12 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.