Add parallel Print Page Options

12 Whoever loves correction loves knowledge,
    but he who hates reproof is stupid.
A good man shall obtain favor from Yahweh,
    but he will condemn a man of wicked plans.
A man shall not be established by wickedness,
    but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.
A worthy woman is the crown of her husband,
    but a disgraceful wife is as rottenness in his bones.
The thoughts of the righteous are just,
    but the advice of the wicked is deceitful.
The words of the wicked are about lying in wait for blood,
    but the speech of the upright rescues them.
The wicked are overthrown, and are no more,
    but the house of the righteous shall stand.
A man shall be commended according to his wisdom,
    but he who has a warped mind shall be despised.
Better is he who is little known, and has a servant,
    than he who honors himself, and lacks bread.
10 A righteous man respects the life of his animal,
    but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
11 He who tills his land shall have plenty of bread,
    but he who chases fantasies is void of understanding.
12 The wicked desires the plunder of evil men,
    but the root of the righteous flourishes.
13 An evil man is trapped by sinfulness of lips,
    but the righteous shall come out of trouble.
14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth.
    The work of a man’s hands shall be rewarded to him.
15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,
    but he who is wise listens to counsel.
16 A fool shows his annoyance the same day,
    but one who overlooks an insult is prudent.
17 He who is truthful testifies honestly,
    but a false witness lies.
18 There is one who speaks rashly like the piercing of a sword,
    but the tongue of the wise heals.
19 Truth’s lips will be established forever,
    but a lying tongue is only momentary.
20 Deceit is in the heart of those who plot evil,
    but joy comes to the promoters of peace.
21 No mischief shall happen to the righteous,
    but the wicked shall be filled with evil.
22 Lying lips are an abomination to Yahweh,
    but those who do the truth are his delight.
23 A prudent man keeps his knowledge,
    but the hearts of fools proclaim foolishness.
24 The hands of the diligent ones shall rule,
    but laziness ends in slave labor.
25 Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down,
    but a kind word makes it glad.
26 A righteous person is cautious in friendship,
    but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
27 The slothful man doesn’t roast his game,
    but the possessions of diligent men are prized.
28 In the way of righteousness is life;
    in its path there is no death.

12 To learn, you must love discipline;
    it is stupid to hate correction.

The Lord approves of those who are good,
    but he condemns those who plan wickedness.

Wickedness never brings stability,
    but the godly have deep roots.

A worthy wife is a crown for her husband,
    but a disgraceful woman is like cancer in his bones.

The plans of the godly are just;
    the advice of the wicked is treacherous.

The words of the wicked are like a murderous ambush,
    but the words of the godly save lives.

The wicked die and disappear,
    but the family of the godly stands firm.

A sensible person wins admiration,
    but a warped mind is despised.

Better to be an ordinary person with a servant
    than to be self-important but have no food.

10 The godly care for their animals,
    but the wicked are always cruel.

11 A hard worker has plenty of food,
    but a person who chases fantasies has no sense.

12 Thieves are jealous of each other’s loot,
    but the godly are well rooted and bear their own fruit.

13 The wicked are trapped by their own words,
    but the godly escape such trouble.

14 Wise words bring many benefits,
    and hard work brings rewards.

15 Fools think their own way is right,
    but the wise listen to others.

16 A fool is quick-tempered,
    but a wise person stays calm when insulted.

17 An honest witness tells the truth;
    a false witness tells lies.

18 Some people make cutting remarks,
    but the words of the wise bring healing.

19 Truthful words stand the test of time,
    but lies are soon exposed.

20 Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil;
    joy fills hearts that are planning peace!

21 No harm comes to the godly,
    but the wicked have their fill of trouble.

22 The Lord detests lying lips,
    but he delights in those who tell the truth.

23 The wise don’t make a show of their knowledge,
    but fools broadcast their foolishness.

24 Work hard and become a leader;
    be lazy and become a slave.

25 Worry weighs a person down;
    an encouraging word cheers a person up.

26 The godly give good advice to their friends;[a]
    the wicked lead them astray.

27 Lazy people don’t even cook the game they catch,
    but the diligent make use of everything they find.

28 The way of the godly leads to life;
    that path does not lead to death.

Footnotes

  1. 12:26 Or The godly are cautious in friendship; or The godly are freed from evil. The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain.