12 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,
but one who hates correction is stupid.(A)
2 One who is good obtains favor from the Lord,(B)
but he condemns a person who schemes.(C)
3 No one can be made secure by wickedness,
but the root of the righteous is immovable.(D)
4 A wife of noble character[a] is her husband’s crown,(E)
but a wife who causes shame
is like rottenness in his bones.(F)
5 The thoughts of the righteous are just,
but guidance from the wicked is deceitful.
6 The words of the wicked are a deadly ambush,(G)
but the speech of the upright rescues them.(H)
7 The wicked are overthrown and perish,(I)
but the house of the righteous will stand.(J)
8 A man is praised for his insight,
but a twisted mind is despised.
9 Better to be disregarded, yet have a servant,
than to act important but have no food.(K)
10 The righteous cares about his animal’s health,(L)
but even the merciful acts of the wicked are cruel.
11 The one who works his land will have plenty of food,(M)
but whoever chases fantasies lacks sense.(N)
12 The wicked desire what evil people have caught,[b]
but the root of the righteous is productive.
13 By rebellious speech an evil person is trapped,(O)
but a righteous person escapes from trouble.(P)
14 A person will be satisfied with good
by the fruit of his mouth,(Q)
and the work of a person’s hands will reward him.(R)
15 A fool’s way is right in his own eyes,(S)
but whoever listens to counsel is wise.
16 A fool’s displeasure is known at once,
but whoever ignores an insult is sensible.(T)
17 Whoever speaks the truth declares what is right,
but a false witness speaks deceit.(U)
18 There is one who speaks rashly,
like a piercing sword;(V)
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.(W)
19 Truthful lips endure forever,
but a lying tongue, only a moment.(X)
20 Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil,
but those who promote peace have joy.(Y)
21 No disaster overcomes the righteous,(Z)
but the wicked are full of misery.
22 Lying lips are detestable to the Lord,(AA)
but faithful people are his delight.(AB)
23 A shrewd person conceals knowledge,
but a foolish heart publicizes stupidity.(AC)
24 The diligent hand will rule,
but laziness will lead to forced labor.(AD)
25 Anxiety in a person’s heart weighs it down,
but a good word cheers it up.(AE)
26 A righteous person is careful in dealing with his neighbor,[c]
but the ways of the wicked lead them astray.(AF)
27 A lazy hunter doesn’t roast his game,(AG)
but to a diligent person, his wealth is precious.(AH)
28 There is life in the path of righteousness,
and in its path there is no death.[d](AI)
Footnotes
- 12:4 Or A wife of quality, or A wife of good character
- 12:12 Or desire a stronghold of evil
- 12:26 Or person guides his neighbor
- 12:28 Or righteousness, but the crooked way leads to death
Cross references
- 12:1 : Pr 3:11; 5:11–13; 15:5,31–32
- 12:2 : Pr 8:35
- 12:2 : Pr 14:17; 24:8
- 12:3 : Ps 16:8; 21:7; Pr 10:30
- 12:4 : Pr 18:22; 19:14; 31:10
- 12:4 : Pr 14:30
- 12:6 : Pr 1:11
- 12:6 : Pr 14:2
- 12:7 : Jb 34:25
- 12:7 : Ps 103:17–18; Pr 10:25; Mt 7:24–27
- 12:9 : Pr 11:24; 13:7; Rm 12:3
- 12:10 : Dt 25:4; Pr 27:23; Jnh 4:11
- 12:11 : Pr 24:27
- 12:11 : Pr 28:19
- 12:13 : Pr 10:14; 13:3; 18:7
- 12:13 : Pr 21:23; 29:6
- 12:14 : Pr 13:2; 18:20
- 12:14 : Pr 1:31; 28:19; Is 3:10
- 12:15 : Pr 16:2; 21:2
- 12:16 : Pr 11:13; 12:23; 17:9; 29:11
- 12:17 : Pr 6:19; 14:5,25
- 12:18 : Ps 57:4
- 12:18 : Pr 4:22; 15:4
- 12:19 : Ps 52:4–5; Pr 19:9
- 12:20 : Pr 14:22
- 12:21 : Ps 91:10; 1Pt 3:13
- 12:22 : Rv 22:15
- 12:22 : Pr 3:32; 11:20; 15:8–9,26
- 12:23 : Pr 11:13; 12:16; 13:16; 15:2
- 12:24 : Pr 10:4; 13:4; 19:15
- 12:25 : Ps 94:19; Pr 15:13; 16:24; Mt 6:25–34
- 12:26 : Pr 14:22
- 12:27 : Pr 19:15,24; 26:15
- 12:27 : Pr 10:4; 13:4
- 12:28 : Pr 10:2; 13:14; 14:27