The Wise Woman's House
Proverbs 14
The chapter opens by comparing a wise woman who builds up her household to a foolish one who tears hers down with her own hands, and continues contrasting the paths of the righteous and the wicked. It observes that a way can seem right to a man while its end leads down to destruction, and closes by declaring that righteousness exalts a nation while sin brings tribes to ruin.
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
ThomsonWISE women have built houses; but the foolish hath pulled them down with her hands.
BrentonWise women build houses: but a foolish one digs hers down with her hands.
GreekΣοφαὶ γυναῖκες ᾠκοδόμησαν οἴκους, ἡ δὲ ἄφρων κατέσκαψε ταῖς χερσὶν αὐτῆς.
KJVEvery wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.
JPSEvery wise woman buildeth her house; But the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.
2
ThomsonHe who walketh uprightly feareth the Lord; but he who is perverse in His ways shall be dishonoured.
BrentonHe that walks uprightly fears the Lord; but he that is perverse in his ways shall be dishonoured.
GreekὉ πορευόμενος ὀρθῶς φοβεῖται τὸν Κύριον, ὁ δὲ σκολιάζων ταῖς ὁδοῖς αὐτοῦ ἀτιμασθήσεται.
KJVHe that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him.
JPSHe that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD; But he that is perverse in his ways despiseth Him.
3
ThomsonFrom the mouth of fools there is a rod of pride; but the lips of the wise preserve them.
BrentonOut of the mouth of fools comes a rod of pride; but the lips of the wise preserve them.
GreekἘκ στόματος ἀφρόνων βακτηρία ὕβρεως, χείλη δὲ σοφῶν φυλάσσει αὐτούς.
KJVIn the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them.
JPSIn the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride; But the lips of the wise shall preserve them. .
4
ThomsonWhere there are no cattle the stalls are clean; but where there is much provender, the ox’s strength is manifest.
BrentonWhere no oxen are, the cribs are clean; but where there is abundant produce, the strength of the ox is apparent.
GreekΟὗ μή εἰσι βόες, φάτναι καθαραί· οὗ δὲ πολλὰ γεννήματα, φανερὰ βοὸς ἰσχύς.
KJVWhere no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.
JPSWhere no oxen are, the crib is clean; But much increase is by the strength of the ox.
5
ThomsonA faithful witness doth not lie; but a false witness kindleth lies.
BrentonA faithful witness does not lie; but an unjust witness kindles falsehoods.
GreekΜάρτυς πιστὸς οὐ ψεύδεται, ἐκκαίει δὲ ψευδῆ μάρτυς ἄδικος.
KJVA faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.
JPSA faithful witness will not lie; But a false witness breatheth forth lies.
6
ThomsonThou mayest seek wisdom among the wicked, but shalt not find it; but knowledge is easily found among the prudent.
BrentonThou shalt seek wisdom with bad men, and shalt not find it; but discretion is easily available with the prudent.
GreekΖητήσεις σοφίαν παρὰ κακοῖς καὶ οὐχ εὑρήσεις, αἴσθησις δὲ παρὰ φρονίμοις εὐχερής.
KJV—
JPS—
7
ThomsonAll things are contrary to a foolish man: but wise lips are the arms of knowledge.
BrentonAll things are adverse to a foolish man; but wise lips are the weapons of discretion.
GreekΠάντα ἐναντία ἀνδρὶ ἄφρονι, ὅπλα δὲ αἰσθήσεως χείλη σοφά.
KJVGo from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.
JPSGo from the presence of a foolish man, for thou wilt not perceive the lips of knowledge.
8
ThomsonThe wisdom of the prudent will give them a knowledge of their ways; but the folly of fools is in error.
BrentonThe wisdom of the prudent will understand their ways; but the folly of fools leads astray.
GreekΣοφία πανούργων ἐπιγνώσεται τὰς ὁδοὺς αὐτῶν, ἄνοια δὲ ἀφρόνων ἐν πλάνῃ.
KJVThe wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.
JPSThe wisdom of the prudent is to look well to his way; But the folly of fools is deceit.
