Proverbs 12

1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,

but he who hates reproof is stupid.

2 A good man obtains favor from the Lord,

but a man of evil devices he condemns.

3 No one is established by wickedness,

but the root of the righteous will never be moved.

4 An excellent wife is the crown of her husband,

but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones.

5 The thoughts of the righteous are just;

the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.

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

but the mouth of the upright delivers them.

7 The wicked are overthrown and are no more,

but the house of the righteous will stand.

8 A man is commended according to his good sense,

but one of twisted mind is despised.

9 Better to be lowly and have a servant

than to play the great man and lack bread.

10 Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast,

but the mercy of the wicked is cruel.

11 Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread,

but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense.

12 Whoever is wicked covets the spoil of evildoers,

but the root of the righteous bears fruit.

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

but the righteous escapes from trouble.

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

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

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

but a wise man listens to advice.

16 The vexation of a fool is known at once,

but the prudent ignores an insult.

17 Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence,

but a false witness utters deceit.

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

but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

19 Truthful lips endure forever,

but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

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

but those who plan peace have joy.

21 No ill befalls the righteous,

but the wicked are filled with trouble.

22 Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord,

but those who act faithfully are his delight.

23 A prudent man conceals knowledge,

but the heart of fools proclaims folly.

24 The hand of the diligent will rule,

while the slothful will be put to forced labor.

25 Anxiety 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,

but the way of the wicked leads them astray.

27 Whoever is slothful will not roast his game,

but the diligent man will get precious wealth.

28 In the path of righteousness is life,

and in its pathway there is no death.

1 Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge:

But he that hateth reproof is brutish.

2 A good man obtaineth favour of the Lord:

But a man of wicked devices will he condemn.

3 A man shall not be established by wickedness:

But the root of the righteous shall not be moved.

4 A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband:

But she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.

5 The thoughts of the righteous are right:

But the counsels of the wicked are deceit.

6 The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood:

But the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.

7 The wicked are overthrown, and are not:

But the house of the righteous shall stand.

8 A man shall be commended according to his wisdom:

But he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.

9 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 counsellers 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.

1 To learn, you must love discipline;

it is stupid to hate correction.

2 The Lord approves of those who are good,

but he condemns those who plan wickedness.

3 Wickedness never brings stability,

but the godly have deep roots.

4 A worthy wife is a crown for her husband,

but a disgraceful woman is like cancer in his bones.

5 The plans of the godly are just;

the advice of the wicked is treacherous.

6 The words of the wicked are like a murderous ambush,

but the words of the godly save lives.

7 The wicked die and disappear,

but the family of the godly stands firm.

8 A sensible person wins admiration,

but a warped mind is despised.

9 Better to be an ordinary person with a servant

than to be self-important but have no food.

10 The godly care for their animals,

but the wicked are always cruel.

11 A hard worker has plenty of food,

but a person who chases fantasies has no sense.

12 Thieves are jealous of each other’s loot,

but the godly are well rooted and bear their own fruit.

13 The wicked are trapped by their own words,

but the godly escape such trouble.

14 Wise words bring many benefits,

and hard work brings rewards.

15 Fools think their own way is right,

but the wise listen to others.

16 A fool is quick-tempered,

but a wise person stays calm when insulted.

17 An honest witness tells the truth;

a false witness tells lies.

18 Some people make cutting remarks,

but the words of the wise bring healing.

19 Truthful words stand the test of time,

but lies are soon exposed.

20 Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil;

joy fills hearts that are planning peace!

21 No harm comes to the godly,

but the wicked have their fill of trouble.

22 The Lord detests lying lips,

but he delights in those who tell the truth.

23 The wise don’t make a show of their knowledge,

but fools broadcast their foolishness.

24 Work hard and become a leader;

be lazy and become a slave.

25 Worry weighs a person down;

an encouraging word cheers a person up.

26 The godly give good advice to their friends;

the wicked lead them astray.

27 Lazy people don’t even cook the game they catch,

but the diligent make use of everything they find.

