30 The fruit of the righteous is the tree of life, and the wise man wins souls.

31 Thus is it recompensed to the righteous on earth, how much more to the wicked and the sinner.

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 words of the wicked are 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 recompense of 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 a false witness has deception.

18 Some talk of empty words wound as with a sword, but the tongue of the wise healeth.