Proverbs 12

1Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.

2A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.

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

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

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

6The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.

7The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.

8A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.footnote a

9He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.

10A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.footnote b

11He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.

12The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.footnote c

13The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.footnote d

14A 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.

15The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.

16A fool’s wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.footnote e

17He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.

18There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.

19The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

20Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.

21There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.

22Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.

23A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.

24The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.footnote f

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

26The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.footnote g

27The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.

28In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death.

Loving Discipline and Knowledge

1Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,but he who hates correction is stupid.

2The good man obtains favor from the LORD,but the LORD condemns a man who devises evil.

3A man cannot be established through wickedness,but the righteous cannot be uprooted.

4A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown,but she who causes shame is like decay in his bones.

5The plans of the righteous are just,but the counsel of the wicked leads to deceit.

6The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood,but the speech of the upright rescues them.

7The wicked are overthrown and perish,but the house of the righteous will stand.

8A man is praised according to his wisdom,but a twisted mind is despised.

9Better to be lightly esteemed yet have a servant,than to be self-important but lack food.

10A righteous man regards the life of his animal,but the tender mercies of the wicked are only cruelty.

11The one who works his land will have plenty of food,but whoever chases fantasies lacks judgment.

12The wicked desire the plunder of evil men,but the root of the righteous flourishes.

13An evil man is trapped by his rebellious speech,but a righteous man escapes from trouble.

14By fruitful speech a man is filled with good things,and the work of his hands returns to him.

15The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,but a wise man listens to counsel.

16A fool’s anger is known at once,but a prudent man overlooks an insult.

17He who speaks the truth declares what is right,but a false witness speaks deceit.

18Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword,but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

19Truthful lips endure forever,but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.

20Deceit is in the hearts of those who devise evil,but the counselors of peace have joy.

21No harm befalls the righteous,but the wicked are filled with trouble.

22Lying lips are detestable to the LORD,but those who deal faithfully are His delight.

23A shrewd man keeps his knowledge to himself,but a foolish heart proclaims its folly.

24The hand of the diligent will rule,but laziness ends in forced labor.

25Anxiety weighs down the heart of a man,but a good word cheers it up.

26A righteous man is cautious in friendship,but the ways of the wicked lead them astray.

27A lazy man does not roast his game,but a diligent man prizes his possession.

28There is life in the path of righteousness,but another path leads to death.