17 (A)Whoever speaks[a] the truth gives honest evidence,
    but (B)a false witness utters deceit.
18 (C)There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts,
    but the tongue of the wise brings (D)healing.
19 Truthful lips endure forever,
    but (E)a lying tongue is but for a moment.
20 Deceit is in the heart of (F)those who devise evil,
    but those who plan peace have joy.
21 (G)No ill befalls the righteous,
    but the wicked are filled with trouble.
22 (H)Lying lips are (I)an abomination to the Lord,
    (J)but those who act faithfully are his delight.
23 (K)A prudent man conceals knowledge,
    (L)but the heart of fools proclaims folly.
24 (M)The hand of the diligent will rule,
    while the slothful will be (N)put to forced labor.
25 (O)Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down,
    but a good word makes him glad.
26 One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor,[b]
    but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
27 (P)Whoever is slothful will not roast his game,
    but the diligent man will get precious wealth.[c]
28 (Q)In the path of righteousness is life,
    and in its pathway there is no death.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 12:17 Hebrew breathes out
  2. Proverbs 12:26 Or The righteous chooses his friends carefully
  3. Proverbs 12:27 Or but diligence is precious wealth

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