9
ThomsonThe houses of transgressors need purifying; but the houses of the righteous are acceptable.
BrentonThe houses of transgressors will need purification; but the houses of the just are acceptable.
GreekΟἰκίαι παρανόμων ὀφειλήσουσι καθαρισμὸν, οἰκίαι δὲ δικαίων δεκταί.
KJV—
JPS—
10
ThomsonThe heart of a man of perception—his soul feeleth distress; his gladness mingleth not with pride.
BrentonIf a man's mind is intelligent, his soul is sorrowful; and when he rejoices, he has no fellowship with pride.
GreekΚαρδία ἀνδρὸς αἰσθητικὴ, λυπηρὰ ψυχὴ αὐτοῦ, ὅταν δὲ εὐφραίνηται οὐκ ἐπιμίγνυται ὕβρει.
KJV—
JPS—
11
ThomsonThe houses of the wicked shall vanish; but the tents of the upright shall stand.
BrentonThe houses of ungodly men shall be utterly destroyed; but the tabernacles of them that walk uprightly shall stand.
GreekΟἰκίαι ἀσεβῶν ἀφανισθήσονται, σκηναὶ δὲ κατορθούντων στήσονται.
KJV—
JPS—
12
ThomsonThere is a way which seemeth right to a man; but the end of it is at the bottom of Hades.
BrentonThere is a way which seems to be right with men, but the ends of it reach to the depth of hell.
GreekἜστιν ὁδὸς ἣ δοκεῖ παρὰ ἀνθρώποις ὀρθὴ εἶναι, τὰ δὲ τελευταῖα αὐτῆς ἔρχεται εἰς πυθμένα ᾅδου.
KJVThere is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
JPSThere is a way which seemeth right unto a man, But the end thereof are the ways of death.
13
ThomsonGrief mixeth not with pleasures; but extreme joy tendeth to sorrow.
BrentonGrief mingles not with mirth; and joy in the end comes to grief.
GreekἘν εὐφροσύναις οὐ προσμίγνυται λύπη, τελευταῖα δὲ χαρὰ εἰς πένθος ἔρχεται.
KJVEven in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness.
JPSEven in laughter the heart acheth; And the end of mirth is heaviness.
14
ThomsonA bold-hearted man will be satisfied with his own ways; but a good man, with his intentions.
BrentonA stout-hearted man shall be filled with his own ways; and a good man with his own thoughts.
GreekΤῶν ἑαυτοῦ ὁδῶν πλησθήσεται θρασυκάρδιος, ἀπὸ δὲ τῶν διανοημάτων αὐτοῦ ἀνὴρ ἀγαθός.
KJVThe backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.
JPSThe dissembler in heart shall have his fill from his own ways; And a good man shall be satisfied from himself.
15
ThomsonA man without guile, believeth every thing: but a prudent man cometh for a change of mind.
BrentonThe simple believes every word: but the prudent man betakes himself to after-thought.
GreekἌκακος πιστεύει παντὶ λόγῳ, πανοῦργος δὲ ἔρχεται εἰς μετάνοιαν.
KJVThe simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.
JPSThe thoughtless believeth every word; But the prudent man looketh well to his going.
16
ThomsonA wise man, when terrified, declineth from evil: but the fool, confident in himself, mixeth with transgressors.
BrentonA wise man fears, and departs from evil; but the fool trusts in himself, and joins himself with the transgressor.
GreekΣοφὸς φοβηθεὶς ἐξέκλινεν ἀπὸ κακοῦ, ὁ δὲ ἄφρων ἑαυτῷ πεποιθὼς μίγνυται ἀνόμῳ.
KJVA wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.
JPSA wise man feareth, and departeth from evil; But the fool behaveth overbearingly, and is confident.
17
ThomsonA passionate man acteth without counsel; but a prudent man beareth many things.
BrentonA passionate man acts inconsiderately; but a sensible man bears up under many things.
GreekὈξύθυμος πράσσει μετὰ ἀβουλίας, ἀνὴρ δὲ φρόνιμος πολλὰ ὑποφέρει.
