Proverbs 12:1-24

¹A lover of training is a lover of knowledge; but a hater of teaching is like a beast.

²A good man has grace in the eyes of the Lord; but the man of evil designs gets punishment from him.

³No man will make himself safe through evil-doing; but the root of upright men will never be moved.

⁴A woman of virtue is a crown to her husband; but she whose behaviour is a cause of shame is like a wasting disease in his bones.

⁵The purposes of upright men are right, but the designs of evil-doers are deceit.

⁶The words of sinners are destruction for the upright; but the mouth of upright men is their salvation.

⁷Evil-doers are overturned and never seen again, but the house of upright men will keep its place.

⁸A man will be praised in the measure of his wisdom, but a wrong-minded man will be looked down on.

⁹He who is of low position and has a servant, is better than one who has a high opinion of himself and is in need of bread.

¹⁰An upright man has thought for the life of his beast, but the hearts of evil-doers are cruel.

¹¹He who does work on his land will not be short of bread; but he who goes after foolish men is without sense.

¹²The resting-place of the sinner will come to destruction, but the root of upright men is for ever.

¹³In the sin of the lips is a net which takes the sinner, but the upright man will come out of trouble.

¹⁴From the fruit of his mouth will a man have good food in full measure, and the work of a man's hands will be rewarded.

¹⁵The way of the foolish man seems right to him? but the wise man gives ear to suggestions.

¹⁶A foolish man lets his trouble be openly seen, but a sharp man keeps shame secret.

¹⁷The breathing out of true words gives knowledge of righteousness; but a false witness gives out deceit.

¹⁸There are some whose uncontrolled talk is like the wounds of a sword, but the tongue of the wise makes one well again.

¹⁹True lips are certain for ever, but a false tongue is only for a minute.

²⁰Deceit is in the heart of those whose designs are evil, but for those purposing peace there is joy.

²¹No trouble will come to upright men, but sinners will be full of evil.

²²False lips are hated by the Lord, but those whose acts are true are his delight.

²³A sharp man keeps back his knowledge; but the heart of foolish men makes clear their foolish thoughts.

²⁴The hand of the ready worker will have authority, but he who is slow in his work will be put to forced work.