶ κρύψουσιν αἴσθησιν, στόμα δὲ προπετοῦς ἐγγίζει συντριβῇ.
KJVWise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.
JPSWise men lay up knowledge; but the mouth of the foolish is an imminent ruin.
15
ThomsonThe wealth of the rich is a strong city: but penury is the destruction of the ungodly.
BrentonThe wealth of rich men is a strong city; but poverty is the ruin of the ungodly.
GreekΚτῆσις πλουσίων πόλις ὀχυρὰ, συντριβὴ δὲ ἀσεβῶν πενία.
KJVThe rich man’s wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty.
JPSThe rich man’s wealth is his strong city; the ruin of the poor is their poverty.
16
ThomsonThe works of the righteous produce life; but the hands of the wicked produce sins.
BrentonThe works of the righteous produce life; but the fruits of the ungodly produce sins.
GreekἜργα δικαίων ζωὴν ποιεῖ, καρποὶ δὲ ἀσεβῶν ἁμαρτίας.
KJV—
JPSThe wages of the righteous is life; The increase of the wicked is sin.
17
ThomsonInstruction keepeth the just ways of life; but unexamined instruction leadeth astray.
BrentonInstruction keeps the right ways of life; but instruction unchastened goes astray.
GreekὉδοὺς δικαίας ζωῆς φυλάσσει παιδεία, παιδεία δὲ ἀνεξέλεγκτος πλανᾶται.
KJV—
JPS—
18
ThomsonHonest lips hide hatred; but they who utter reproaches are the greatest fools.
BrentonRighteous lips cover enmity; but they that utter railings are most foolish.
GreekΚαλύπτουσιν ἔχθραν χείλη δίκαια, οἱ δὲ ἐκφέροντες λοιδορίας ἀφρονέστατοί εἰσιν.
KJV—
JPS—
19
ThomsonIn speaking much thou canst not avoid sin; but if thou art sparing of thy lips, thou wilt be wise.
BrentonBy a multitude of words thou shalt not escape sin; but if thou refrain thy lips thou wilt be prudent.
GreekἘκ πολυλογίας οὐκ ἐκφεύξῃ ἁμαρτίαν, φειδόμενος δὲ χειλέων νοήμων ἔσῃ.
KJVIn the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.
JPSIn the multitude of words there wanteth not transgression; But he that refraineth his lips is wise.
20
ThomsonThe tongue of the righteous is tried silver; but the heart of the wicked will not stand the test.
BrentonThe tongue of the just is tried silver; but the heart of the ungodly shall fail.
GreekἌργυρος πεπυρωμένος γλῶσσα δικαίου, καρδία δὲ ἀσεβοῦς ἐκλείψει.
KJVThe tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.
JPSThe tongue of the righteous is as choice silver; The heart of the wicked is little worth.
21
ThomsonThe lips of the righteous are skilled in things lofty; but those devoid of understanding die of want.
BrentonThe lips of the righteous know sublime truths: but the foolish die in want.
GreekΧείλη δικαίων ἐπίσταται ὑψηλὰ, οἱ δὲ ἄφρονες ἐν ἐνδείᾳ τελευτῶσιν.
KJVThe lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.
JPSThe lips of the righteous feed many; But the foolish die for want of understanding. .
22
ThomsonThe blessing of the Lord is on the head of the righteous; it maketh rich, and to it no sorrow of heart shall be joined.
BrentonThe blessing of the Lord is upon the head of the righteous; it enriches him, and grief of heart shall not be added to it.
GreekΕὐλογία Κυρίου ἐπὶ κεφαλὴν δικαίου, αὕτη πλουτίζει, καὶ οὐ μὴ προστεθῇ αὐτῇ λύπη ἐν καρδίᾳ.
KJVThe blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.
JPS—
23
ThomsonA fool doth mischief in sport; but for man wisdom bringeth forth prudence.
BrentonA fool does mischief in sport; but wisdom brings forth prudence for a man.
