1Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,

but he who hates reproof is stupid.

2A good man obtains favour from the LORD,

but a man of evil devices he condemns.

3A man is not established 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 counsels of the wicked are treacherous.

6The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood,

but the mouth of the upright delivers men.

7The wicked are overthrown and are no more,

but the house of the righteous will stand.

8A man is commended according to his good sense,

but one of perverse mind is despised.

9Better is a man of humble standing who works for himself

than one who plays the great man but lacks bread.

10A righteous man has regard for the life of his beast,

but the mercy of the wicked is cruel.

11He who tills his land will have plenty of bread,

but he who follows worthless pursuits has no sense.

12The strong tower of the wicked comes to ruin,

but the root of the righteous stands firm.12.12 Cn: The Hebrew of verse 12 is obscure

13An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips,

but the righteous escapes from trouble.

14From the fruit of his words a man is satisfied with good,

and the work of a man's hand comes back to him.

15The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,

but a wise man listens to advice.

16The vexation of a fool is known at once,

but the prudent man ignores an insult.

17He who speaks the truth gives honest evidence,

but a false witness utters deceit.

18There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts,

but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

19Truthful lips endure for ever,

but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

20Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil,

but those who plan good have joy.

21No ill befalls 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.

23A prudent man conceals his knowledge,

but fools12.23 Heb the heart of fools proclaim their folly.

24The hand of the diligent will rule,

while the slothful will be put to forced labour.

25Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down,

but a good word makes him glad.

26A righteous man turns away from evil,12.26 Cn: The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain

but the way of the wicked leads them astray.

27A slothful man will not catch his prey,12.27 Cn Compare Gk Syr: The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain

but the diligent man will get precious wealth.12.27 Cn: The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain

28In the path of righteousness is life,

but the way of error leads to death.12.28 Cn: The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain