Proverbs 12:8-17

Christian Standard Bible

⁸ A man is praised for his insight,
but a twisted mind is despised.

⁹ Better to be disregarded, yet have a servant,
than to act important but have no food.^(A)

¹⁰ The righteous cares about his animal’s health,^(B)
but even the merciful acts of the wicked are cruel.

¹¹ The one who works his land will have plenty of food,^(C)
but whoever chases fantasies lacks sense.^(D)

¹² The wicked desire what evil people have caught,^[a]
but the root of the righteous is productive.

¹³ By rebellious speech an evil person is trapped,^(E)
but a righteous person escapes from trouble.^(F)

¹⁴ A person will be satisfied with good
by the fruit of his mouth,^(G)
and the work of a person’s hands will reward him.^(H)

¹⁵ A fool’s way is right in his own eyes,^(I)
but whoever listens to counsel is wise.

¹⁶ A fool’s displeasure is known at once,
but whoever ignores an insult is sensible.^(J)

¹⁷ Whoever speaks the truth declares what is right,
but a false witness speaks deceit.^(K)