12 Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge,But he who hates correction is stupid.

² A good man obtains favor from the Lord,But a man of wicked intentions He will condemn.

³ A man is not established by wickedness,But the root of the righteous cannot be moved.

⁴ An excellent^[a] wife is the crown of her husband,But she who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones.

⁵ The thoughts of the righteous are right,But the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.⁶ The words of the wicked are, “Lie in wait for blood,”But the mouth of the upright will deliver them.

⁷ The wicked are overthrown and are no more,But the house of the righteous will stand.

⁸ A man will be commended according to his wisdom,But he who is of a perverse heart will be despised.

⁹ Better is the one who is slighted but has a servant,Than he who honors himself but lacks bread.

¹⁰ A righteous man regards the life of his animal,But the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

¹¹ He who tills his land will be satisfied with bread,But he who follows frivolity is devoid of understanding.^[b]

¹² The wicked covet the catch of evil men,But the root of the righteous yields fruit.¹³ The wicked is ensnared by the transgression of his lips,But the righteous will come through trouble.¹⁴ A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth,And the recompense of a man’s hands will be rendered to him.

¹⁵ The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,But he who heeds counsel is wise.¹⁶ A fool’s wrath is known at once,But a prudent man covers shame.¹⁷ He who speaks truth declares righteousness,But a false witness, deceit.¹⁸ There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword,But the tongue of the wise promotes health.¹⁹ The truthful lip shall be established forever,But a lying tongue is but for a moment.²⁰ Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil,But counselors of peace have joy.²¹ No grave trouble will overtake the righteous,But the wicked shall be filled with evil.²² Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord,But those who deal truthfully are His delight.

²³ A prudent man conceals knowledge,But the heart of fools proclaims foolishness.

²⁴ The hand of the diligent will rule,But the lazy man will be put to forced labor.

²⁵ Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression,But a good word makes it glad.

²⁶ The righteous should choose his friends carefully,For the way of the wicked leads them astray.

²⁷ The lazy man does not roast what he took in hunting,But diligence is man’s precious possession.

²⁸ In the way of righteousness is life,And in its pathway there is no death.