12 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,
    but whoever hates correction is stupid.(A)

Good people obtain favor from the Lord,(B)
    but he condemns those who devise wicked schemes.(C)

No one can be established through wickedness,
    but the righteous cannot be uprooted.(D)

A wife of noble character(E) is her husband’s crown,
    but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.(F)

The plans of the righteous are just,
    but the advice of the wicked is deceitful.

The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood,
    but the speech of the upright rescues them.(G)

The wicked are overthrown and are no more,(H)
    but the house of the righteous stands firm.(I)

A person is praised according to their prudence,
    and one with a warped(J) mind is despised.

Better to be a nobody and yet have a servant
    than pretend to be somebody and have no food.

10 The righteous care for the needs of their animals,(K)
    but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.

11 Those who work their land will have abundant food,
    but those who chase fantasies have no sense.(L)

12 The wicked desire the stronghold of evildoers,
    but the root of the righteous endures.

13 Evildoers are trapped by their sinful talk,(M)
    and so the innocent escape trouble.(N)

14 From the fruit of their lips people are filled with good things,(O)
    and the work of their hands brings them reward.(P)

15 The way of fools seems right to them,(Q)
    but the wise listen to advice.(R)

16 Fools(S) show their annoyance at once,(T)
    but the prudent overlook an insult.(U)

17 An honest witness tells the truth,
    but a false witness tells lies.(V)

18 The words of the reckless pierce like swords,(W)
    but the tongue of the wise brings healing.(X)

19 Truthful lips endure forever,
    but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.

20 Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil,
    but those who promote peace have joy.(Y)

21 No harm overtakes the righteous,(Z)
    but the wicked have their fill of trouble.

22 The Lord detests lying lips,(AA)
    but he delights(AB) in people who are trustworthy.(AC)

23 The prudent keep their knowledge to themselves,(AD)
    but a fool’s heart blurts out folly.(AE)

24 Diligent hands will rule,
    but laziness ends in forced labor.(AF)

25 Anxiety weighs down the heart,(AG)
    but a kind word cheers it up.

26 The righteous choose their friends carefully,
    but the way of the wicked leads them astray.(AH)

27 The lazy do not roast[a] any game,
    but the diligent feed on the riches of the hunt.

28 In the way of righteousness there is life;(AI)
    along that path is immortality.

13 A wise son heeds his father’s instruction,
    but a mocker does not respond to rebukes.(AJ)

From the fruit of their lips people enjoy good things,(AK)
    but the unfaithful have an appetite for violence.

Those who guard their lips(AL) preserve their lives,(AM)
    but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.(AN)

A sluggard’s appetite is never filled,(AO)
    but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.

The righteous hate what is false,(AP)
    but the wicked make themselves a stench
    and bring shame on themselves.

Righteousness guards the person of integrity,
    but wickedness overthrows the sinner.(AQ)

One person pretends to be rich, yet has nothing;(AR)
    another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.(AS)

A person’s riches may ransom their life,
    but the poor cannot respond to threatening rebukes.(AT)

The light of the righteous shines brightly,
    but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.(AU)

10 Where there is strife, there is pride,
    but wisdom is found in those who take advice.(AV)

11 Dishonest money dwindles away,(AW)
    but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.

12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
    but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.(AX)

13 Whoever scorns instruction will pay for it,(AY)
    but whoever respects(AZ) a command is rewarded.(BA)

14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,(BB)
    turning a person from the snares of death.(BC)

15 Good judgment wins favor,
    but the way of the unfaithful leads to their destruction.[b]

16 All who are prudent act with[c] knowledge,
    but fools expose(BD) their folly.(BE)

17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble,(BF)
    but a trustworthy envoy brings healing.(BG)

18 Whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and shame,(BH)
    but whoever heeds correction is honored.(BI)

19 A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul,(BJ)
    but fools detest turning from evil.

20 Walk with the wise and become wise,
    for a companion of fools suffers harm.(BK)

21 Trouble pursues the sinner,(BL)
    but the righteous(BM) are rewarded with good things.(BN)

22 A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children,
    but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.(BO)

23 An unplowed field produces food for the poor,
    but injustice sweeps it away.

24 Whoever spares the rod(BP) hates their children,
    but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline(BQ) them.(BR)

25 The righteous eat to their hearts’ content,
    but the stomach of the wicked goes hungry.(BS)

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 12:27 The meaning of the Hebrew for this word is uncertain.
  2. Proverbs 13:15 Septuagint and Syriac; the meaning of the Hebrew for this phrase is uncertain.
  3. Proverbs 13:16 Or prudent protect themselves through

12 Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.

