12 Whoever loves instruction and discipline loves knowledge,
But he who hates reproof and correction is stupid.
² 
A good man will obtain favor from the Lord,
But He will condemn a man who devises evil.
³ 
A man will not be established by wickedness,
But the root of the [consistently] righteous will not be moved.
⁴ 
A virtuous and excellent wife [worthy of honor] is the crown of her husband,
But she who shames him [with her foolishness] is like rottenness in his bones.^(A)
5 
The thoughts and purposes of the [consistently] righteous are just (honest, reliable),
But the counsels and schemes of the wicked are deceitful.
⁶ 
The [malevolent] words of the wicked lie in wait for [innocent] blood [to slander],
But the mouth of the upright will rescue and protect them.
⁷ 
The wicked are overthrown [by their evil] and are no more,
But the house of the [consistently] righteous will stand [securely].
⁸ 
A man will be commended according to his insight and sound judgment,
But the one who is of a perverse mind will be despised.
^9 
[a]Better is he who is lightly esteemed and has a servant,
Than he who [boastfully] honors himself [pretending to be what he is not] and lacks bread.
¹⁰ 
A righteous man has kind regard for the life of his animal,
But even the compassion of the wicked is cruel.^(B)
11 
He who tills his land will have plenty of bread,
But he who follows worthless things lacks common sense and good judgment.
¹² 
The wicked desire the plunder of evil men,
But the root of the righteous yields richer fruit.
¹³ 
An evil man is [dangerously] ensnared by the transgression of his lips,
But the righteous will escape from trouble.
¹⁴ 
A man will be satisfied with good from the fruit of his words,
And the deeds of a man’s hands will return to him [as a harvest].
¹⁵ 
The way of the [arrogant] fool [who rejects God’s wisdom] is right in his own eyes,
But a wise and prudent man is he who listens to counsel.^(C)
16 
The [arrogant] fool’s anger is quickly known [because he lacks self-control and common sense],
But a prudent man ignores an insult.
¹⁷ 
He who speaks truth [when he testifies] tells what is right,
But a false witness utters deceit [in court].
¹⁸ 
There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword,
But the tongue of the wise brings healing.
¹⁹ 
Truthful lips will be established forever,
But a lying tongue is [credited] only for a moment.
²⁰ 
Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil,
But counselors of peace have joy.
²¹ 
No harm befalls the righteous,
But the wicked are filled with trouble.^(D)
22 
Lying lips are extremely disgusting to the Lord,
But those who deal faithfully are His delight.^(E)
23 
A shrewd man is reluctant to display his knowledge [until the proper time],
But the heart of [over-confident] fools proclaims foolishness.^(F)
24 
The hand of the diligent will rule,
But the negligent and lazy will be put to forced labor.
²⁵ 
Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down,
But a good (encouraging) word makes it glad.^(G)
26 
The righteous man is a guide to his neighbor,
But the way of the wicked leads them astray.
²⁷ 
The lazy man does not catch and roast his prey,
But the precious possession of a [wise] man is diligence [because he recognizes opportunities and seizes them].
²⁸ 
In the way of righteousness is life,
And in its pathway there is no death [but immortality—eternal life].^(H)