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 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,
    but those who hate to be rebuked are stupid.(A)
The good obtain favor from the Lord,
    but those who devise evil he condemns.(B)
No one finds security by wickedness,
    but the root of the righteous will never be moved.(C)
A good wife is the crown of her husband,
    but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones.(D)
The thoughts of the righteous are just;
    the advice of the wicked is treacherous.
The words of the wicked are a deadly ambush,
    but the speech of the upright delivers them.(E)
The wicked are overthrown and are no more,
    but the house of the righteous will stand.(F)
One is commended for good sense,
    but a perverse mind is despised.
Better to be despised and have produce[a]
    than to be self-important and lack food.
10 The righteous know the needs of their animals,
    but the mercy of the wicked is cruel.(G)
11 Those who till their land will have plenty of food,
    but those who follow worthless pursuits have no sense.(H)
12 The wicked covet the proceeds of wickedness,[b]
    but the root of the righteous bears fruit.
13 The evil are ensnared by the transgression of their lips,
    but the righteous escape from trouble.(I)
14 From the fruit of the mouth one is filled with good things,
    and manual labor has its reward.(J)
15 Fools think their own way is right,
    but the wise listen to advice.(K)
16 Fools show their anger at once,
    but the prudent ignore an insult.(L)
17 Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence,
    but a false witness speaks deceitfully.(M)
18 Rash words are like sword thrusts,
    but the tongue of the wise brings healing.(N)
19 Truthful lips endure forever,
    but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.(O)
20 Deceit is in the mind of those who plan evil,
    but those who counsel peace have joy.(P)
21 No harm happens to the righteous,
    but the wicked are filled with trouble.(Q)
22 Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord,
    but those who act faithfully are his delight.(R)
23 One who is clever conceals knowledge,
    but the mind of a fool[c] broadcasts folly.(S)
24 The hand of the diligent will rule,
    while the lazy will be put to forced labor.
25 Anxiety weighs down the human heart,
    but a good word cheers it up.(T)
26 The righteous are released from misfortune,[d]
    but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
27 The lazy do not roast[e] their game,
    but the diligent obtain precious wealth.[f]
28 In the path of righteousness there is life;
    in walking its path there is no death.(U)

Footnotes

  1. 12.9 Cn: Heb servant
  2. 12.12 Or covet the catch of the wicked
  3. 12.23 Heb the heart of fools
  4. 12.26 Syr: Meaning of Heb uncertain
  5. 12.27 Meaning of Heb uncertain
  6. 12.27 Meaning of Heb uncertain