1Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish. 2A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn. 3A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved. 4A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones. 5The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit. 6The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them. 7The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand. 8A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.12.8 of a…: Heb. perverse of heart 9He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread. 10A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.12.10 tender…: or, bowels 11He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding. 12The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.12.12 the net: or, the fortress 13The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.12.13 The wicked…: Heb. The snare of the wicked is in the transgression of lips 14A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man’s hands shall be rendered unto him. 15The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise. 16A fool’s wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.12.16 presently: Heb. in that day 17He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit. 18There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health. 19The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment. 20Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy. 21There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief. 22Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight. 23A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness. 24The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.12.24 slothful: or, deceitful 25Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad. 26The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.12.26 excellent: or, abundant 27The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious. 28In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death.
1Anyone who loves correction loves knowledge.
Anyone who hates to be corrected is stupid.
2The Lord blesses anyone who does good.
But he judges anyone who plans to do evil.
3No one can become strong and steady by doing evil.
But if people do what is right, they can’t be removed from the land.
4An excellent woman is her husband’s crown.
But a wife who brings shame is like sickness in his bones.
5The plans of godly people are right.
But the advice of sinners will lead you the wrong way.
6The words of those who are evil hide and wait to spill people’s blood.
But the speech of those who are honest saves them from traps like that.
7Sinners are destroyed and taken away.
But the houses of godly people stand firm.
8A person is praised for how wise they are.
But people hate anyone who has a twisted mind.
9Being nobody and having a servant
is better than pretending to be somebody and having no food.
10Those who do what is right take good care of their animals.
But the kindest acts of those who do wrong are mean.
11Those who farm their land will have plenty of food.
But those who chase dreams have no sense.
12Those who do what is wrong are safe for just a while.
But those who do what is right last forever.
13Those who do evil are trapped by their sinful talk.
But those who have done no wrong escape trouble.
14Many good things come from what people say.
And the work of their hands rewards them.
15The way of foolish people seems right to them.
But those who are wise listen to advice.
16Foolish people are easily upset.
But wise people pay no attention to hurtful words.
17An honest witness tells the truth.
But a dishonest witness tells lies.
18The words of thoughtless people cut like swords.
But the tongue of wise people brings healing.
19Truthful words last forever.
But lies last for only a moment.
20There are lies in the hearts of those who plan evil.
But there is joy for those who work to bring peace.
21No harm comes to godly people.
But sinners have all the trouble they can handle.
22The Lord hates those whose lips tell lies.
But he is pleased with people who tell the truth.
23Wise people keep their knowledge to themselves.
But the hearts of foolish people shout foolish things.
24Hands that work hard will rule.
But people who are lazy will be forced to work.
25Worry makes the heart heavy.
But a kind word cheers it up.
26Godly people are careful about the friends they choose.
But the way of sinners leads them down the wrong path.
27Lazy people do not even cook what they catch.
But those who work hard eat their fill of what is hunted.
28There is life in doing what is right.
Along that path you will never die.