28 The way of the godly leads to life;

that path does not lead to death.

1 Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge,

But he who hates correction is stupid.

2 A good man obtains favor from the Lord,

But a man of wicked intentions He will condemn.

3 A man is not established by wickedness,

But the root of the righteous cannot be moved.

4 An excellent wife is the crown of her husband,

But she who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones.

5 The thoughts of the righteous are right,

But the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.

6 The words of the wicked are, “Lie in wait for blood,”

But the mouth of the upright will deliver them.

7 The wicked are overthrown and are no more,

But the house of the righteous will stand.

8 A man will be commended according to his wisdom,

But he who is of a perverse heart will be despised.

9 Better is the one who is slighted but has a servant,

Than he who honors himself but lacks bread.

10 A righteous man regards the life of his animal,

But the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

11 He who tills his land will be satisfied with bread,

But he who follows frivolity is devoid of understanding.

12 The wicked covet the catch of evil men,

But the root of the righteous yields fruit.

13 The wicked is ensnared by the transgression of his lips,

But the righteous will come through trouble.

14 A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth,

And the recompense of a man’s hands will be rendered to him.

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

But he who heeds counsel is wise.

16 A fool’s wrath is known at once,

But a prudent man covers shame.

17 He who speaks truth declares righteousness,

But a false witness, deceit.

18 There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword,

But the tongue of the wise promotes health.

19 The truthful lip shall be established forever,

But a lying tongue is but for a moment.

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

But counselors of peace have joy.

21 No grave trouble will overtake the righteous,

But the wicked shall be filled with evil.

22 Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord,

But those who deal truthfully are His delight.

23 A prudent man conceals knowledge,

But the heart of fools proclaims foolishness.

24 The hand of the diligent will rule,

But the lazy man will be put to forced labor.

25 Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression,

But a good word makes it glad.

26 The righteous should choose his friends carefully,

For the way of the wicked leads them astray.

27 The lazy man does not roast what he took in hunting,

But diligence is man’s precious possession.

28 In the way of righteousness is life,

And in its pathway there is no death.

1 Anyone who loves learning accepts correction,

but a person who hates being corrected is stupid.

2 The Lord is pleased with a good person,

but he will punish anyone who plans evil.

3 Doing evil brings no safety at all,

but a good person has safety and security.

4 A good wife is like a crown for her husband,

but a disgraceful wife is like a disease in his bones.

5 The plans that good people make are fair,

but the advice of the wicked will trick you.

6 The wicked talk about killing people,

but the words of good people will save them.

7 Wicked people die and they are no more,

but a good person’s family continues.

8 The wisdom of the wise wins praise,

but there is no respect for the stupid.

9 A person who is not important but has a servant is better off

than someone who acts important but has no food.

10 Good people take care of their animals,

but even the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.

11 Those who work their land will have plenty of food,

but the one who chases empty dreams is not wise.

12 The wicked want what other evil people have stolen,

but good people want to give what they have to others.

13 Evil people are trapped by their evil talk,

but good people stay out of trouble.

14 People will be rewarded for what they say,

and they will also be rewarded for what they do.

15 Fools think they are doing right,

but the wise listen to advice.

16 Fools quickly show that they are upset,

but the wise ignore insults.

17 An honest witness tells the truth,

but a dishonest witness tells lies.

18 Careless words stab like a sword,

but wise words bring healing.

19 Truth will continue forever,

but lies are only for a moment.

20 Those who plan evil are full of lies,

but those who plan peace are happy.

21 No harm comes to a good person,

but an evil person’s life is full of trouble.

22 The Lord hates those who tell lies

but is pleased with those who keep their promises.

23 Wise people keep what they know to themselves,

but fools can’t keep from showing how foolish they are.

24 Hard workers will become leaders,

but those who are lazy will be slaves.

25 Worry is a heavy load,

but a kind word cheers you up.

26 Good people take advice from their friends,

but an evil person is easily led to do wrong.

