12 Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.

13 Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.

14 The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.

15 Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.

16 Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly.

17 A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health.

18 Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.

19 The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil.

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12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
    but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.(A)

13 Whoever scorns instruction will pay for it,(B)
    but whoever respects(C) a command is rewarded.(D)

14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,(E)
    turning a person from the snares of death.(F)

15 Good judgment wins favor,
    but the way of the unfaithful leads to their destruction.[a]

16 All who are prudent act with[b] knowledge,
    but fools expose(G) their folly.(H)

17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble,(I)
    but a trustworthy envoy brings healing.(J)

18 Whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and shame,(K)
    but whoever heeds correction is honored.(L)

19 A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul,(M)
    but fools detest turning from evil.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 13:15 Septuagint and Syriac; the meaning of the Hebrew for this phrase is uncertain.
  2. Proverbs 13:16 Or prudent protect themselves through