< Proverbs 12 >
1 If you love knowledge, you will love discipline. Anyone who hates being corrected is stupid!
Whoso loves instruction loves knowledge: but he that hates reproof is brutish.
2 The Lord blesses the good, but he condemns anyone with evil schemes.
A good man obtains favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.
3 Wickedness doesn't provide security, but those who live right are deeply rooted and cannot be moved.
A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.
4 A good wife is a crown for her husband, but one who brings shame is like rot in his bones.
A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that makes ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.
5 Good people make plans that are fair, but the advice of the wicked is deceptive.
The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.
6 The words of the wicked are like a violent ambush, but those of honest people save them.
The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.
7 The wicked are destroyed, and they're gone, but the family of the good stands firm.
The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.
8 People are appreciated for talking sense, but those with perverted minds are despised.
A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.
9 Better to be a humble man serving himself than a boastful man who has nothing to eat.
He that is despised, and has a servant, is better than he that honors himself, and lacks bread.
10 Good people look after their animals, but the care given by wicked is really cruelty.
A righteous man regards the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
11 If you cultivate the land you'll have plenty of food, but if you chase after worthless things you're stupid.
He that tills his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that follows vain persons is void of understanding.
12 Wicked people long for ill-gotten gains, but good people are productive themselves.
The wicked desires the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yields fruit.
13 The wicked trap themselves by their own sinful words, but good people escape trouble.
The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.
14 What you say brings you rewards, and your work returns to bless you.
A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him.
15 Stupid people think they're on the right track, but if you're wise you listen to advice.
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkens unto counsel is wise.
16 Stupid people get angry immediately, but if you're sensible you ignore an insult.
A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covers shame.
17 Whoever tells the truth is being honest, but a false witness tells lies.
He that speaks truth shows forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.
18 Some people's hasty words cut like a knife, but the words of the wise bring healing.
There is that speaks like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.
19 Words of truth last forever, but lies are gone in a moment.
The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
20 Deceit is in the mind of those planning evil, but those who plan peace have joy.
Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.
21 No harm comes to the good, but trouble fills the wicked.
There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.
22 The Lord hates liars but is happy with those who are trustworthy.
Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.
23 If you're sensible, you don't show off your knowledge, but stupid people announce their stupidity.
A prudent man conceals knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaims foolishness.
24 Hard work brings leadership, but laziness brings slavery.
The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.
25 If you're anxious, you're weighed down, but an encouraging word will cheer you up.
Heaviness in the heart of man makes it stoop: but a good word makes it glad.
26 Good people look out for their friends, but the way the wicked live leads them astray.
The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduces them.
27 Lazy people don't catch their prey, but if you work hard you can become rich.
The slothful man roasts not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.
28 The path of right leads to life, it doesn't lead to death.
In the way of righteousness is life: and in the pathway thereof there is no death.