Proverbs 12:12-24

English Standard Version

¹² Whoever is wicked covets ^(A)the spoil of evildoers,
    but the root of the righteous bears fruit.
¹³ An evil man is ensnared ^(B)by the transgression of his lips,^{[a]
    (C)}but the righteous escapes from trouble.
¹⁴ From the fruit of his mouth ^(D)a man is satisfied with good,
    ^(E)and the work of a man's hand comes back to him.
^15 (F)The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,
    but a wise man listens to advice.
^16 (G)The vexation of a fool is known at once,
    but the prudent ignores an insult.
^17 (H)Whoever speaks^[b] the truth gives honest evidence,
    but ^(I)a false witness utters deceit.
^18 (J)There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts,
    but the tongue of the wise brings ^(K)healing.
¹⁹ Truthful lips endure forever,
    but ^(L)a lying tongue is but for a moment.
²⁰ Deceit is in the heart of ^(M)those who devise evil,
    but those who plan peace have joy.
^21 (N)No ill befalls the righteous,
    but the wicked are filled with trouble.
^22 (O)Lying lips are ^(P)an abomination to the Lord,
    ^(Q)but those who act faithfully are his delight.
^23 (R)A prudent man conceals knowledge,
    ^(S)but the heart of fools proclaims folly.
^24 (T)The hand of the diligent will rule,
    while the slothful will be ^(U)put to forced labor.