Proverbs 12

¹ He who loves correction loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.

² The good man wins favor from the LORD, but the schemer is condemned by him.

³ No man is built up by wickedness, but the root of the just will never be disturbed.

⁴ A worthy wife is the crown of her husband, but a disgraceful one is like rot in his bones.

⁵ The plans of the just are legitimate; the designs of the wicked are deceitful.

⁶ The words of the wicked are a deadly ambush, but the speech of the upright saves them.

⁷ The wicked are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the just stands firm.

⁸ According to his good sense a man is praised, but one with a warped mind is despised.

⁹ Better a lowly man who supports himself than one of assumed importance who lacks bread.

¹⁰ The just man takes care of his beast, but the heart of the wicked is merciless.

¹¹ He who tills his own land has food in plenty, but he who follows idle pursuits is a fool.

¹² The stronghold of evil men will be demolished, but the root of the just is enduring.

¹³ In the sin of his lips the evil man is ensnared, but the just comes free of trouble.

¹⁴ From the fruit of his words a man has his fill of good things, and the work of his hands comes back to reward him.

¹⁵ The way of the fool seems right in his own eyes, but he who listens to advice is wise.

¹⁶ The fool immediately shows his anger, but the shrewd man passes over an insult.

¹⁷ He tells the truth who states what he is sure of, but a lying witness speaks deceitfully.

¹⁸ The prating of some men is like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise is healing.

¹⁹ Truthful lips endure forever, the lying tongue, for only a moment.

²⁰ Deceit is in the hands of those who plot evil, but those who counsel peace have joy.

²¹ No harm befalls the just, but the wicked are overwhelmed with misfortune.

²² Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who are truthful are his delight.

²³ A shrewd man conceals his knowledge, but the hearts of fools gush forth folly.

²⁴ The diligent hand will govern, but the slothful will be enslaved.

²⁵ Anxiety in a man's heart depresses it, but a kindly word makes it glad.

²⁶ The just man surpasses his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.

²⁷ The slothful man catches not his prey, but the wealth of the diligent man is great.

²⁸ In the path of justice there is life, but the abominable way leads to death.