12  Whoever is wicked covets tthe spoil of evildoers,

but the root of the righteous bears fruit.

13  An evil man is ensnared uby the transgression of his lips, 1

vbut the righteous escapes from trouble.

14  From the fruit of his mouth wa man is satisfied with good,

xand the work of a man’s hand comes back to him.

15  yThe way of a fool is right in his own eyes,

but a wise man listens to advice.

16  zThe vexation of a fool is known at once,

but the prudent ignores an insult.

17  aWhoever speaks2 the truth gives honest evidence,

but ba false witness utters deceit.

18  cThere is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts,

but the tongue of the wise brings dhealing.

19  Truthful lips endure forever,

but ea lying tongue is but for a moment.

20  Deceit is in the heart of fthose who devise evil,

but those who plan peace have joy.

21  gNo ill befalls the righteous,

but the wicked are filled with trouble.

22  hLying lips are ian abomination to the Lord,

jbut those who act faithfully are his delight.

23  kA prudent man conceals knowledge,

kbut the heart of fools proclaims folly.

24  lThe hand of the diligent will rule,

while the slothful will be mput to forced labor.

25  nAnxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down,

but a good word makes him glad.

26  One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor,3

but the way of the wicked leads them astray.

27  oWhoever is slothful will not roast his game,

but the diligent man will get precious wealth.4

28  pIn the path of righteousness is life,

and in its pathway there is no death.