Proverbs 12

1HE who loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he who hateth reproofs is a fool.

2He who hath found favour with the Lord groweth better; but the transgressor shall be put to silence.

3A man cannot prosper by wickedness: but the roots of the righteous shall not be moved.

4A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but a mischievous woman, like a worm in wood, ruineth her husband.

5The thoughts of the righteous are judgments: but the wicked manage deceits.

6The words of the wicked are deceitful: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.

7When the wicked is overthrown, he vanisheth: but the houses of the righteous shall remain.

8The mouth of the wise is praised by man: but the stupid heart is despised.

9Better is the man, who unhonoured serveth himself: than he who honoureth himself and wanteth bread.

10A righteous man regardeth the lives of his beasts: but the mercies of the wicked are cruel.

11He who tilleth his own ground shall be satisfied with bread: but they who pursue vanities are void of understanding.
He who taketh pleasure in taverns shall leave disgrace in his own fortresses.

12The desires of the wicked are evil: but the roots of the righteous are in secure places.

13By the transgression of his lips a sinner falleth into snares: but out of them a righteous man maketh his escape.
He whose looks are mild will gain compassion: but he who contendeth in the gates will afflict souls.

14From the fruits of his mouth the soul of man shall be satisfied with good things; and the recompence of his lips shall be given him.

15The ways of fools are right in their own eyes: but a wise man hearkeneth to advice.

16A fool presently sheweth his wrath: but a prudent man concealeth his dishonour.

17A righteous man declareth the truth as it appeareth to him: but a false witness is deceitful.

18Some wound with their speech like swords: but the tongues of the wise are healing.

19True lips establish testimony: but a hasty witness hath an unrighteous tongue.

20Deceit is in the heart of him, who contriveth evils: but the counsellors of peace shall have joy.

21Nothing unjust can please a righteous man: but the wicked can fill themselves with mischief.

22Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord: but he who dealeth faithfully is acceptable to Him.

23A prudent man is a throne of knowledge: but the heart of fools will encounter curses.

24The hand of the valiant can easily conquer: but the deceitful shall be for a prey.

25Awful news trouble the heart of a righteous man: but good news make him glad.

26A righteous judge will be a friend to himself: but evils shall pursue sinners, and the way of the wicked shall deceive them.

27A deceitful man shall not enjoy what he hath caught; but as for a pure man, his acquisition is precious.

28In the ways of righteousness there is life; but the ways of the revengeful lead to death.