Proverbs 12

1Whoever loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproofisstupid.

2A goodmanobtaineth favour from the LORD: but a man of wicked devices he will condemn.

3A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.

4A virtuous womanis a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.

5The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.

6The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.

7The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.

8A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.1

9He that isdespised, and hath a servant, isbetter than he that honoureth himself, and is destitute of bread.

10A righteousmanregardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.2

11He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.

12The wicked desireth the net of evil men : but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit .3

13The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.4

14A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man’s hands shall be rendered to him.

15The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth to counsel is wise.

16A fool’s wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.5

17He thatspeaketh truth showeth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.

18There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.

19The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

20Deceitis in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.

21There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.

22Lying lipsareabomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.

23A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.

24The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be put to forced labour.6

25Heaviness in the heart of man weigheth it down: but a good word maketh it glad.

26The righteousis more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.7

27The slothfulmanroasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.

28In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway of it there is no death.