[1] Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is
stupid. [2] A good man obtains favor from the LORD, but a man of evil
devices he condemns. [3] A man is not established by wickedness, but the
root of the righteous will never be moved. [4] A good wife is the crown of
her husband, but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones. [5]
The thoughts of the righteous are just; the counsels of the wicked are
treacherous. [6] The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the
mouth of the upright delivers men. [7] The wicked are overthrown and are no
more, but the house of the righteous will stand. [8] A man is commended
according to his good sense, but one of perverse mind is despised. [9]
Better is a man of humble standing who works for himself than one who plays
the great man but lacks bread. [10] A righteous man has regard for the life
of his beast, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel. [11] He who tills his
land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits has
no sense. [12] The strong tower of the wicked comes to ruin, but the root
of the righteous stands firm. [13] An evil man is ensnared by the
transgression of his lips, but the righteous escapes from trouble. [14]
From the fruit of his words a man is satisfied with good, and the work of a
man's hand comes back to him. [15] The way of a fool is right in his own
eyes, but a wise man listens to advice. [16] The vexation of a fool is
known at once, but the prudent man ignores an insult. [17] He who speaks
the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit. [18]
There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the
wise brings healing. [19] Truthful lips endure for ever, but a lying tongue
is but for a moment. [20] Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil,
but those who plan good have joy. [21] No ill befalls the righteous, but
the wicked are filled with trouble. [22] Lying lips are an abomination to
the LORD, but those who act faithfully are his delight. [23] A prudent man
conceals his knowledge, but fools proclaim their folly. [24] The hand of
the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor.
[25] Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him
glad. [26] A righteous man turns away from evil, but the way of the wicked
leads them astray. [27] A slothful man will not catch his prey, but the
diligent man will get precious wealth. [28] In the path of righteousness is
life, but the way of error leads to death.