Proverbs 12

¹Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.

²The good [man] obtains favor from the LORD, but [the LORD] condemns a man who devises evil.

³A man cannot be established through wickedness, but the righteous cannot be uprooted.

⁴A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but she who causes shame is like decay in his bones.

⁵The plans of the righteous are just, [but] the counsel of the wicked leads to deceit.

⁶The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them.

⁷The wicked are overthrown and perish, but the house of the righteous will stand.

⁸A man is praised according to his wisdom, but a twisted mind is despised.

⁹Better to be lightly esteemed yet have a servant, than to be self-important but lack food.

¹⁰A righteous [man] regards the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are only cruelty.

¹¹The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies lacks judgment.

¹²The wicked desire the plunder of evil men, but the root of the righteous flourishes.

¹³An evil man is trapped by his rebellious speech, but a righteous man escapes from trouble.

¹⁴By fruitful speech a man is filled with good things, and the work of [his] hands returns to him.

¹⁵The way of a fool [is] right in his own eyes, but a wise [man] listens to counsel.

¹⁶A fool’s anger is known at once, but a prudent [man] overlooks an insult.

¹⁷[He who] speaks the truth declares what is right, but a false witness [speaks] deceit.

¹⁸Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

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

²⁰Deceit is in the hearts of those who devise evil, but the counselors of peace have joy.

²¹No harm befalls the righteous, but the wicked are filled with trouble.

²²Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight.

²³A shrewd man keeps his knowledge {to himself}, but a foolish heart proclaims its folly.

²⁴The hand of the diligent will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor.

²⁵Anxiety weighs down the heart of a man, but a good word cheers it up.

²⁶A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the ways of the wicked lead them astray.

²⁷A lazy man does not roast his game, but a diligent man prizes his possession.

²⁸There is life in the path of righteousness, but another path leads to death.