12 Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.

A good man obtaineth favour of the Lord: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.

A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.

A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.

The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.

The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.

The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.

A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.

He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.

10 A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

11 He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.

12 The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.

13 The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.

14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him.

15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.

16 A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.

17 He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.

18 There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.

19 The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

20 Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.

21 There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.

22 Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight.

23 A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.

24 The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.

25 Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.

26 The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.

27 The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.

28 In the way of righteousness is life: and in the pathway thereof there is no death.

12 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,
    but those who hate to be rebuked are stupid.(A)
The good obtain favor from the Lord,
    but those who devise evil he condemns.(B)
No one finds security by wickedness,
    but the root of the righteous will never be moved.(C)
A good wife is the crown of her husband,
    but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones.(D)
The thoughts of the righteous are just;
    the advice of the wicked is treacherous.
The words of the wicked are a deadly ambush,
    but the speech of the upright delivers them.(E)
The wicked are overthrown and are no more,
    but the house of the righteous will stand.(F)
One is commended for good sense,
    but a perverse mind is despised.
Better to be despised and have produce[a]
    than to be self-important and lack food.
10 The righteous know the needs of their animals,
    but the mercy of the wicked is cruel.(G)
11 Those who till their land will have plenty of food,
    but those who follow worthless pursuits have no sense.(H)
12 The wicked covet the proceeds of wickedness,[b]
    but the root of the righteous bears fruit.
13 The evil are ensnared by the transgression of their lips,
    but the righteous escape from trouble.(I)
14 From the fruit of the mouth one is filled with good things,
    and manual labor has its reward.(J)
15 Fools think their own way is right,
    but the wise listen to advice.(K)
16 Fools show their anger at once,
    but the prudent ignore an insult.(L)
17 Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence,
    but a false witness speaks deceitfully.(M)
18 Rash words are like sword thrusts,
    but the tongue of the wise brings healing.(N)
19 Truthful lips endure forever,
    but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.(O)
20 Deceit is in the mind of those who plan evil,
    but those who counsel peace have joy.(P)
21 No harm happens to the righteous,
    but the wicked are filled with trouble.(Q)
22 Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord,
    but those who act faithfully are his delight.(R)
23 One who is clever conceals knowledge,
    but the mind of a fool[c] broadcasts folly.(S)
24 The hand of the diligent will rule,
    while the lazy will be put to forced labor.
25 Anxiety weighs down the human heart,
    but a good word cheers it up.(T)
26 The righteous are released from misfortune,[d]
    but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
27 The lazy do not roast[e] their game,
    but the diligent obtain precious wealth.[f]
28 In the path of righteousness there is life;
    in walking its path there is no death.(U)

Footnotes

  1. 12.9 Cn: Heb servant
  2. 12.12 Or covet the catch of the wicked
  3. 12.23 Heb the heart of fools
  4. 12.26 Syr: Meaning of Heb uncertain
  5. 12.27 Meaning of Heb uncertain
  6. 12.27 Meaning of Heb uncertain