Proverbs 12:16-13:22

New International Version

¹⁶ Fools^(A) show their annoyance at once,^(B)
    but the prudent overlook an insult.^(C)

¹⁷ An honest witness tells the truth,
    but a false witness tells lies.^(D)

¹⁸ The words of the reckless pierce like swords,^(E)
    but the tongue of the wise brings healing.^(F)

¹⁹ Truthful lips endure forever,
    but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.

²⁰ Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil,
    but those who promote peace have joy.^(G)

²¹ No harm overtakes the righteous,^(H)
    but the wicked have their fill of trouble.

²² The Lord detests lying lips,^(I)
    but he delights^(J) in people who are trustworthy.^(K)

²³ The prudent keep their knowledge to themselves,^(L)
    but a fool’s heart blurts out folly.^(M)

²⁴ Diligent hands will rule,
    but laziness ends in forced labor.^(N)

²⁵ Anxiety weighs down the heart,^(O)
    but a kind word cheers it up.

²⁶ The righteous choose their friends carefully,
    but the way of the wicked leads them astray.^(P)

²⁷ The lazy do not roast^[a] any game,
    but the diligent feed on the riches of the hunt.

²⁸ In the way of righteousness there is life;^(Q)
    along that path is immortality.

13 A wise son heeds his father’s instruction,
    but a mocker does not respond to rebukes.^(R)

² From the fruit of their lips people enjoy good things,^(S)
    but the unfaithful have an appetite for violence.

³ Those who guard their lips^(T) preserve their lives,^(U)
    but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.^(V)

⁴ A sluggard’s appetite is never filled,^(W)
    but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.

⁵ The righteous hate what is false,^(X)
    but the wicked make themselves a stench
    and bring shame on themselves.

⁶ Righteousness guards the person of integrity,
    but wickedness overthrows the sinner.^(Y)

⁷ One person pretends to be rich, yet has nothing;^(Z)
    another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.^(AA)

⁸ A person’s riches may ransom their life,
    but the poor cannot respond to threatening rebukes.^(AB)

⁹ The light of the righteous shines brightly,
    but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.^(AC)

¹⁰ Where there is strife, there is pride,
    but wisdom is found in those who take advice.^(AD)

¹¹ Dishonest money dwindles away,^(AE)
    but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.

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

¹³ Whoever scorns instruction will pay for it,^(AG)
    but whoever respects^(AH) a command is rewarded.^(AI)

¹⁴ The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,^(AJ)
    turning a person from the snares of death.^(AK)

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

¹⁶ All who are prudent act with^[c] knowledge,
    but fools expose^(AL) their folly.^(AM)

¹⁷ A wicked messenger falls into trouble,^(AN)
    but a trustworthy envoy brings healing.^(AO)

¹⁸ Whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and shame,^(AP)
    but whoever heeds correction is honored.^(AQ)

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

²⁰ Walk with the wise and become wise,
    for a companion of fools suffers harm.^(AS)

²¹ Trouble pursues the sinner,^(AT)
    but the righteous^(AU) are rewarded with good things.^(AV)

²² A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children,
    but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.^(AW)