GreekἘν γέλωτι ἄφρων πράσσει κακὰ, ἡ δὲ σοφία ἀνδρὶ τίκτει φρόνησιν.
KJVIt is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.
JPSIt is as sport to a fool to do wickedness, And so is wisdom to a man of discernment.
24
ThomsonA wicked man is whirled about by destruction; but the desire of the righteous is acceptable.
BrentonThe ungodly is engulphed in destruction; but the desire of the righteous is acceptable.
GreekἘν ἀπωλείᾳ ἀσεβὴς περιφέρεται, ἐπιθυμία δὲ δικαίου δεκτή.
KJVThe fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted.
JPSThe fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him; And the desire of the righteous shall be granted.
25
Thomson—
BrentonWhen the storm passes by, the ungodly vanishes away; but the righteous turns aside and escapes for ever.
GreekΠαραπορευομένης καταιγίδος ἀφανίζεται ἀσεβὴς, δίκαιος δὲ ἐκκλίνας σώζεται εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα.
KJV—
JPS—
26
ThomsonAs vinegar is hurtful to the teeth; and smoke to the eyes; so is transgression to them who commit it.
BrentonAs a sour grape is hurtful to the teeth, and smoke to the eyes, so iniquity hurts those that practise it.
GreekὭσπερ ὄμφαξ ὀδοῦσι βλαβερὸν, καὶ καπνὸς ὄμμασιν, οὕτως παρανομία τοῖς χρωμένοις αὐτῇ.
KJVAs vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that send him.
JPSAs vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, So is the sluggard to them that send him.
27
ThomsonThe fear of the Lord prolongeth days; but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.
BrentonThe fear of the Lord adds length of days: but the years of the ungodly shall be shortened.
GreekΦόβος Κυρίου προστίθησιν ἡμέρας, ἔτη δὲ ἀσεβῶν ὀλιγωθήσεται.
KJVThe fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.
JPSThe fear of the LORD prolongeth days; But the years of the wicked shall be shortened.
28
ThomsonJoy maketh a long abode with the righteous; but the hope of the wicked shall perish.
BrentonJoy rests long with the righteous: but the hope of the ungodly shall perish.
GreekἘγχρονίζει δικαίοις εὐφροσύνη, ἐλπὶς δὲ ἀσεβῶν ἀπολεῖται.
KJVThe hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish.
JPSThe hope of the righteous is gladness; But the expectation of the wicked shall perish.
29
Thomson—
BrentonThe fear of the Lord is a strong hold of the saints: but ruin comes to them that work wickedness.
GreekὈχύρωμα ὁσίου φόβος Κυρίου, συντριβὴ δὲ τοῖς ἐργαζομένοις κακά.
KJV—
JPS—
30
ThomsonThe righteous shall never transfer; but the wicked shall not inhabit the land.
BrentonThe righteous shall never fail: but the ungodly shall not dwell in the earth.
GreekΔίκαιος εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα οὐκ ἐνδώσει, ἀσεβεῖς δὲ οὐκ οἰκήσουσι γῆν.
KJVThe righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth.
JPSThe righteous shall never be moved; But the wicked shall not inhabit the land.
31
ThomsonThe mouth of the righteous distilleth wisdom; but the tongue of the wicked shall be destroyed.
BrentonThe mouth of the righteous drops wisdom: but the tongue of the unjust shall perish.
GreekΣτόμα δικαίου ἀποστάζει σοφίαν, γλῶσσα δὲ ἀδίκου ἐξολεῖται.
KJVThe mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out.
JPSThe mouth of the righteous buddeth with wisdom; But the froward tongue shall be cut off.
32
ThomsonThe lips of the righteous men distill graces; but the mouth of the wicked is perverse.
BrentonThe lips of just men drop grace: but the mouth of the ungodly is perverse.
GreekΧείλη ἀνδρῶν δικαίων ἀποστάζει χάριτας, στόμα δὲ ἀσεβῶν ἀποστρέφεται.
KJV—
JPS—