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). |