Proverbs 12

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge

To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction.a ²The Lord approves of those who are good, but he condemns those who plan wickedness.b ³Wickedness never brings stability, but the godly have deep roots.c

⁴A worthy wife is a crown for her husband, but a disgraceful woman is like cancer in his bones.d ⁵The plans of the godly are just; the advice of the wicked is treacherous. ⁶The words of the wicked are like a murderous ambush, but the words of the godly save lives.

⁷The wicked die and disappear, but the family of the godly stands firm. ⁸A sensible person wins admiration, but a warped mind is despised. ⁹Better to be an ordinary person with a servant than to be self-important but have no food.e

¹⁰The godly care for their animals, but the wicked are always cruel.f ¹¹A hard worker has plenty of food, but a person who chases fantasies has no sense.g ¹²Thieves are jealous of each other’s loot, but the godly are well rooted and bear their own fruit.

¹³The wicked are trapped by their own words, but the godly escape such trouble. ¹⁴Wise words bring many benefits, and hard work brings rewards.h ¹⁵Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.i

¹⁶A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted.j ¹⁷An honest witness tells the truth; a false witness tells lies. ¹⁸Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.k

¹⁹Truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed.l ²⁰Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil; joy fills hearts that are planning peace! ²¹No harm comes to the godly, but the wicked have their fill of trouble.

²²The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth.m ²³The wise don’t make a show of their knowledge, but fools broadcast their foolishness. ²⁴Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave.

²⁵Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.n ²⁶The godly give good advice to their friends; the wicked lead them astray. ²⁷Lazy people don’t even cook the game they catch, but the diligent make use of everything they find.

²⁸The way of the godly leads to life; that path does not lead to death.o