< Proverbs 12 >
1 He that loves instruction loves sense, but he that hates reproofs is a fool.
Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.
2 He that has found favour with the Lord [is made] better; but a transgressor shall be passed over in silence.
The good man obtains favor from the LORD, but the LORD condemns a man who devises evil.
3 A man shall not prosper by wickedness; but the roots of the righteous shall not be taken up.
A man cannot be established through wickedness, but the righteous cannot be uprooted.
4 A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband; but as a worm in wood, so a bad woman destroys her husband.
A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but she who causes shame is like decay in his bones.
5 The thoughts of the righteous [are true] judgements; but ungodly men devise deceits.
The plans of the righteous are just, but the counsel of the wicked leads to deceit.
6 The words of ungodly men are crafty; but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.
The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them.
7 When the ungodly is overthrown, he vanishes away; but the houses of the just remain.
The wicked are overthrown and perish, but the house of the righteous will stand.
8 The mouth of an understanding [man] is praised by a man; but he that is dull of heart is had in derision.
A man is praised according to his wisdom, but a twisted mind is despised.
9 Better is a man in dishonour serving himself, than one honouring himself and lacking bread.
Better to be lightly esteemed yet have a servant, than to be self-important but lack food.
10 A righteous man has pity for the lives of his cattle; but the bowels of the ungodly are unmerciful.
A righteous man regards the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are only cruelty.
11 He that tills his own land shall be satisfied with bread; but they that pursue vanities are void of understanding. He that enjoys himself in banquets of wine, shall leave dishonour in his own strong holds.
The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies lacks judgment.
12 The desires of the ungodly are evil; but the roots of the godly are firmly set.
The wicked desire the plunder of evil men, but the root of the righteous flourishes.
13 For the sin of [his] lips a sinner falls into snare; but a righteous man escapes from them. He whose looks are gentle shall be pitied, but he that contends in the gates will afflict souls.
An evil man is trapped by his rebellious speech, but a righteous man escapes from trouble.
14 The soul of a man shall be filled with good from the fruits of his mouth; and the recompence of his lips shall be given to him.
By fruitful speech a man is filled with good things, and the work of his hands returns to him.
15 The ways of fools are right in their own eyes; but a wise man hearkens to counsels.
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel.
16 A fool declares his wrath the same day; but a prudent man hides his own disgrace.
A fool’s anger is known at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.
17 A righteous man declares the open truth; but an unjust witness is deceitful.
He who speaks the truth declares what is right, but a false witness speaks deceit.
18 Some wound as they speak, [like] swords; but the tongues of the wise heal.
Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
19 True lips establish testimony; but a hasty witness has an unjust tongue.
Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.
20 [There is] deceit in the heart of him that imagines evil; but they that love peace shall rejoice.
Deceit is in the hearts of those who devise evil, but the counselors of peace have joy.
21 No injustice will please a just man; but the ungodly will be filled with mischief.
No harm befalls the righteous, but the wicked are filled with trouble.
22 Lying lips are a abomination to the Lord; but he that deals faithfully is accepted with him.
Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight.
23 An understanding man is a throne of wisdom; but the heart of fools shall meet with curses.
A shrewd man keeps his knowledge to himself, but a foolish heart proclaims its folly.
24 The hand of chosen men shall easily obtain rule; but the deceitful shall be for a prey.
The hand of the diligent will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor.
25 A terrible word troubles the heart of a righteous man; but a good message rejoices him.
Anxiety weighs down the heart of a man, but a good word cheers it up.
26 A just arbitrator shall be his own friend; but mischief shall pursue sinners; and the way of ungodly men shall lead them astray.
A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the ways of the wicked lead them astray.
27 A deceitful man shall catch no game; but a blameless man is a precious possession.
A lazy man does not roast his game, but a diligent man prizes his possession.
28 In the ways of righteousness is life; but the ways of those that remember injuries [lead] to death.
There is life in the path of righteousness, but another path leads to death.