27 The lazy catch no food to cook,

but a hard worker will have great wealth.

28 Doing what is right is the way to life,

but there is another way that leads to death.

1 Whoso loveth correction loveth knowledge;

But he that hateth reproof is brutish.

2 A good man shall obtain favor of Jehovah;

But a man of wicked devices will he condemn.

3 A man shall not be established by wickedness;

But the root of the righteous shall not be moved.

4 A worthy woman is the crown of her husband;

But she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.

5 The thoughts of the righteous are just;

But the counsels of the wicked are deceit.

6 The words of the wicked are of lying in wait for blood;

But the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.

7 The wicked are overthrown, and are not;

But the house of the righteous shall stand.

8 A man shall be commended according to his wisdom;

But he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.

9 Better is he that is lightly esteemed, and hath a servant,

Than he that honoreth 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 have plenty of bread;

But he that followeth after vain persons is void of understanding.

12 The wicked desireth the net of evil men;

But the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.

13 In the transgression of the lips is a snare to the evil man;

But the righteous shall come out of trouble.

14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth;

And the doings 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 is wise hearkeneth unto counsel.

16 A fool’s vexation is presently known;

But a prudent man concealeth shame.

17 He that uttereth truth showeth forth righteousness;

But a false witness, deceit.

18 There is that speaketh rashly 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 devise evil;

But to the counsellors of peace is joy.

21 There shall no mischief happen to the righteous;

But the wicked shall be filled with evil.

22 Lying lips are an abomination to Jehovah;

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 put under taskwork.

25 Heaviness in the heart of a man maketh it stoop;

But a good word maketh it glad.

26 The righteous is a guide to his neighbor;

But the way of the wicked causeth them to err.

27 The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting;

But the precious substance of men is to the diligent.

28 In the way of righteousness is life;

And in the pathway thereof there is no death.

1 Whoso loveth discipline loveth knowledge, but he that hateth reproof is brutish.

2 A good man obtaineth favour of Jehovah; but a man of mischievous devices will he condemn.

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

4 A woman of worth is a crown to her husband; but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.

5 The thoughts of the righteous are right; the counsels of the wicked are deceit.

6 The words of the wicked are a lying-in-wait for blood; but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.

7 Overthrow the wicked, and they are no more; but the house of the righteous shall stand.

8 A man is commended according to his wisdom; but he that is of a perverted heart shall be despised.

9 Better is he that is lightly esteemed, and hath a servant, than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.

10 A righteous man is concerned for 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 the worthless is void of understanding.

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

13 In the transgression of the lips is an evil snare; but a righteous man shall go forth out of trouble.

14 A man is satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth; and the recompense 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 is wise hearkeneth unto counsel.

16 The vexation of the fool is presently known; but a prudent man covereth shame.

17 He that uttereth truth sheweth forth righteousness; but a false witness deceit.

18 There is that babbleth 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 devise evil; but to the counsellors of peace is joy.

21 There shall no evil happen to a righteous man; but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.

22 Lying lips are an abomination to Jehovah; but they that deal truly are his delight.

23 A prudent man concealeth knowledge; but the heart of the foolish proclaimeth folly.

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

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

26 The righteous guideth his neighbour; but the way of the wicked misleadeth them.

27 The slothful roasteth not what he took in hunting; but man’s precious substance is to the diligent.

28 In the path of righteousness is life, and in the pathway thereof there is no death.

1 Whoever loves discipline loves to learn, 

but whoever hates correction is a dumb animal. 

2 A good person obtains favor from the Lord, 

but the Lord condemns everyone who schemes. 

3 A person cannot stand firm on a foundation of wickedness, 

and the roots of righteous people cannot be moved. 

4 A wife with strength of character is the crown of her husband, 

but the wife who disgraces him is like bone cancer. 

5 The thoughts of righteous people are fair. 

The advice of wicked people is treacherous. 

6 The words of wicked people are a deadly ambush, 

but the wordsof decent people rescue. 

