< Proverbs 12 >
1 If you love knowledge, you will love discipline. Anyone who hates being corrected is stupid!
Whoso loveth correction loveth knowledge; but he that hateth reproof is brutish.
2 The Lord blesses the good, but he condemns anyone with evil schemes.
The good obtaineth favor 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 cannot be firmly established by wickedness; but the root of the righteous will 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 as rottenness in his bones is one that bringeth shame [on him].
5 Good people make plans that are fair, but the advice of the wicked is deceptive.
The thoughts of the righteous are justice: the best 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 of lying in wait for blood; but the mouth of the upright will deliver them.
7 The wicked are destroyed, and they're gone, but the family of the good stands firm.
The wicked are suddenly overthrown, and are no more; but the house of the righteous will endure.
8 People are appreciated for talking sense, but those with perverted minds are despised.
In accordance with his intelligence is a man praised; but he that is perverse of heart will come to be despised.
9 Better to be a humble man serving himself than a boastful man who has nothing to eat.
Better is he that is lightly esteemed who hath a servant, than he that aimeth after honor, and lacketh bread.
10 Good people look after their animals, but the care given by wicked is really cruelty.
A righteous man careth for the life of his beast; but the mercies of the wicked are cruelty.
11 If you cultivate the land you'll have plenty of food, but if you chase after worthless things you're stupid.
He that tilleth his ground will be satisfied with bread; but he that runneth after idle persons is void of sense.
12 Wicked people long for ill-gotten gains, but good people are productive themselves.
The wicked is covetous for the net of evil men; but [God] giveth root to the righteous.
13 The wicked trap themselves by their own sinful words, but good people escape trouble.
In the transgression of his lips is the snare of the wicked; but the righteous cometh out of distress.
14 What you say brings you rewards, and your work returns to bless you.
From the fruit of his mouth will a man be satisfied with what is good; and the recompense of a man's hands will be brought back 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 straight in his own eyes; but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.
16 Stupid people get angry immediately, but if you're sensible you ignore an insult.
The wrath of the fool is known on the very day; but he that concealeth the disgrace is prudent.
17 Whoever tells the truth is being honest, but a false witness tells lies.
He that uttereth truth announceth 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 some one that useth words [which are] like the thrusts of a sword; but the tongue of the wise is healing.
19 Words of truth last forever, but lies are gone in a moment.
The lip of truth will stand firm for ever; but only for a moment the tongue of falsehood.
20 Deceit is in the mind of those planning evil, but those who plan peace have joy.
Deceit is in the heart of those that contrive evil; but for the counsellors of peace there is joy.
21 No harm comes to the good, but trouble fills the wicked.
No wrong can come unawares to the righteous; but the wicked are full of evil.
22 The Lord hates liars but is happy with those who are trustworthy.
An abomination of the Lord are lips of falsehood; but they that deal in faithfulness [obtain] his favor.
23 If you're sensible, you don't show off your knowledge, but stupid people announce their stupidity.
A prudent man concealeth [his] knowledge; but the heart of fools proclaimeth [their] folly.
24 Hard work brings leadership, but laziness brings slavery.
The hand of the diligent will bear rule; but the indolent must become tributary.
25 If you're anxious, you're weighed down, but an encouraging word will cheer you up.
If there be care in the heart of man, let him suppress it; and a good word will change it into joy.
26 Good people look out for their friends, but the way the wicked live leads them astray.
The righteous is more excellent than his neighbor; but the way of the wicked leadeth them astray.
27 Lazy people don't catch their prey, but if you work hard you can become rich.
The indolent roasteth not that which he hath caught in hunting; but the most precious wealth of man is diligence.
28 The path of right leads to life, it doesn't lead to death.
On the path of righteousness there is life; and on her pathway there is immortality,