Proverbs 12

Contrast the Upright and the Wicked

1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.

2 A good man will obtain favor from the Lord, but He will condemn a man who devises evil.

3 A man will not be established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous will not be moved.

4 An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who shames him is like rottenness in his bones.

5 The thoughts of the righteous are just, but the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.

6 The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the mouth of the upright will deliver them.

7 The wicked are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous will stand.

8 A man will be praised according to his insight, but one of perverse mind will be despised.

9 Better is he who is lightly esteemed and has a servant than he who honors himself and lacks bread.

10 A righteous man has regard for the life of his animal, but even the compassion of the wicked is cruel.

11 He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, but he who pursues worthless things lacks sense.

12 The wicked man desires the booty of evil men, but the root of the righteous yields fruit.

13 An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, but the righteous will escape from trouble.

14 A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his words, and the deeds of a man’s hands will return to him.

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

16 A fool’s anger is known at once, but a prudent man conceals dishonor.

17 He who speaks truth tells what is right, but a false witness, deceit.

18 There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

19 Truthful lips will be established forever, but a lying tongue is only for a moment.

20 Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but counselors of peace have joy.

21 No harm befalls the righteous, but the wicked are filled with trouble.

22 Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who deal faithfully are His delight.

23 A prudent man conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims folly.

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

25 Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but a good word makes it glad.

26 The righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.

27 A lazy man does not roast his prey, but the precious possession of a man is diligence.

Reflection