Proverbs 12

¹Whoever loves correction loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid. ²A good man shall obtain favor from Yahweh, but he will condemn a man of wicked plans. ³A man shall not be established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous shall not be moved. ⁴A worthy woman is the crown of her husband, but a disgraceful wife is as rottenness in his bones. ⁵The thoughts of the righteous are just, but the advice of the wicked is deceitful. ⁶The words of the wicked are about lying in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them. ⁷The wicked are overthrown, and are no more, but the house of the righteous shall stand. ⁸A man shall be commended according to his wisdom, but he who has a warped mind shall be despised. ⁹Better is he who is little know, and has a servant, than he who honors himself, and lacks bread. ¹⁰A righteous man respects the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. ¹¹He who tills his land shall have plenty of bread, but he who chases fantasies is void of understanding. ¹²The wicked desires the plunder of evil men, but the root of the righteous flourishes. ¹³An evil man is trapped by sinfulness of lips, but the righteous shall come out of trouble. ¹⁴A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth. The work of a man’s hands shall be rewarded to him. ¹⁵The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who is wise listens to counsel. ¹⁶A fool shows his annoyance the same day, but one who overlooks an insult is prudent. ¹⁷He who is truthful testifies honestly, but a false witness lies. ¹⁸There is one who speaks rashly like the piercing of a sword, but the tongue of the wise heals. ¹⁹Truth’s lips will be established forever, but a lying tongue is only momentary. ²⁰Deceit is in the heart of those who plot evil, but joy comes to the promoters of peace. ²¹No mischief shall happen to the righteous, but the wicked shall be filled with evil. ²²Lying lips are an abomination to Yahweh, but those who do the truth are his delight. ²³A prudent man keeps his knowledge, but the hearts of fools proclaim foolishness. ²⁴The hands of the diligent ones shall rule, but laziness ends in slave labor. ²⁵Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but a kind word makes it glad. ²⁶A righteous person is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray. ²⁷The slothful man doesn’t roast his game, but the possessions of diligent men are prized. ²⁸In the way of righteousness is life; in its path there is no death.

World English Bible (public domain)