12 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,
but one who hates correction is stupid.(A)

The good person obtains favor from the Lord,(B)
but He condemns a man who schemes.(C)

Man cannot be made secure by wickedness,
but the root of the righteous is immovable.(D)

A capable wife[a] is her husband’s crown,(E)
but a wife who causes shame
is like rottenness in his bones.(F)

The thoughts of the righteous are just,
but guidance from the wicked leads to deceit.

The words of the wicked are a deadly ambush,(G)
but the speech of the upright rescues them.(H)

The wicked are overthrown and perish,(I)
but the house of the righteous will stand.(J)

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

Better to be dishonored, yet have a servant,
than to act important but have no food.(K)

10 A righteous man cares about his animal’s health,(L)
but even the merciful acts of the wicked are cruel.

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

12 The wicked desire what evil men have,[b]
but the root of the righteous produces fruit.

13 An evil man is trapped by his rebellious speech,(O)
but a righteous one escapes from trouble.(P)

14 A man will be satisfied with good
by the words of his mouth,(Q)
and the work of a man’s hands will reward him.(R)

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

16 A fool’s displeasure is known at once,
but whoever ignores an insult is sensible.(T)

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

18 There is one who speaks rashly,
like a piercing sword;(V)
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.(W)

19 Truthful lips endure forever,
but a lying tongue, only a moment.(X)

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

21 No disaster overcomes the righteous,(Z)
but the wicked are full of misery.

22 Lying lips are detestable to the Lord,(AA)
but faithful people are His delight.(AB)

23 A shrewd person conceals knowledge,
but a foolish heart publicizes stupidity.(AC)

24 The diligent hand will rule,
but laziness will lead to forced labor.(AD)

25 Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down,
but a good word cheers it up.(AE)

26 A righteous man is careful in dealing with his neighbor,[c]
but the ways of the wicked lead them astray.(AF)

27 A lazy man doesn’t roast his game,(AG)
but to a diligent man, his wealth is precious.(AH)

28 There is life in the path of righteousness,
but another path leads to death.[d](AI)

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 12:4 Or A wife of quality, or A wife of good character
  2. Proverbs 12:12 Or desire a stronghold of evil
  3. Proverbs 12:26 Or man guides his neighbor
  4. Proverbs 12:28 Or righteousness, and in its path there is no death

If You Love Learning

12 If you love learning, you love the discipline that goes with it—
    how shortsighted to refuse correction!

A good person basks in the delight of God,
    and he wants nothing to do with devious schemers.

You can’t find firm footing in a swamp,
    but life rooted in God stands firm.

A hearty wife invigorates her husband,
    but a frigid woman is cancer in the bones.

The thinking of principled people makes for justice;
    the plots of degenerates corrupt.

The words of the wicked kill;
    the speech of the upright saves.

Wicked people fall to pieces—there’s nothing to them;
    the homes of good people hold together.

A person who talks sense is honored;
    airheads are held in contempt.

Better to be ordinary and work for a living
    than act important and starve in the process.

10 Good people are good to their animals;
    the “good-hearted” bad people kick and abuse them.

11 The one who stays on the job has food on the table;
    the witless chase whims and fancies.

12 What the wicked construct finally falls into ruin,
    while the roots of the righteous give life, and more life.

Wise People Take Advice

13 The gossip of bad people gets them in trouble;
    the conversation of good people keeps them out of it.

14 Well-spoken words bring satisfaction;
    well-done work has its own reward.

15 Fools are headstrong and do what they like;
    wise people take advice.

16 Fools have short fuses and explode all too quickly;
    the prudent quietly shrug off insults.

17 Truthful witness by a good person clears the air,
    but liars lay down a smoke screen of deceit.

18 Rash language cuts and maims,
    but there is healing in the words of the wise.

19 Truth lasts;
    lies are here today, gone tomorrow.

20 Evil scheming distorts the schemer;
    peace-planning brings joy to the planner.

21 No evil can overwhelm a good person,
    but the wicked have their hands full of it.

22 God can’t stomach liars;
    he loves the company of those who keep their word.

23 Prudent people don’t flaunt their knowledge;
    talkative fools broadcast their silliness.

24 The diligent find freedom in their work;
    the lazy are oppressed by work.

25 Worry weighs us down;
    a cheerful word picks us up.

26 A good person survives misfortune,
    but a wicked life invites disaster.

27 A lazy life is an empty life,
    but “early to rise” gets the job done.

28 Good men and women travel right into life;
    sin’s detours take you straight to hell.