A good man obtaineth favour of the Lord: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.

A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.

A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.

The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.

The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.

The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.

A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.

He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.

10 A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

11 He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.

12 The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.

13 The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.

14 A 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.

15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.

16 A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.

17 He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.

18 There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.

19 The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

20 Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.

21 There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.

22 Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight.

23 A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.

24 The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.

25 Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.

26 The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.

27 The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.

28 In the way of righteousness is life: and in the pathway thereof there is no death.

13 A wise son heareth his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.

A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence.

He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.

The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.

A righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame.

Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner.

There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.

The ransom of a man's life are his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke.

The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.

10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.

11 Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.

12 Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.

13 Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.

14 The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.

15 Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.

16 Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly.

17 A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health.

18 Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.

19 The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil.

20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

21 Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.

22 A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.

23 Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment.

24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.

25 The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.

The House of the Righteous Shall Stand

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(H)Better is the one who is [b]slighted but has a servant,
Than he who honors himself but lacks bread.

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

11 (J)He who [c]tills his land will be satisfied with (K)bread,
But he who follows [d]frivolity (L)is devoid of [e]understanding.

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

15 (Q)The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,
But he who heeds counsel is wise.
16 (R)A fool’s wrath is known at once,
But a prudent man covers shame.

17 (S)He who speaks truth declares righteousness,
But a false witness, deceit.
18 (T)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,
(U)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 (V)No grave [f]trouble will overtake the righteous,
But the wicked shall be filled with evil.
22 (W)Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord,
But those who deal truthfully are His delight.

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

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

25 (Z)Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression,
But (AA)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.

Wisdom Loves Righteousness

13 A wise son heeds his father’s instruction,
(AB)But a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.

(AC)A man shall eat well by the fruit of his mouth,
But the soul of the unfaithful feeds on violence.
(AD)He who guards his mouth preserves his life,
But he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction.

(AE)The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing;
But the soul of the diligent shall be made rich.

A righteous man hates lying,
But a wicked man is loathsome and comes to shame.
(AF)Righteousness guards him whose way is blameless,
But wickedness overthrows the sinner.

(AG)There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing;
And one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches.

The ransom of a man’s life is his riches,
But the poor does not hear rebuke.

The light of the righteous rejoices,
(AH)But the lamp of the wicked will be put out.

10 By pride comes nothing but (AI)strife,
But with the well-advised is wisdom.

11 (AJ)Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished,
But he who gathers by labor will increase.

12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
But (AK)when the desire comes, it is a tree of life.

13 He who (AL)despises the word will be destroyed,
But he who fears the commandment will be rewarded.
14 (AM)The law of the wise is a fountain of life,
To turn one away from (AN)the snares of death.

15 Good understanding [g]gains (AO)favor,
But the way of the unfaithful is hard.
16 (AP)Every prudent man acts with knowledge,
But a fool lays open his folly.

17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble,
But (AQ)a faithful ambassador brings health.

18 Poverty and shame will come to him who [h]disdains correction,
But (AR)he who regards a rebuke will be honored.

19 A desire accomplished is sweet to the soul,
But it is an abomination to fools to depart from evil.

20 He who walks with wise men will be wise,
But the companion of fools will be destroyed.

21 (AS)Evil pursues sinners,
But to the righteous, good shall be repaid.

22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children,
But (AT)the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.

23 (AU)Much food is in the [i]fallow ground of the poor,
And for lack of justice there is [j]waste.

24 (AV)He who spares his rod hates his son,
But he who loves him disciplines him [k]promptly.

25 (AW)The righteous eats to the satisfying of his soul,
But the stomach of the wicked shall be in want.

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 12:4 Lit. A wife of valor
  2. Proverbs 12:9 lightly esteemed
  3. Proverbs 12:11 works or cultivates
  4. Proverbs 12:11 Lit. vain things
  5. Proverbs 12:11 Lit. heart
  6. Proverbs 12:21 harm
  7. Proverbs 13:15 gives
  8. Proverbs 13:18 Lit. ignores
  9. Proverbs 13:23 uncultivated
  10. Proverbs 13:23 Lit. what is swept away
  11. Proverbs 13:24 early