1Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,

but those who hate to be rebuked are stupid.

2The good obtain favour from the LORD,

but those who devise evil he condemns.

3No one finds security by wickedness,

but the root of the righteous will never be moved.

4A good wife is the crown of her husband,

but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones.

5The thoughts of the righteous are just;

the advice of the wicked is treacherous.

6The words of the wicked are a deadly ambush,

but the speech of the upright delivers them.

7The wicked are overthrown and are no more,

but the house of the righteous will stand.

8One is commended for good sense,

but a perverse mind is despised.

9Better to be despised and have a servant,

than to be self-important and lack food.

10The righteous know the needs of their animals,

but the mercy of the wicked is cruel.

11Those who till their land will have plenty of food,

but those who follow worthless pursuits have no sense.

12The wicked covet the proceeds of wickedness,12.12 Or covet the catch of the wicked

but the root of the righteous bears fruit.

13The evil are ensnared by the transgression of their lips,

but the righteous escape from trouble.

14From the fruit of the mouth one is filled with good things,

and manual labour has its reward.

15Fools think their own way is right,

but the wise listen to advice.

16Fools show their anger at once,

but the prudent ignore an insult.

17Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence,

but a false witness speaks deceitfully.

18Rash words are like sword thrusts,

but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

19Truthful lips endure for ever,

but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.

20Deceit is in the mind of those who plan evil,

but those who counsel peace have joy.

21No harm happens to the righteous,

but the wicked are filled with trouble.

22Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD,

but those who act faithfully are his delight.

23One who is clever conceals knowledge,

but the mind of a fool12.23 Heb the heart of fools broadcasts folly.

24The hand of the diligent will rule,

while the lazy will be put to forced labour.

25Anxiety weighs down the human heart,

but a good word cheers it up.

26The righteous gives good advice to friends,12.26 Syr: Meaning of Heb uncertain

but the way of the wicked leads astray.

27The lazy do not roast12.27 Meaning of Heb uncertain their game,

but the diligent obtain precious wealth.12.27 Meaning of Heb uncertain

28In the path of righteousness there is life,

in walking its path there is no death.