Proverbs 12
1 Whoever loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is stupid.
If you love knowledge, you will love discipline. Anyone who hates being corrected is stupid!
2 A good man obtaineth favour from the LORD: but a man of wicked devices he will condemn.
The Lord blesses the good, but he condemns anyone with evil schemes.
3 A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.
Wickedness doesn't provide security, but those who live right are deeply rooted and cannot be moved.
4 A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.
A good wife is a crown for her husband, but one who brings shame is like rot in his bones.
5 The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.
Good people make plans that are fair, but the advice of the wicked is deceptive.
6 The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.
The words of the wicked are like a violent ambush, but those of honest people save them.
7 The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.
The wicked are destroyed, and they're gone, but the family of the good stands firm.
8 A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.
People are appreciated for talking sense, but those with perverted minds are despised.
9 He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and is destitute of bread.
Better to be a humble man serving himself than a boastful man who has nothing to eat.
10 A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
Good people look after their animals, but the care given by wicked is really cruelty.
11 He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.
If you cultivate the land you'll have plenty of food, but if you chase after worthless things you're stupid.
12 The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.
Wicked people long for ill-gotten gains, but good people are productive themselves.
13 The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.
The wicked trap themselves by their own sinful words, but good people escape trouble.
14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man’s hands shall be rendered to him.
What you say brings you rewards, and your work returns to bless you.
15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth to counsel is wise.
Stupid people think they're on the right track, but if you're wise you listen to advice.
16 A fool’s wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.
Stupid people get angry immediately, but if you're sensible you ignore an insult.
17 He that speaketh truth showeth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.
Whoever tells the truth is being honest, but a false witness tells lies.
18 There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.
Some people's hasty words cut like a knife, but the words of the wise bring healing.
19 The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
Words of truth last forever, but lies are gone in a moment.
20 Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.
Deceit is in the mind of those planning evil, but those who plan peace have joy.
21 There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.
No harm comes to the good, but trouble fills the wicked.
22 Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.
The Lord hates liars but is happy with those who are trustworthy.
23 A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.
If you're sensible, you don't show off your knowledge, but stupid people announce their stupidity.
24 The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be put to forced labour.
Hard work brings leadership, but laziness brings slavery.
25 Heaviness in the heart of man weigheth it down: but a good word maketh it glad.
If you're anxious, you're weighed down, but an encouraging word will cheer you up.
26 The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.
Good people look out for their friends, but the way the wicked live leads them astray.
27 The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.
Lazy people don't catch their prey, but if you work hard you can become rich.
28 In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway of it there is no death.
The path of right leads to life, it doesn't lead to death.
