Proverbs

12 The one who loves discipline loves knowledge,+

But the one who hates reproof is unreasoning.*+

 2 The good person obtains Jehovah’s approval,

But He condemns the man of wicked schemes.+

 3 No man is made secure by wickedness,+

But the righteous will never be uprooted.

 4 A capable wife is a crown to her husband,+

But the wife who acts shamefully is like rottenness in his bones.+

 5 The thoughts of the righteous are just,

But the guidance of the wicked is deceptive.

 6 The words of the wicked are a deadly ambush,*+

But the mouth of the upright saves them.+

 7 When the wicked are overthrown, they are no more,

But the house of the righteous will keep standing.+

 8 A man is praised for the discretion of his mouth,+

But one with a twisted heart will be treated with contempt.+

 9 Better to be lightly esteemed and have a servant

Than to glorify oneself and have no food.*+

10 The righteous one takes care of his domestic animals,*+

But even the mercy of the wicked is cruel.

11 The one who cultivates his land will be satisfied with food,+

But the one pursuing worthless things is lacking good sense.*

12 The wicked man envies what other evil men have caught,

But the root of the righteous bears fruit.

13 The evil man is ensnared by his own sinful speech,+

But the righteous one escapes from distress.

14 From the fruitage of his speech* a man is satisfied with good,+

And the work of his hands will reward him.

15 The way of the fool is right in his own eyes,+

But the wise one accepts advice.*+

16 A fool immediately* shows his annoyance,+

But the shrewd man overlooks* an insult.

17 The one who testifies faithfully will tell the truth,*

But a false witness speaks deceit.

18 Thoughtless speech is like the stabs of a sword,

But the tongue of the wise is a healing.+

19 Truthful lips will endure forever,+

But a lying tongue will last for only a moment.+

20 Deceit is in the heart of those who plot mischief,

But those who promote* peace have joy.+

21 No harm will befall the righteous one,+

But the wicked will have their fill of calamity.+

22 Lying lips are detestable to Jehovah,+

But those acting faithfully bring pleasure to him.

23 A shrewd man conceals what he knows,

But the heart of the fool blurts out his foolishness.+

24 The hand of the diligent ones will rule,+

But idle hands will be put to forced labor.+

25 Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down,*+

But a good word cheers it up.+

26 The righteous one searches out his pastures,

But the course of the wicked leads them astray.

27 The lazy do not chase after the prey,+

But diligence is a man’s precious treasure.

28 The path of righteousness leads to life;+

Along its pathway there is no death.