Chapter 12

Contrast the Upright and the Wicked

1 Whoever loves 1discipline loves knowledge,

But he who hates reproof is stupid.

2 A agood man will obtain favor from the Lord,

But He will condemn a man 1who devises evil.

3 A man will anot be established by wickedness,

But the root of the brighteous will not be moved.

4 An 1aexcellent wife is the crown of her husband,

But she who shames him is like brottenness in his bones.

5 The thoughts of the righteous are just,

But the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.

6 The awords of the wicked lie in wait for blood,

But the bmouth of the upright will deliver them.

7 The awicked are overthrown and are no more,

But the bhouse of the righteous will stand.

8 A man will be praised according to his insight,

But one of perverse 1mind will be despised.

9 Better is he who is lightly esteemed and has a servant

Than he who honors himself and lacks bread.

10 A arighteous man has regard for the life of his animal,

But even the compassion of the wicked is cruel.

11 He awho tills his land will have plenty of bread,

But he who pursues worthless things lacks 1sense.

12 The awicked man desires the 1booty of evil men,

But the root of the righteous byields fruit.

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

But the arighteous will escape from trouble.

14 A man will be asatisfied with good by the fruit of his 1words,

And the bdeeds of a man’s hands will return to him.

15 The away of a fool is right in his own eyes,

But a wise man is he who listens to counsel.

16 A afool’s anger is known at once,

But a prudent man conceals dishonor.

17 He who 1speaks truth tells what is right,

But a false witness, deceit.

18 There is one who aspeaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword,

But the btongue of the wise brings healing.

19 Truthful lips will be established forever,

But a alying tongue is only for a moment.

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

But counselors of peace have joy.

21 aNo harm befalls the righteous,

But the wicked are filled with trouble.

22 aLying lips are an abomination to the Lord,

But those who deal faithfully are His delight.

23 A aprudent man conceals knowledge,

But the heart of fools proclaims folly.

24 The hand of the diligent will rule,

But the 1slack hand will be aput to forced labor.

25 aAnxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down,

But a bgood word makes it glad.

26 The righteous is a guide to his neighbor,

But the way of the wicked leads them astray.

27 A 1lazy man does not 2roast his prey,

But the aprecious possession of a man is diligence.

28 aIn the way of righteousness is life,

And in its pathway there is no death.