7 Overthrow wicked people, and they are no more, 

but the families of righteous people continue to stand. 

8 A person will be praised based on his insight, 

but whoever has a twisted mind will be despised. 

9 Better to be unimportant and have a slave 

than to act important and have nothing to eat. 

10 A righteous person cares ⸤even⸥ about the life of his animals, 

but the compassion of wicked people is ⸤nothing but⸥ cruelty. 

11 Whoever works his land will have plenty to eat, 

but the one who chases unrealistic dreams has no sense. 

12 A wicked person delights in setting a trap for ⸤other⸥ evil people, 

but the roots of righteous people produce ⸤fruit⸥. 

13 An evil person is trapped by his own sinful talk, 

but a righteous person escapes from trouble. 

14 One person enjoys good things as a result of his speaking ability. 

Another is paid according to what his hands have accomplished. 

15 A stubborn fool considers his own way the right one, 

but a person who listens to advice is wise. 

16 When a stubborn fool is irritated, he shows it immediately, 

but a sensible person hides the insult. 

17 A truthful witness speaks honestly, 

but a lying witness speaks deceitfully. 

18 Careless words stab like a sword, 

but the words of wise people bring healing. 

19 The word of truth lasts forever, 

but lies last only a moment. 

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

but joy belongs to those who advise peace. 

21 No ⸤lasting⸥ harm comes to a righteous person, 

but wicked people have lots of trouble. 

22 Lips that lie are disgusting to the Lord, 

but honest people are his delight. 

23 A sensible person ⸤discreetly⸥ hides knowledge, 

but foolish minds preach stupidity. 

24 Hard-working hands gain control, 

but lazy hands do slave labor. 

25 A person’s anxiety will weigh him down, 

but an encouraging word makes him joyful. 

26 A righteous person looks out for his neighbor, 

but the path of wicked people leads others astray. 

27 A lazy hunter does not catchhis prey, 

but a hard-working person becomes wealthy. 

28 Everlasting life is on the way of righteousness. 

Eternal death is not along its path. 

1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,

but one who hates correction is stupid.

2 The good person obtains favor from the Lord,

but He condemns a man who schemes.

3 Man cannot be made secure by wickedness,

but the root of the righteous is immovable.

4 A capable wife is her husband’s crown,

but a wife who causes shame

is like rottenness in his bones.

5 The thoughts of the righteous are just,

but guidance from the wicked leads to deceit.

6 The words of the wicked are a deadly ambush,

but the speech of the upright rescues them.

7 The wicked are overthrown and perish,

but the house of the righteous will stand.

8 A man is praised for his insight,

but a twisted mind is despised.

9 Better to be dishonored, yet have a servant,

than to act important but have no food.

10 A righteous man cares about his animal’s health,

but even the merciful acts of the wicked are cruel.

11 The one who works his land will have plenty of food,

but whoever chases fantasies lacks sense.

12 The wicked desire what evil men have,

but the root of the righteous produces fruit.

13 An evil man is trapped by his rebellious speech,

but a righteous one escapes from trouble.

14 A man will be satisfied with good

by the words of his mouth,

and the work of a man’s hands will reward him.

15 A fool’s way is right in his own eyes,

but whoever listens to counsel is wise.

16 A fool’s displeasure is known at once,

but whoever ignores an insult is sensible.

17 Whoever speaks the truth declares what is right,

but a false witness, deceit.

18 There is one who speaks rashly,

like a piercing sword;

but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

19 Truthful lips endure forever,

but a lying tongue, only a moment.

20 Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil,

but those who promote peace have joy.

21 No disaster overcomes the righteous,

but the wicked are full of misery.

22 Lying lips are detestable to the Lord,

but faithful people are His delight.

23 A shrewd person conceals knowledge,

but a foolish heart publicizes stupidity.

24 The diligent hand will rule,

but laziness will lead to forced labor.

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

but a good word cheers it up.

26 A righteous man is careful in dealing with his neighbor,

but the ways of the wicked lead them astray.

