Proverbs 12

Christian Standard Bible

12 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,
but one who hates correction is stupid.^(A)

² One who is good obtains favor from the Lord,^(B)
but he condemns a person who schemes.^(C)

³ No one can be made secure by wickedness,
but the root of the righteous is immovable.^(D)

⁴ A wife of noble character^[a] is her husband’s crown,^(E)
but a wife who causes shame
is like rottenness in his bones.^(F)

⁵ The thoughts of the righteous are just,
but guidance from the wicked is deceitful.

⁶ The words of the wicked are a deadly ambush,^(G)
but the speech of the upright rescues them.^(H)

⁷ The wicked are overthrown and perish,^(I)
but the house of the righteous will stand.^(J)

⁸ A man is praised for his insight,
but a twisted mind is despised.

⁹ Better to be disregarded, yet have a servant,
than to act important but have no food.^(K)

¹⁰ The righteous cares about his animal’s health,^(L)
but even the merciful acts of the wicked are cruel.

¹¹ The one who works his land will have plenty of food,^(M)
but whoever chases fantasies lacks sense.^(N)

¹² The wicked desire what evil people have caught,^[b]
but the root of the righteous is productive.

¹³ By rebellious speech an evil person is trapped,^(O)
but a righteous person escapes from trouble.^(P)

¹⁴ A person will be satisfied with good
by the fruit of his mouth,^(Q)
and the work of a person’s hands will reward him.^(R)

¹⁵ A fool’s way is right in his own eyes,^(S)
but whoever listens to counsel is wise.

¹⁶ A fool’s displeasure is known at once,
but whoever ignores an insult is sensible.^(T)

¹⁷ Whoever speaks the truth declares what is right,
but a false witness speaks deceit.^(U)

¹⁸ There is one who speaks rashly,
like a piercing sword;^(V)
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.^(W)

¹⁹ Truthful lips endure forever,
but a lying tongue, only a moment.^(X)

²⁰ Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil,
but those who promote peace have joy.^(Y)

²¹ No disaster overcomes the righteous,^(Z)
but the wicked are full of misery.

²² Lying lips are detestable to the Lord,^(AA)
but faithful people are his delight.^(AB)

²³ A shrewd person conceals knowledge,
but a foolish heart publicizes stupidity.^(AC)

²⁴ The diligent hand will rule,
but laziness will lead to forced labor.^(AD)

²⁵ Anxiety in a person’s heart weighs it down,
but a good word cheers it up.^(AE)

²⁶ A righteous person is careful in dealing with his neighbor,^[c]
but the ways of the wicked lead them astray.^(AF)

²⁷ A lazy hunter doesn’t roast his game,^(AG)
but to a diligent person, his wealth is precious.^(AH)

²⁸ There is life in the path of righteousness,
and in its path there is no death.^[d](AI)