Proverbs 12
[1] Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,
but he who hates reproof is stupid.
[2] A good man obtains favor from the LORD,
but a man of evil devices he condemns.
[3] No one is established by wickedness,
but the root of the righteous will never be moved.
[4] An excellent wife is the crown of her husband,
but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones.
[5] The thoughts of the righteous are just;
the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.
[6] The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood,
but the mouth of the upright delivers them.
[7] The wicked are overthrown and are no more,
but the house of the righteous will stand.
[8] A man is commended according to his good sense,
but one of twisted mind is despised.
[9] Better to be lowly and have a servant
than to play the great man and lack bread.
[10] Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast,
but the mercy of the wicked is cruel.
[11] Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread,
but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense.
[12] Whoever is wicked covets the spoil of evildoers,
but the root of the righteous bears fruit.
[13] An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips,
but the righteous escapes from trouble.
[14] From the fruit of his mouth a man is satisfied with good,
and the work of a man’s hand comes back to him.
[15] The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,
but a wise man listens to advice.
[16] The vexation of a fool is known at once,
but the prudent ignores an insult.
[17] Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence,
but a false witness utters deceit.
[18] There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
[19] Truthful lips endure forever,
but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
[20] Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil,
but those who plan peace have joy.
[21] No ill befalls the righteous,
but the wicked are filled with trouble.
[22] Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD,
but those who act faithfully are his delight.
[23] A prudent man conceals knowledge,
but the heart of fools proclaims folly.
[24] The hand of the diligent will rule,
while the slothful will be put to forced labor.
[25] Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down,
but a good word makes him glad.
[26] One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor,
but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
[27] Whoever is slothful will not roast his game,
but the diligent man will get precious wealth.
[28] In the path of righteousness is life,
and in its pathway there is no death. (ESV)
