Proverbs 12

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.a ²The good man obtains favor from the LORD, but the LORD condemns a man who devises evil.b ³A man cannot be established through wickedness, but the righteous cannot be uprooted.c

⁴A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but she who causes shame is like decay in his bones.d ⁵The plans of the righteous are just, but the counsel of the wicked leads to deceit. ⁶The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them.

⁷The wicked are overthrown and perish, but the house of the righteous will stand. ⁸A man is praised according to his wisdom, but a twisted mind is despised. ⁹Better to be lightly esteemed yet have a servant, than to be self-important but lack food.e

¹⁰A righteous man regards the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are only cruelty.f ¹¹The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies lacks judgment.g ¹²The wicked desire the plunder of evil men, but the root of the righteous flourishes.

¹³An evil man is trapped by his rebellious speech, but a righteous man escapes from trouble. ¹⁴By fruitful speech a man is filled with good things, and the work of his hands returns to him.h ¹⁵The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel.i

¹⁶A fool’s anger is known at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.j ¹⁷He who speaks the truth declares what is right, but a false witness speaks deceit. ¹⁸Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.k

¹⁹Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.l ²⁰Deceit is in the hearts of those who devise evil, but the counselors of peace have joy. ²¹No harm befalls the righteous, but the wicked are filled with trouble.

²²Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight.m ²³A shrewd man keeps his knowledge to himself, but a foolish heart proclaims its folly. ²⁴The hand of the diligent will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor.

²⁵Anxiety weighs down the heart of a man, but a good word cheers it up.n ²⁶A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the ways of the wicked lead them astray. ²⁷A lazy man does not roast his game, but a diligent man prizes his possession.

²⁸There is life in the path of righteousness, but another path leads to death.o