< Proverbs 12 >
1 Whoso loveth correction loveth knowledge; but he that hateth reproof is brutish.
2 The good obtaineth favor of the Lord; but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.
3 A man cannot be firmly established by wickedness; but the root of the righteous will not be moved.
4 A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but as rottenness in his bones is one that bringeth shame [on him].
5 The thoughts of the righteous are justice: the best counsels of the wicked are deceit.
6 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 suddenly overthrown, and are no more; but the house of the righteous will endure.
8 In accordance with his intelligence is a man praised; but he that is perverse of heart will come to be despised.
9 Better is he that is lightly esteemed who hath a servant, than he that aimeth after honor, and lacketh bread.
10 A righteous man careth for the life of his beast; but the mercies of the wicked are cruelty.
11 He that tilleth his ground will be satisfied with bread; but he that runneth after idle persons is void of sense.
12 The wicked is covetous for the net of evil men; but [God] giveth root to the righteous.
13 In the transgression of his lips is the snare of the wicked; but the righteous cometh out of distress.
14 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 The way of a fool is straight in his own eyes; but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.
16 The wrath of the fool is known on the very day; but he that concealeth the disgrace is prudent.
17 He that uttereth truth announceth righteousness; but a false witness, deceit.
18 There is some one that useth words [which are] like the thrusts of a sword; but the tongue of the wise is healing.
19 The lip of truth will stand firm for ever; but only for a moment the tongue of falsehood.
20 Deceit is in the heart of those that contrive evil; but for the counsellors of peace there is joy.
21 No wrong can come unawares to the righteous; but the wicked are full of evil.
22 An abomination of the Lord are lips of falsehood; but they that deal in faithfulness [obtain] his favor.
23 A prudent man concealeth [his] knowledge; but the heart of fools proclaimeth [their] folly.
24 The hand of the diligent will bear rule; but the indolent must become tributary.
25 If there be care in the heart of man, let him suppress it; and a good word will change it into joy.
26 The righteous is more excellent than his neighbor; but the way of the wicked leadeth them astray.
27 The indolent roasteth not that which he hath caught in hunting; but the most precious wealth of man is diligence.
28 On the path of righteousness there is life; and on her pathway there is immortality,