Proverbs 13:12-19

New Living Translation

¹² Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
    but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life.

¹³ People who despise advice are asking for trouble;
    those who respect a command will succeed.

¹⁴ The instruction of the wise is like a life-giving fountain;
    those who accept it avoid the snares of death.

¹⁵ A person with good sense is respected;
    a treacherous person is headed for destruction.^[a]

¹⁶ Wise people think before they act;
    fools don’t—and even brag about their foolishness.

¹⁷ An unreliable messenger stumbles into trouble,
    but a reliable messenger brings healing.

¹⁸ If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace;
    if you accept correction, you will be honored.

¹⁹ It is pleasant to see dreams come true,
    but fools refuse to turn from evil to attain them.