27 A lazy man doesn’t roast his game,

but to a diligent man, his wealth is precious.

28 There is life in the path of righteousness,

but another path leads to death.

1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,

but those who hate to be rebuked are stupid.

2 The good obtain favor from the Lord,

but those who devise evil he condemns.

3 No one finds security by wickedness,

but the root of the righteous will never be moved.

4 A good wife is the crown of her husband,

but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones.

5 The thoughts of the righteous are just;

the advice of the wicked is treacherous.

6 The words of the wicked are a deadly ambush,

but the speech of the upright delivers them.

7 The wicked are overthrown and are no more,

but the house of the righteous will stand.

8 One is commended for good sense,

but a perverse mind is despised.

9 Better to be despised and have produce

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.

11 Those who till their land will have plenty of food,

but those who follow worthless pursuits have no sense.

12 The wicked covet the proceeds of wickedness,

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.

14 From the fruit of the mouth one is filled with good things,

and manual labor has its reward.

15 Fools think their own way is right,

but the wise listen to advice.

16 Fools show their anger at once,

but the prudent ignore an insult.

17 Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence,

but a false witness speaks deceitfully.

18 Rash words are like sword thrusts,

but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

19 Truthful lips endure forever,

but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.

20 Deceit is in the mind of those who plan evil,

but those who counsel peace have joy.

21 No harm happens to the righteous,

but the wicked are filled with trouble.

22 Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord,

but those who act faithfully are his delight.

23 One who is clever conceals knowledge,

but the mind of a fool broadcasts folly.

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.

26 The righteous are released from misfortune,

but the way of the wicked leads them astray.

27 The lazy do not roast their game,

but the diligent obtain precious wealth.

28 In the path of righteousness there is life;

in walking its path there is no death.

1 He who loves discipline loves knowledge,

but he who hates rebuke is stupid.

2 The good obtains favor from Yahweh,

but anyone who schemes, he condemns.

3 A person will not be established by wickedness,

but the root of the righteous will not be moved.

4 A woman of strength is the crown of her master,

but like rot in his bones is she who brings shame.

5 The thoughts of the righteous are just;

the advice of the wicked is treacherous.

6 The words of the wicked are an ambush of blood,

but the mouth of the upright delivers them.

7 The wicked are overthrown and are no more,

but the house of the righteous shall stand.

8 For his mouth of good sense, a man will be recommended,

but he who is of perverse mind will be despised.

9 It is better to be lowly and a servant to someone

than self-glorifying and lacking food.

10 The righteous knows the life of his animal,

but the compassion of the wicked is cruel.

11 He who works his land will have plenty of food,

but he who follows worthless things lacks sense.

12 The wicked covets the proceeds of evil,

but the root of the righteous bears fruit.

13 By the transgression of lips, evil is ensnared,

but the righteous escapes from trouble.

14 From the fruit of the mouth of a man, he is filled with good,

and the reward of a man’s labor will return to him.

15 The way of a fool is upright in his own eyes,

but he who listens to advice is wise.

16 As for a fool, on that very day he makes his anger known,

but he who ignores an insult is prudent.

17 He who will speak truth will reveal righteousness,

but the witness of falsehood, deceit.

18 There is one who speaks rashly, like the thrust of a sword,

but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

19 A lip of truth endures forever,

but a tongue of deception lasts only a moment.

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

but to those who plan peace, there is joy.

21 No evil will happen to the righteous,

but the wicked are filled with trouble.

22 An abomination of Yahweh are lips of deceit,

but they who act faithfully are his delight.

23 A clever person conceals knowledge,

but the heart of a fool announces folly.

24 The hand of the diligent ones will rule,

but the lazy will belong to forced labor.

25 Anxiety in the heart of a man will weigh him down,

but a good word will cheer him.

26 A righteous person will seek out his neighbor,

but the way of the wicked will lead them astray.

27 The lazy will not roast his game,

but diligence is the precious wealth of a man.

28 On the road of righteousness is life,

and on the way of the path, may there be no death.