KJV—
JPS—
18
ThomsonFools partake of wickedness; but the prudent will lay hold of knowledge.
BrentonFools shall have mischief for their portion; but the prudent shall take fast hold of understanding.
GreekΜεριοῦνται ἄφρονες κακίαν, οἱ δὲ πανοῦργοι κρατήσουσιν αἰσθήσεως.
KJV—
JPS—
19
ThomsonLet the bad fall before the good; and the wicked attend at the gates of the righteous!
BrentonEvil men shall fall before the good; and the ungodly shall attend at the gates of the righteous.
GreekὈλισθήσουσι κακοὶ ἔναντι ἀγαθῶν, καὶ ἀσεβεῖς θεραπεύσουσι θύρας δικαίων.
KJVThe evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
JPSThe evil bow before the good, And the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
20
ThomsonFriends will hate poor friends; but the friends of the rich are many.
BrentonFriends will hate poor friends; but the friends of the rich are many.
GreekΦίλοι μισήσουσι φίλους πτωχούς, φίλοι δὲ πλουσίων πολλοί.
KJVThe poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends.
JPSThe poor is hated even of his own neighbour; But the rich hath many friends. .
21
ThomsonHe who despiseth the poor, sinneth: but he who compassionateth the poor is blessed.
BrentonHe that dishonours the needy sins: but he that has pity on the poor is most blessed.
GreekὉ ἀτιμάζων πένητας ἁμαρτάνει, ἐλεῶν δὲ πτωχοὺς μακαριστός.
KJV—
JPS—
22
ThomsonThey who are led astray devise mischief; but the good devise mercy and truth. The contrivers of mischief know neither mercy nor truth; but acts of kindness and truth are with them who contrive good.
BrentonThey that go astray devise evils: but the good devise mercy and truth. The framers of evil do not understand mercy and truth: but compassion and faithfulness are with the framers of good.
GreekΠλανώμενοι τεκταίνουσι κακά, ἔλεον δὲ καὶ ἀλήθειαν τεκταίνουσιν ἀγαθοί· οὐκ ἐπίστανται ἔλεον καὶ πίστιν τέκτονες κακῶν, ἐλεημοσύναι δὲ καὶ πίστεις παρὰ τέκτοσιν ἀγαθοῖς.
KJVDo they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.
JPSShall they not go astray that devise evil? But mercy and truth shall be for them that devise good.
23
ThomsonWith all who are careful there is abundance; but he who is pleasure-seeking and indolent shall be in want.
BrentonWith every one who is careful there is abundance: but the pleasure-taking and indolent shall be in want.
GreekἘν παντὶ μεριμνῶντι ἔνεστι περισσόν, ὁ δὲ ἡδὺς καὶ ἀνάλγητος ἐν ἐνδείᾳ ἔσται.
KJV—
JPS—
24
ThomsonA prudent man is a crown to the wise; but the conversation of fools is evil.
BrentonA prudent man is the crown of the wise: but the occupation of fools is evil.
GreekΣτέφανος σοφῶν πανοῦργος, ἡ δὲ διατριβὴ ἀφρόνων κακή.
KJVThe crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly.
JPSThe crown of the wise is their riches; But the folly of fools remaineth folly.
25
ThomsonA true witness will deliver a soul from evils; but a deceitful witness kindleth lies.
BrentonA faithful witness shall deliver a soul from evil: but a deceitful man kindles falsehoods.
GreekῬύσεται ἐκ κακῶν ψυχὴν μάρτυς πιστὸς, ἐκκαίει δὲ ψευδῆ δόλιος.
KJV—
JPS—
26
ThomsonIn the fear of the Lord a man hath hope of strength; and to his children he leaveth support.
BrentonIn the fear of the Lord is strong confidence: and he leaves his children a support.
GreekἘν φόβῳ Κυρίου ἐλπὶς ἰσχύος, τοῖς δὲ τέκνοις αὐτοῦ καταλείπει ἔρεισμα.
KJVIn the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.
