Proverbs

1Whoso is loving instruction, is loving knowledge, And whoso is hating reproof [is] brutish.

2The good bringeth forth favour from Jehovah, And the man of wicked devices He condemneth.

3A man is not established by wickedness, And the root of the righteous is not moved.

4A virtuous woman [is] a crown to her husband, And as rottenness in his bones [is] one causing shame.

5The thoughts of the righteous [are] justice, The counsels of the wicked — deceit.

6The words of the wicked [are]: 'Lay wait for blood,' And the mouth of the upright delivereth them.

7Overthrow the wicked, and they are not, And the house of the righteous standeth.

8According to his wisdom is a man praised, And the perverted of heart becometh despised.

9Better [is] the lightly esteemed who hath a servant, Than the self-honoured who lacketh bread.

10The righteous knoweth the life of his beast, And the mercies of the wicked [are] cruel.

11Whoso is tilling the ground is satisfied [with] bread, And whoso is pursuing vanities is lacking heart,

12The wicked hath desired the net of evil doers, And the root of the righteous giveth.

13In transgression of the lips [is] the snare of the wicked, And the righteous goeth out from distress.

14From the fruit of the mouth [is] one satisfied [with] good, And the deed of man's hands returneth to him.

15The way of a fool [is] right in his own eyes, And whoso is hearkening to counsel [is] wise.

16The fool — in a day is his anger known, And the prudent is covering shame.

17Whoso uttereth faithfulness declareth righteousness, And a false witness — deceit.

18A rash speaker is like piercings of a sword, And the tongue of the wise is healing.

19The lip of truth is established for ever, And for a moment — a tongue of falsehood.

20Deceit [is] in the heart of those devising evil, And to those counselling peace [is] joy.

21No iniquity is desired by the righteous, And the wicked have been full of evil.

22An abomination to Jehovah [are] lying lips, And stedfast doers [are] his delight.

23A prudent man is concealing knowledge, And the heart of fools proclaimeth folly.

24The hand of the diligent ruleth, And slothfulness becometh tributary.

25Sorrow in the heart of a man boweth down, And a good word maketh him glad.

26The righteous searcheth his companion, And the way of the wicked causeth them to err.

27The slothful roasteth not his hunting, And the wealth of a diligent man is precious.

28In the path of righteousness [is] life, And in the way of [that] path [is] no death!

Loving Discipline and Knowledge

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

2The good man obtains favor from the LORD,but the LORD condemns a man who devises evil.

3A man cannot be established through wickedness,but the righteous cannot be uprooted.

4A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown,but she who causes shame is like decay in his bones.

5The plans of the righteous are just,but the counsel of the wicked leads to deceit.

6The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood,but the speech of the upright rescues them.

7The wicked are overthrown and perish,but the house of the righteous will stand.

8A man is praised according to his wisdom,but a twisted mind is despised.

9Better to be lightly esteemed yet have a servant,than to be self-important but lack food.

10A righteous man regards the life of his animal,but the tender mercies of the wicked are only cruelty.

11The one who works his land will have plenty of food,but whoever chases fantasies lacks judgment.

12The wicked desire the plunder of evil men,but the root of the righteous flourishes.

13An evil man is trapped by his rebellious speech,but a righteous man escapes from trouble.

14By fruitful speech a man is filled with good things,and the work of his hands returns to him.

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

16A fool’s anger is known at once,but a prudent man overlooks an insult.

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

18Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword,but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

19Truthful lips endure forever,but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.

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

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

22Lying lips are detestable to the LORD,but those who deal faithfully are His delight.

23A shrewd man keeps his knowledge to himself,but a foolish heart proclaims its folly.

24The hand of the diligent will rule,but laziness ends in forced labor.

25Anxiety weighs down the heart of a man,but a good word cheers it up.

26A righteous man is cautious in friendship,but the ways of the wicked lead them astray.

27A lazy man does not roast his game,but a diligent man prizes his possession.

28There is life in the path of righteousness,but another path leads to death.