Chapter 12
1 He who loves instruction loves knowledge; but whoever hates reproof is ignorant.
2 A good man gains favor from the Lord; but He will condemn a deceitful man.
3 Man shall not establish himself by iniquity; but the root of the righteous is immovable.
4 A virtuous wife is a crown for her husband; and the shameful one is like rot in his bones.
5 The providence of the righteous is righteousness, but the designs of the wicked are deceit.
6 The speech of the wicked is an ambush for the shedding of blood, but the mouth of the righteous saves them.
7 Touch the wicked with misfortune, and they are gone, but the house of the righteous stands.
8 A man is praised according to the measure of his understanding, but he who is corrupt in heart will be despised.
9 Better is he who is simple, but works for himself, than he who pretends to be a nobleman, but has need of bread.
10 A righteous man careth also for the life of his cattle, but the heart of the wicked is hard.
11 Whosoever till his land shall be satisfied with bread; but whoever follows in the footsteps of idle lovers is dull-witted. [Whoever takes pleasure in wasting time in wine will leave disgrace in his house.]
12 The wicked desire to ensnare evil; but the root of the righteous is firm.
13 The wicked are caught by the sins of his mouth; but the righteous will get out of trouble. [He who looks meekly will have mercy, but he who meets him in the gate will oppress others.]
14 By the fruit of his mouth a man is filled with good, and the reward to a man is according to the works of his hands.
15 The way of a fool is straight in his sight; but he who listens to counsel is wise.
16 A fool will immediately show his anger, but a prudent one hides his offense.
17 He that speaketh what he knoweth speaketh the truth; but the false witness has deception.
18 Some vain talkers wound as with a sword, but the tongue of the wise heals.
19 A righteous mouth abides forever, but a lying tongue only for a moment.
20 Deceit is in the heart of evildoers, joy is in the peacemakers.