The Righteous and the Wicked
12 Whoever loves knowledge loves correction,
but whoever hates reproof is stupid.
2 A good man obtains favor from Adonai,
but He condemns a person with evil schemes.
3 No one is made secure by wickedness,
but a righteous root will not be moved.
4 A virtuous wife is her husband’s crown,
but a dishonoring one is like rottenness in his bones.
5 The plans of the righteous are just,
but the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.
6 The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood,
but the mouth of the upright delivers them.
7 The wicked are overthrown and are no more,
but the household of the righteous will stand.
8 A man is praised according to his insight,
but one with a twisted mind is despised.
9 Better to have little honor and a servant
than to have glory and no bread.
Caring for Animals and Land
10 A righteous person cares for the life of his animal,
yet even the compassion of the wicked is cruel.
11 The one who works his land will have plenty of food,
but whoever chases daydreams lacks sense.
12 The wicked covets the loot of evil men,
but the root of the righteous flourishes.
Fruit of Mouth
13 An evil one is ensnared by the sin of lips,
but the righteous one escapes trouble.
14 By the fruit of his mouth a man will be satisfied with good.
The work of a man’s hands will reward him.
15 A fool’s way is right in his own eyes,
but the wise listen to advice.
16 A fool shows his irritation immediately,
but a prudent person overlooks an insult.
17 A trustworthy witness tells what is right,
but a false witness, deceit.
18 Reckless speech is like the thrusts of a sword,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
19 Truthful lips endure forever,
but a lying tongue for only a moment.
20 Deceit is in the heart of those who plot evil,
but those promoting shalom have joy.
21 No harm befalls the righteous,
but the wicked are full of misery.
22 Lying lips are detestable to Adonai,
but those who act faithfully are His delight.
23 A clever person conceals his knowledge,
but the heart of a fool blurts out folly.
Diligence or Sloth
24 The hand of the diligent will rule,
but the lazy will become forced labor.
25 An anxious heart weighs one down,
but a good word cheers him up.
26 The righteous gives his friend guidance,
but the way of the wicked leads astray.
27 A lazy person does not roast his game,
but a diligent person prizes his possessions.
28 In the path of righteousness is life—
it is a path to immortality.