1 Anyone who loves to be trained loves knowledge.

Anyone who hates to be corrected is stupid.

2 The Lord blesses anyone who does good.

But he judges any man who is tricky.

3 If a man does what is evil, he can’t become strong and steady.

But if people do what is right, they can’t be removed from the land.

4 A noble wife is her husband’s crown.

But a wife who brings shame is like sickness in his bones.

5 The plans of godly people are right.

But the advice of sinners will lead you the wrong way.

6 The words of those who are evil hide and wait to spill people’s blood.

But the speech of those who are honest saves them from traps like that.

7 Sinners are destroyed and taken away.

But the houses of godly people stand firm.

8 A man is praised for how wise he is.

But people hate those who have twisted minds.

9 Being nobody and having a servant

is better than pretending to be somebody and having no food.

10 Those who do what is right take good care of their animals.

But the kindest acts of those who do wrong are mean.

11 Anyone who farms his land will have plenty of food.

But a person who chases dreams has no sense.

12 Those who do what is wrong want to steal from others.

But those who do what is right bear good fruit because of their deep roots.

13 A sinner is trapped by his sinful talk.

But a godly person escapes trouble.

14 Many good things come from what a man says.

And the work of his hands rewards him.

15 The way of a foolish person seems right to him.

But a wise person listens to advice.

16 Foolish people are easily upset.

But wise people pay no attention to hurtful words.

17 An honest witness tells the truth.

But a dishonest witness tells lies.

18 Thoughtless words cut like a sword.

But the tongue of wise people brings healing.

19 Truthful words last forever.

But lies last for only a moment.

20 There are lies in the hearts of those who plan evil.

But there is joy for those who work to bring peace.

21 No harm comes to godly people.

But sinners have all the trouble they can handle.

22 The Lord hates those whose lips tell lies.

But he is pleased with people who tell the truth.

23 Wise people keep their knowledge to themselves.

But the hearts of foolish people shout foolish things.

24 Hands that work hard will rule.

But people who don’t want to work will become slaves.

25 Worry makes a man’s heart heavy.

But a kind word cheers him up.

26 Godly people are careful about the friends they choose.

But the way of sinners leads them down the wrong path.

27 Anyone who refuses to work doesn’t even cook what he catches.

But a man who works hard values what he has.

28 There is life in doing what is right.

Along that path you will never die.

1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,

But he who hates reproof is stupid.

2 A good man will obtain favor from the Lord,

But He will condemn a man who devises evil.

3 A man will not be established by wickedness,

But the root of the righteous will not be moved.

4 An excellent wife is the crown of her husband,

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

5 The thoughts of the righteous are just,

But the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.

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

But the mouth of the upright will deliver them.

7 The wicked are overthrown and are no more,

But the house of the righteous will stand.

8 A man will be praised according to his insight,

But one of perverse mind 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 righteous man has regard for the life of his animal,

But even the compassion of the wicked is cruel.

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

But he who pursues worthless things lacks sense.

12 The wicked man desires the booty of evil men,

But the root of the righteous yields fruit.

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

But the righteous will escape from trouble.

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

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

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

But a wise man is he who listens to counsel.

16 A fool’s anger is known at once,

But a prudent man conceals dishonor.

17 He who speaks truth tells what is right,

But a false witness, deceit.

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

But the tongue of the wise brings healing.

19 Truthful lips will be established forever,

But a lying tongue is only for a moment.

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

But counselors of peace have joy.

21 No harm befalls the righteous,

But the wicked are filled with trouble.

22 Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord,

But those who deal faithfully are His delight.

23 A prudent man conceals knowledge,

But the heart of fools proclaims folly.

24 The hand of the diligent will rule,

But the slack hand will be put to forced labor.

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

But a good word makes it glad.

26 The righteous is a guide to his neighbor,

But the way of the wicked leads them astray.

27 A lazy man does not roast his prey,

But the precious possession of a man is diligence.

28 In the way of righteousness is life,

And in its pathway there is no death.