12:1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.
12:2 A good man obtains favour from the LORD, but the LORD condemns a crafty man.
12:3 A man cannot be established through wickedness, but the righteous cannot be uprooted.
12:4 A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.
12:5 The plans of the righteous are just, but the advice of the wicked is deceitful.
12:6 The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them.
12:7 Wicked men are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous stands firm.
12:8 A man is praised according to his wisdom, but men with warped minds are despised.
12:9 Better to be a nobody and yet have a servant than pretend to be somebody and have no food.
12:10 A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.
12:11 He who works his land will have abundant food, but he who chases fantasies lacks judgment.
12:12 The wicked desire the plunder of evil men, but the root of the righteous flourishes.
12:13 An evil man is trapped by his sinful talk, but a righteous man escapes trouble.
12:14 From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things as surely as the work of his hands rewards him.
12:15 The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.
12:16 A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.
12:17 A truthful witness gives honest testimony, but a false witness tells lies.
12:18 Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
12:19 Truthful lips endure for ever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.
12:20 There is deceit in the hearts of those who plot evil, but joy for those who promote peace.
12:21 No harm befalls the righteous, but the wicked have their fill of trouble.
12:22 The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful.
12:23 A prudent man keeps his knowledge to himself, but the heart of fools blurts out folly.
12:24 Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in slave labour.
12:25 An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.
12:26 A righteous man is cautious in friendship, [Or man is a guide to his neighbour] but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
12:27 The lazy man does not roast [The meaning of the Hebrew for this word is uncertain.] his game, but the diligent man prizes his possessions.
12:28 In the way of righteousness there is life along that path is immortality.