Proverbs 13:12-18

English Standard Version

¹² Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
    ^(A)but a desire fulfilled is ^(B)a tree of life.
¹³ Whoever ^(C)despises ^(D)the word^[a] brings destruction on himself,
    but he who reveres the commandment^[b] will be ^(E)rewarded.
¹⁴ The teaching of the wise is ^(F)a fountain of life,
    that one may ^(G)turn away from the snares of death.
^15 (H)Good sense wins ^(I)favor,
    but the way of the treacherous is their ruin.^[c]
16 (J)Every prudent man acts with knowledge,
    ^(K)but a fool flaunts his folly.
¹⁷ A wicked messenger falls into trouble,
    but ^(L)a faithful envoy brings healing.
¹⁸ Poverty and disgrace come to him who ^(M)ignores instruction,
    ^(N)but whoever ^(O)heeds reproof is honored.