Proverbs 12

Chapter 12

1 To learn, you must love discipline;
it is stupid to hate correction.2 The LORD approves of those who are good,
but he condemns those who plan wickedness.3 Wickedness never brings stability,
but the godly have deep roots.4 A worthy wife is a crown for her husband,
but a disgraceful woman is like cancer in his bones.5 The plans of the godly are just;
the advice of the wicked is treacherous.6 The words of the wicked are like a murderous ambush,
but the words of the godly save lives.7 The wicked die and disappear,
but the family of the godly stands firm.8 A sensible person wins admiration,
but a warped mind is despised.9 Better to be an ordinary person with a servant
than to be self-important but have no food.10 The godly care for their animals,
but the wicked are always cruel.11 A hard worker has plenty of food,
but a person who chases fantasies has no sense.12 Thieves are jealous of each other’s loot,
but the godly are well rooted and bear their own fruit.13 The wicked are trapped by their own words,
but the godly escape such trouble.14 Wise words bring many benefits,
and hard work brings rewards.15 Fools think their own way is right,
but the wise listen to others.16 A fool is quick-tempered,
but a wise person stays calm when insulted.17 An honest witness tells the truth;
a false witness tells lies.18 Some people make cutting remarks,
but the words of the wise bring healing.19 Truthful words stand the test of time,
but lies are soon exposed.20 Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil;
joy fills hearts that are planning peace!21 No harm comes to the godly,
but the wicked have their fill of trouble.22 The LORD detests lying lips,
but he delights in those who tell the truth.23 The wise don’t make a show of their knowledge,
but fools broadcast their foolishness.24 Work hard and become a leader;
be lazy and become a slave.25 Worry weighs a person down;
an encouraging word cheers a person up.26 The godly give good advice to their friends;t
the wicked lead them astray.27 Lazy people don’t even cook the game they catch,
but the diligent make use of everything they find.28 The way of the godly leads to life;
that path does not lead to death.

PROVERBS 12

You Can't Hide //behind Evil

1  t To accept correction is wise,
to reject it is stupid.

2 The [Lord] likes everyone
who lives right,
but he punishes everyone
who makes evil plans.

3 Sin cannot offer security!
But if you live right,
you will be as secure
as a tree with deep roots.

4 A helpful wife is a jewel
for her husband,
but a shameless wife
will make his bones rot.

5 Good people have kind thoughts,
but you should never trust
the advice of someone evil.

6 Bad advice is a deadly trap,
but good advice
is like a shield.

7 Once the wicked are defeated,
they are gone forever,
but no one who obeys God
will ever be thrown down.

8 Good sense is worthy of praise,
but stupidity is a curse.

9 It's better to be ordinary
and have only one servantt
than to think you are somebody
and starve to death.

10 Good people are kind
to their animals,
but a mean person is cruel.

11 Hard working farmers have more
than enough food;
daydreamers are nothing more
than stupid fools.

12 An evil person tries to hide
behind evil;t
good people are like trees
with deep roots.

13 We trap ourselves
by telling lies,
but we stay out of trouble
by living right.

14 We are rewarded or punished
for what we say and do.

15 Fools think they know
what is best,
but a sensible person
listens to advice.

16 Losing your temper is foolish;
ignoring an insult is smart.

17 An honest person
tells the truth in court,
but a dishonest person
tells nothing but lies.

18 Sharp words cut like a sword,
but words of wisdom heal.

19 Truth will last forever;
lies are soon found out.

20 An evil mind is deceitful,
but gentle thoughts
bring happiness.

21 Good people never have trouble,
but troublemakers
have more than enough.

22 The [Lord] hates every liar,
but he is the friend of all
who can be trusted.

23 Be sensible and don't tell
everything you know—
only fools spread
foolishness everywhere.

24 Work hard, and you
will be a leader;
be lazy, and you
will end up a slave.

25 Worry is a heavy burden,
but a kind word
always brings cheer.

26 You are better off to do right,
than to lose your way
by doing wrong.t

27 Anyone too lazy to cook
will starve,
but a hard worker
is a valuable treasure.t

28 Living right is a pathway
that leads to life
and away from death.