Proverbs 12
1 Whoever loves correction loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.
If you love knowledge, you will love discipline. Anyone who hates being corrected is stupid!
2 A good man shall obtain favour from the LORD, but he will condemn a man of wicked plans.
The Lord blesses the good, but he condemns anyone with evil schemes.
3 A man shall not be established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.
Wickedness doesn't provide security, but those who live right are deeply rooted and cannot be moved.
4 A worthy woman is the crown of her husband, but a disgraceful wife is as rottenness in his bones.
A good wife is a crown for her husband, but one who brings shame is like rot in his bones.
5 The thoughts of the righteous are just, but the advice of the wicked is deceitful.
Good people make plans that are fair, but the advice of the wicked is deceptive.
6 The words of the wicked are about lying in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them.
The words of the wicked are like a violent ambush, but those of honest people save them.
7 The wicked are overthrown, and are no more, but the house of the righteous shall stand.
The wicked are destroyed, and they're gone, but the family of the good stands firm.
8 A man shall be commended according to his wisdom, but he who has a warped mind shall be despised.
People are appreciated for talking sense, but those with perverted minds are despised.
9 Better is he who is little known, and has a servant, than he who honours himself and lacks bread.
Better to be a humble man serving himself than a boastful man who has nothing to eat.
10 A righteous man respects the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
Good people look after their animals, but the care given by wicked is really cruelty.
11 He who tills his land shall have plenty of bread, but he who chases fantasies is void of understanding.
If you cultivate the land you'll have plenty of food, but if you chase after worthless things you're stupid.
12 The wicked desires the plunder of evil men, but the root of the righteous flourishes.
Wicked people long for ill-gotten gains, but good people are productive themselves.
13 An evil man is trapped by sinfulness of lips, but the righteous shall come out of trouble.
The wicked trap themselves by their own sinful words, but good people escape trouble.
14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth. The work of a man’s hands shall be rewarded to him.
What you say brings you rewards, and your work returns to bless you.
15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who is wise listens to counsel.
Stupid people think they're on the right track, but if you're wise you listen to advice.
16 A fool shows his annoyance the same day, but one who overlooks an insult is prudent.
Stupid people get angry immediately, but if you're sensible you ignore an insult.
17 He who is truthful testifies honestly, but a false witness lies.
Whoever tells the truth is being honest, but a false witness tells lies.
18 There is one who speaks rashly like the piercing of a sword, but the tongue of the wise heals.
Some people's hasty words cut like a knife, but the words of the wise bring healing.
19 Truth’s lips will be established forever, but a lying tongue is only momentary.
Words of truth last forever, but lies are gone in a moment.
20 Deceit is in the heart of those who plot evil, but joy comes to the promoters of peace.
Deceit is in the mind of those planning evil, but those who plan peace have joy.
21 No mischief shall happen to the righteous, but the wicked shall be filled with evil.
No harm comes to the good, but trouble fills the wicked.
22 Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who do the truth are his delight.
The Lord hates liars but is happy with those who are trustworthy.
23 A prudent man keeps his knowledge, but the hearts of fools proclaim foolishness.
If you're sensible, you don't show off your knowledge, but stupid people announce their stupidity.
24 The hands of the diligent ones shall rule, but laziness ends in slave labour.
Hard work brings leadership, but laziness brings slavery.
25 Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but a kind word makes it glad.
If you're anxious, you're weighed down, but an encouraging word will cheer you up.
26 A righteous person is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
Good people look out for their friends, but the way the wicked live leads them astray.
27 The slothful man doesn’t roast his game, but the possessions of diligent men are prized.
Lazy people don't catch their prey, but if you work hard you can become rich.
28 In the way of righteousness is life; in its path there is no death.
The path of right leads to life, it doesn't lead to death.
