You can't hide behind evil

1To accept correction is wise,

to reject it is stupid.

2The LORD likes everyone

who lives right,

but he punishes everyone

who makes evil plans.

3Sin cannot offer security!

But if you live right,

you will be as secure

as a tree with deep roots.

4A helpful wife is a jewel

for her husband,

but a shameless wife

will make his bones rot.

5Good people have kind thoughts,

but you should never trust

the advice of someone evil.

6Bad advice is a deadly trap,

but good advice

is like a shield.

7Once the wicked are defeated,

they are gone for ever,

but no one who obeys God

will ever be thrown down.

8Good sense is worthy of praise,

but stupidity is a curse.

9It's better to be ordinary

and have only one servant12.9 It's…servant: Or “It is better just to have an ordinary job.”

than to think you are somebody

and starve to death.

10Good people are kind

to their animals,

but a mean person is cruel.

11Hard working farmers have more

than enough food;

daydreamers are nothing more

than stupid fools.

12An evil person tries to hide

behind evil;12.12 An evil…evil: Or “Evil people love what they get from being evil.”

good people are like trees

with deep roots.

13We trap ourselves

by telling lies,

but we stay out of trouble

by living right.

14We are rewarded or punished

for what we say and do.

15Fools think they know

what is best,

but a sensible person

listens to advice.

16Losing your temper is foolish;

ignoring an insult is sensible.

17An honest person

tells the truth in court,

but a dishonest person

tells nothing but lies.

18Sharp words cut like a sword,

but words of wisdom heal.

19Truth will last for ever;

lies are soon found out.

20An evil mind is deceitful,

but gentle thoughts

bring happiness.

21Good people never have trouble,

but troublemakers

have more than enough.

22The LORD hates every liar,

but he is the friend of all

who can be trusted.

23Be sensible and don't tell

everything you know—

only fools spread

foolishness everywhere.

24Work hard, and you

will be a leader;

be lazy, and you

will end up a slave.

25Worry is a heavy burden,

but a kind word

always brings cheer.

26You are better off doing right,

than losing your way

by doing wrong.12.26 wrong: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text of verse 26.

27Anyone too lazy to cook

will starve,

but a hard worker

is a valuable treasure.12.27 but…treasure: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.

28Follow the road to life,

and you won't be bothered

by death.