Proverbs 12:9-27

New International Version

⁹ Better to be a nobody and yet have a servant
    than pretend to be somebody and have no food.

¹⁰ The righteous care for the needs of their animals,^(A)
    but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.

¹¹ Those who work their land will have abundant food,
    but those who chase fantasies have no sense.^(B)

¹² The wicked desire the stronghold of evildoers,
    but the root of the righteous endures.

¹³ Evildoers are trapped by their sinful talk,^(C)
    and so the innocent escape trouble.^(D)

¹⁴ From the fruit of their lips people are filled with good things,^(E)
    and the work of their hands brings them reward.^(F)

¹⁵ The way of fools seems right to them,^(G)
    but the wise listen to advice.^(H)

¹⁶ Fools^(I) show their annoyance at once,^(J)
    but the prudent overlook an insult.^(K)

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

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

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.^(O)

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

²² The Lord detests lying lips,^(Q)
    but he delights^(R) in people who are trustworthy.^(S)

²³ The prudent keep their knowledge to themselves,^(T)
    but a fool’s heart blurts out folly.^(U)

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

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

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

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