Proverbs 12
1 He that loves instruction loves sense, but he that hates reproofs is a fool.
Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but the one who hates correction is stupid.
2 He that has found favour with the Lord [is made] better; but a transgressor shall be passed over in silence.
Yahweh gives favor to a good man, but he condemns a man who makes evil plans.
3 A man shall not prosper by wickedness; but the roots of the righteous shall not be taken up.
A person cannot be established by wickedness, but righteous people cannot be uprooted.
4 A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband; but as a worm in wood, so a bad woman destroys her husband.
A worthy wife is her husband's crown, but she who brings shame is like a disease that rots his bones.
5 The thoughts of the righteous [are true] judgments; but ungodly men devise deceits.
The plans of the righteous are just, but the advice of the wicked is deceitful.
6 The words of ungodly men are crafty; but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.
The words of wicked people are an ambush waiting for a chance to kill, but the words of the upright keep them safe.
7 When the ungodly is overthrown, he vanishes away; but the houses of the just remain.
Wicked people are overthrown and they are gone, but the house of the righteous person will stand.
8 The mouth of an understanding [man] is praised by a man; but he that is dull of heart is had in derision.
A person is praised by how much wisdom he has, but the one who makes perverse choices is despised.
9 Better is a man in dishonour serving himself, than one honouring himself and wanting bread.
Better to have an unimportant position—only being a servant— than to brag about your importance but have no food.
10 A righteous man has pity for the lives of his cattle; but the bowels of the ungodly are unmerciful.
The righteous person cares about the needs of his animal, but even the compassion of the wicked is cruel.
11 He that tills his own land shall be satisfied with bread; but they that pursue vanities are void of understanding. He that enjoys himself in banquets of wine, shall leave dishonour in his own strong holds.
The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases after worthless projects has no sense.
12 The desires of the ungodly are evil; but the roots of the godly are firmly set.
The wicked person desires what evil men have stolen from others, but the fruit of righteous people comes from themselves.
13 For the sin of [his] lips a sinner falls into snare; but a righteous man escapes from them. He whose looks are gentle shall be pitied, but he that contends in the gates will afflict souls.
An evil person is trapped by his wicked talk, but the righteous person escapes from trouble.
14 The soul of a man shall be filled with good from the fruits of his mouth; and the recompence of his lips shall be given to him.
From the fruit of his words a person is filled with good things, just as the work of his hands rewards him.
15 The ways of fools are right in their own eyes; but a wise man hearkens to counsels.
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.
16 A fool declares his wrath the same day; but a prudent man hides his own disgrace.
A fool shows his anger at once, but one who ignores an insult is prudent.
17 A righteous man declares the open truth; but an unjust witness is deceitful.
The one who speaks the truth says what is right, but a false witness tells lies.
18 Some wound as they speak, [like] swords; but the tongues of the wise heal.
The words of one who speaks rashly are like the thrusts of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
19 True lips establish testimony; but a hasty witness has an unjust tongue.
Truthful lips last forever, but a lying tongue is only for a moment.
20 [There is] deceit in the heart of him that imagines evil; but they that love peace shall rejoice.
There is deceit in the hearts of those who plan to do evil, but joy comes to the advisors of peace.
21 No injustice will please a just man; but the ungodly will be filled with mischief.
No ill comes on the righteous person, but wicked people are filled with difficulties.
22 Lying lips are a abomination to the Lord; but he that deals faithfully is accepted with him.
Yahweh hates lying lips, but those who live faithfully are his delight.
23 An understanding man is a throne of wisdom; but the heart of fools shall meet with curses.
A prudent man conceals his knowledge, but the heart of fools shouts out folly.
24 The hand of chosen men shall easily obtain rule; but the deceitful shall be for a prey.
The hand of the diligent will rule, but lazy people will be put to forced labor.
25 A terrible word troubles the heart of a righteous man; but a good message rejoices him.
Anxiety in the heart of a person weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.
26 A just arbitrator shall be his own friend; but mischief shall pursue sinners; and the way of ungodly men shall lead them astray.
The righteous person is a guide for his friend, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
27 A deceitful man shall catch no game; but a blameless man is a precious possession.
Lazy people would not roast their own game, but the diligent man will obtain precious wealth.
28 In the ways of righteousness is life; but the ways of those that remember injuries [lead] to death.
Those who walk in the right way find life and in its path there is no death.