JPSIn the fear of the LORD a man hath strong confidence; And his children shall have a place of refuge.
27
ThomsonThe commandment of the Lord is a fountain of life; and it causeth to decline from the snare of death.
BrentonThe commandment of the Lord is a fountain of life; and it causes men to turn aside from the snare of death.
GreekΠρόσταγμα Κυρίου πηγὴ ζωῆς, ποιεῖ δὲ ἐκκλίνειν ἐκ παγίδος θανάτου.
KJVThe fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
JPSThe fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
28
ThomsonIn the multitude of a nation is the glory of a king; but in the failure of a people is the destruction of a prince.
BrentonIn a populous nation is the glory of a king: but in the failure of people is the ruin of a prince.
GreekἘν πολλῷ ἔθνει δόξα βασιλέως, ἐν δὲ ἐκλείψει λαοῦ συντριβὴ δυνάστου.
KJVIn the multitude of people is the king’s honour: but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince.
JPSIn the multitude of people is the king’s glory; But in the want of people is the ruin of the prince.
29
ThomsonA man slow to wrath is of great understanding; but a passionate man is egregiously foolish.
BrentonA man slow to wrath abounds in wisdom: but a man of impatient spirit is very foolish.
GreekΜακρόθυμος ἀνὴρ πολὺς ἐν φρονήσει, ὁ δὲ ὀλιγόψυχος ἰσχυρῶς ἄφρων.
KJVHe that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.
JPS—
30
ThomsonA meek-minded man is a physician of the heart; but a heart of sensibility is a corroder of the bones.
BrentonA meek-spirited man is a healer of the heart: but a sensitive heart is a corruption of the bones.
GreekΠρᾳΰθυμος ἀνὴρ καρδίας ἰατρὸς, σὴς δὲ ὀστέων καρδία αἰσθητική·
KJV—
JPS—
31
Thomson—
BrentonHe that oppresses the needy provokes his Maker: but he that honours him has pity upon the poor.
GreekὉ συκοφαντῶν πένητα παροξύνει τὸν ποιήσαντα αὐτὸν, ὁ δὲ τιμῶν αὐτὸν ἐλεεῖ πτωχόν.
KJV—
JPSHe that oppresseth the poor blasphemeth his Maker; But he that is gracious unto the needy honoureth Him.
32
ThomsonA wicked man shall be driven away by his wickedness; but in his sanctity the righteous is secure.
BrentonThe ungodly shall be driven away in his wickedness: but he who is secure in his own holiness is just.
GreekἘν κακίᾳ αὐτοῦ ἀπωσθήσεται ἀσεβής, ὁ δὲ πεποιθὼς τῇ ἑαυτοῦ ὁσιότητι δίκαιος.
KJVThe wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.
JPS—
33
ThomsonIn the good heart of a man there is wisdom; but in the heart of fools it is not discernable.
BrentonThere is wisdom in the good heart of a man: but in the heart of fools it is not discerned.
GreekἘν καρδίᾳ ἀγαθῇ ἀνδρὸς σοφία, ἐν δὲ καρδίᾳ ἀφρόνων οὐ διαγινώσκεται.
KJVWisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known.
JPSIn the heart of him that hath discernment wisdom resteth; But in the inward part of fools it maketh itself known.
34
ThomsonRighteousness exalteth a nation, but sins diminish tribes.
BrentonRighteousness exalts a nation: but sins diminish tribes.
GreekΔικαιοσύνη ὑψοῖ ἔθνος, ἐλασσονοῦσι δὲ φυλὰς ἁμαρτίαι.
KJVRighteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.
JPSRighteousness exalteth a nation; But sin is a reproach to any people.
35
ThomsonA wise minister is acceptable to a king: but by his own good conduct he removeth disgrace.
BrentonAn understanding servant is acceptable to a king; and by his good behaviour he removes disgrace.
GreekΔεκτὸς βασιλεῖ ὑπηρέτης νοήμων, τῇ δὲ ἑαυτοῦ εὐστροφίᾳ ἀφαιρεῖται ἀτιμίαν.
KJV—
JPS—