12:1  WHOEVER LOVES instruction {and} correction loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is like a brute beast, stupid {and} indiscriminating.

12:2  A good man obtains favor from the Lord, but a man of wicked devices He condemns.

12:3  A man shall not be established by wickedness, but the root of the [uncompromisingly] righteous shall never be moved.

12:4  A virtuous {and} worthy wife [earnest and strong in character] is a crowning joy to her husband, but she who makes him ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.

12:5  The thoughts {and} purposes of the [consistently] righteous are honest {and} reliable, but the counsels {and} designs of the wicked are treacherous.

12:6  The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them {and} the innocent ones [thus endangered].

12:7  The wicked are overthrown and are not, but the house of the [uncompromisingly] righteous shall stand.

12:8  A man shall be commended according to his Wisdom [godly Wisdom, which is comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God], but he who is of a perverse heart shall be despised.

12:9  Better is he who is lightly esteemed but works for his own support than he who assumes honor for himself and lacks bread.

12:10  A [consistently] righteous man regards the life of his beast, but even the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

12:11  He who tills his land shall be satisfied with bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits is lacking in sense {and} is without understanding.

12:12  The wicked desire the booty of evil men, but the root of the [uncompromisingly] righteous yields [richer fruitage].

12:13  The wicked is [dangerously] snared by the transgression of his lips, but the [uncompromisingly] righteous shall come out of trouble.

12:14  From the fruit of his words a man shall be satisfied with good, and the work of a man's hands shall come back to him [as a harvest].

12:15  The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who listens to counsel is wise.

12:16  A fool's wrath is quickly {and} openly known, but a prudent man ignores an insult.

12:17  He who breathes out truth shows forth righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God), but a false witness utters deceit.

12:18  There are those who speak rashly, like the piercing of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

12:19  Truthful lips shall be established forever, but a lying tongue is [credited] but for a moment.

12:20  Deceit is in the hearts of those who devise evil, but for the counselors of peace there is joy.

12:21  No [actual] evil, misfortune, {or} calamity shall come upon the righteous, but the wicked shall be filled with evil, misfortune, {and} calamity.

12:22  Lying lips are extremely disgusting {and} hateful to the Lord, but they who deal faithfully are His delight.

12:23  A prudent man is reluctant to display his knowledge, but the heart of [self-confident] fools proclaims their folly.

12:24  The hand of the diligent will rule, but the slothful will be put to forced labor.

12:25  Anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down, but an encouraging word makes it glad.

12:26  The [consistently] righteous man is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked causes others to go astray.

12:27  The slothful man does not catch his game {or} roast it once he kills it, but the diligent man gets precious possessions.

12:28  Life is in the way of righteousness (moral and spiritual rectitude in every area and relation), and in its pathway there is no death {but} immortality (perpetual, eternal life).