12 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,
but one who hates correction is stupid.(A)

One who is good obtains favor from the Lord,(B)
but he condemns a person who schemes.(C)

No one can be made secure by wickedness,
but the root of the righteous is immovable.(D)

A wife of noble character[a] is her husband’s crown,(E)
but a wife who causes shame
is like rottenness in his bones.(F)

The thoughts of the righteous are just,
but guidance from the wicked is deceitful.

The words of the wicked are a deadly ambush,(G)
but the speech of the upright rescues them.(H)

The wicked are overthrown and perish,(I)
but the house of the righteous will stand.(J)

A man is praised for his insight,
but a twisted mind is despised.

Better to be disregarded, yet have a servant,
than to act important but have no food.(K)

10 The righteous cares about his animal’s health,(L)
but even the merciful acts of the wicked are cruel.

11 The one who works his land will have plenty of food,(M)
but whoever chases fantasies lacks sense.(N)

12 The wicked desire what evil people have caught,[b]
but the root of the righteous is productive.

13 By rebellious speech an evil person is trapped,(O)
but a righteous person escapes from trouble.(P)

14 A person will be satisfied with good
by the fruit of his mouth,(Q)
and the work of a person’s hands will reward him.(R)

15 A fool’s way is right in his own eyes,(S)
but whoever listens to counsel is wise.

16 A fool’s displeasure is known at once,
but whoever ignores an insult is sensible.(T)

17 Whoever speaks the truth declares what is right,
but a false witness speaks deceit.(U)

18 There is one who speaks rashly,
like a piercing sword;(V)
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.(W)

19 Truthful lips endure forever,
but a lying tongue, only a moment.(X)

20 Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil,
but those who promote peace have joy.(Y)

21 No disaster overcomes the righteous,(Z)
but the wicked are full of misery.

22 Lying lips are detestable to the Lord,(AA)
but faithful people are his delight.(AB)

23 A shrewd person conceals knowledge,
but a foolish heart publicizes stupidity.(AC)

24 The diligent hand will rule,
but laziness will lead to forced labor.(AD)

25 Anxiety in a person’s heart weighs it down,
but a good word cheers it up.(AE)

26 A righteous person is careful in dealing with his neighbor,[c]
but the ways of the wicked lead them astray.(AF)

27 A lazy hunter doesn’t roast his game,(AG)
but to a diligent person, his wealth is precious.(AH)

28 There is life in the path of righteousness,
and in its path there is no death.[d](AI)

Footnotes

  1. 12:4 Or A wife of quality, or A wife of good character
  2. 12:12 Or desire a stronghold of evil
  3. 12:26 Or person guides his neighbor
  4. 12:28 Or righteousness, but the crooked way leads to death

12 Those who love discipline love knowledge,
    and those who hate correction are stupid.
The Lord favors good people,
    but he condemns schemers.
No one is established by wicked acts,
    but the roots of the righteous can’t be disturbed.
A strong woman is a crown to her husband,
    but a disgraceful woman is like rot in his bones.
The plans of the righteous are just,
    but the guidance of the wicked is deceptive.
The words of the wicked are a deathtrap,
    but the speech of those who do right rescues them.
The wicked are destroyed and are no more,
    but the family of the righteous will endure.
A person is praised for his insight,
    but a warped mind leads to contempt.
Better to be held in low regard and have a servant
    than to be conceited and lack food.
10 The righteous care about their livestock’s needs,
    but even the compassion of the wicked is cruel.
11 Those who work their land will have plenty to eat,
    but those who engage in empty pursuits have no sense.
12 Desiring evil is a trap for the wicked,
    but the root of the righteous endures.[a]
13 The wicked are trapped by the transgressions of their lips,
    but the righteous escape from distress.
14 From the fruit of their speech, people are well satisfied;
    their work results in reward.
15 Fools see their own way as right,
    but the wise listen to advice.
16 Fools reveal their anger right away,
    but the shrewd hide their contempt.
17 Those who state the truth speak justly,
    but a false witness deceives.
18 Some chatter on like a stabbing sword,
    but a wise tongue heals.
19 Truthful lips endure forever,
    but a lying tongue lasts only for a moment.
20 Deceit is in the heart of those who plan evil,
    but there is joy for those who advise peace.
21 No harm happens to the righteous,
    but the wicked receive their fill of trouble.
22 The Lord detests false lips;
    he favors those who do what is true.
23 The shrewd conceal their knowledge,
    but the heart of fools proclaims their stupidity.
24 A hard worker is in charge,
    while a lazy one will be sentenced to hard labor.
25 Anxiety leads to depression,
    but a good word encourages.
26 The righteous offer guidance to their neighbors,[b]
    but the path of the wicked makes them wander.
27 The lazy don’t roast[c] their prey,
    but hard workers receive precious riches.
28 The way of the righteous leads to life,
    but the detestable[d] path leads to death.

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 12:12 Or gives
  2. Proverbs 12:26 Heb uncertain
  3. Proverbs 12:27 Heb uncertain
  4. Proverbs 12:28 LXX; MT the path of the trail