12TH CHAPTER

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 wordsa of 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 catch his prey, 

but a hard-working person becomes wealthy. 

28  Everlasting life is on the way of righteousness. 

Eternal death is not along its path.