Proverbs 12:17-28

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.

²⁵Care in the heart of a man makes it weighted down, but a good word makes it glad.

²⁶The upright man is a guide to his neighbour, but the way of evil-doers is a cause of error to them.

²⁷He who is slow in his work does not go in search of food; but the ready worker gets much wealth.

²⁸In the road of righteousness is life, but the way of the evil-doer goes to death.