Proverbs 12

1  WHOEVER LOVES instruction and correction loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is like a brute beast, stupid and indiscriminating.2  A good man obtains favor from the Lord, but a man of wicked devices He condemns.3  A man shall not be established by wickedness, but the root of the [uncompromisingly] righteous shall never be moved.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. 5  The thoughts and purposes of the [consistently] righteous are honest and reliable, but the counsels and designs of the wicked are treacherous.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].7  The wicked are overthrown and are not, but the house of the [uncompromisingly] righteous shall stand.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.9  Better is he who is lightly esteemed but works for his own support than he who assumes honor for himself and lacks bread.10  A [consistently] righteous man regards the life of his beast, but even the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. 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  The wicked desire the booty of evil men, but the root of the [uncompromisingly] righteous yields [richer fruitage].13  The wicked is [dangerously] snared by the transgression of his lips, but the [uncompromisingly] righteous shall come out of trouble.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].15  The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who listens to counsel is wise. 16  A fool’s wrath is quickly and openly known, but a prudent man ignores an insult.17  He who breathes out truth shows forth righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God), but a false witness utters deceit.18  There are those who speak rashly, like the piercing of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.19  Truthful lips shall be established forever, but a lying tongue is [credited] but for a moment.20  Deceit is in the hearts of those who devise evil, but for the counselors of peace there is joy.21  No [actual] evil, misfortune, or calamity shall come upon the righteous, but the wicked shall be filled with evil, misfortune, and calamity. 22  Lying lips are extremely disgusting and hateful to the Lord, but they who deal faithfully are His delight. 23  A prudent man is reluctant to display his knowledge, but the heart of [self-confident] fools proclaims their folly. 24  The hand of the diligent will rule, but the slothful will be put to forced labor.25  Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but an encouraging word makes it glad. 26  The [consistently] righteous man is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked causes others to go astray.27  The slothful man does not catch his game or roast it once he kills it, but the diligent man gets precious possessions.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).

Proverbs 12

If You Love Learning

1 If you love learning, you love the discipline that goes with it— how shortsighted to refuse correction!
2 A good person basks in the delight of God, and he wants nothing to do with devious schemers.
3 You can't find firm footing in a swamp, but life rooted in God stands firm.
4 A hearty wife invigorates her husband, but a frigid woman is cancer in the bones.
5 The thinking of principled people makes for justice; the plots of degenerates corrupt.
6 The words of the wicked kill; the speech of the upright saves.
7 Wicked people fall to pieces—there's nothing to them; the homes of good people hold together.
8 A person who talks sense is honored; airheads are held in contempt.
9 Better to be ordinary and work for a living than act important and starve in the process.
10 Good people are good to their animals; the "good-hearted" bad people kick and abuse them.
11 The one who stays on the job has food on the table; the witless chase whims and fancies.
12 What the wicked construct finally falls into ruin, while the roots of the righteous give life, and more life.

Wise People Take Advice

13 The gossip of bad people gets them in trouble; the conversation of good people keeps them out of it.
14 Well-spoken words bring satisfaction; well-done work has its own reward.
15 Fools are headstrong and do what they like; wise people take advice.
16 Fools have short fuses and explode all too quickly; the prudent quietly shrug off insults.
17 Truthful witness by a good person clears the air, but liars lay down a smoke screen of deceit.
18 Rash language cuts and maims, but there is healing in the words of the wise.
19 Truth lasts; lies are here today, gone tomorrow.
20 Evil scheming distorts the schemer; peace-planning brings joy to the planner.
21 No evil can overwhelm a good person, but the wicked have their hands full of it.
22 God can't stomach liars; he loves the company of those who keep their word.
23 Prudent people don't flaunt their knowledge; talkative fools broadcast their silliness.
24 The diligent find freedom in their work; the lazy are oppressed by work.
25 Worry weighs us down; a cheerful word picks us up.
26 A good person survives misfortune, but a wicked life invites disaster.
27 A lazy life is an empty life, but "early to rise" gets the job done.
28 Good men and women travel right into life; sin's detours take you straight to hell.