1Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,
but whoever hates correction is stupid.
2Good people obtain favor from the Lord,
but he condemns those who devise wicked schemes.
3No one can be established through wickedness,
but the righteous cannot be uprooted.
4A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown,
but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.
5The plans of the righteous are just,
but the advice of the wicked is deceitful.
6The words of the wicked lie 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 stands firm.
8A person is praised according to their prudence,
and one with a warped mind is despised.
9Better to be a nobody and yet have a servant
than pretend to be somebody and have no food.
10The righteous care for the needs of their animals,
but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.
11Those who work their land will have abundant food,
but those who chase fantasies have no sense.
12The wicked desire the stronghold of evildoers,
but the root of the righteous endures.
13Evildoers are trapped by their sinful talk,
and so the innocent escape trouble.
14From the fruit of their lips people are filled with good things,
and the work of their hands brings them reward.
15The way of fools seems right to them,
but the wise listen to advice.
16Fools show their annoyance at once,
but the prudent overlook an insult.
17An honest witness tells the truth,
but a false witness tells lies.
18The words of the reckless pierce like swords,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
19Truthful lips endure forever,
but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.
20Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil,
but those who promote peace have joy.
21No harm overtakes the righteous,
but the wicked have their fill of trouble.
22The Lord detests lying lips,
but he delights in people who are trustworthy.
23The prudent keep their knowledge to themselves,
but a fool’s heart blurts out folly.
24Diligent hands will rule,
but laziness ends in forced labor.
25Anxiety weighs down the heart,
but a kind word cheers it up.
26The righteous choose their friends carefully,
but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
27The lazy do not roast12:27 The meaning of the Hebrew for this word is uncertain. any game,
but the diligent feed on the riches of the hunt.
28In the way of righteousness there is life;
along that path is immortality.
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.
