Proverbs 12
1 He that loves instruction loves
sense, but he that hates reproofs is a fool.
2 aOr. better is he, etc.He that has found favour with the Lord
is made better; but a transgressor shall be passed
over in silence. 3 A man shall not
prosper by wickedness; but the roots of the righteous shall not be taken up.
4 A virtuous woman is a crown to her
husband; but as a worm in wood, so a bad woman destroys her husband.
5 The thoughts of the righteous
are true judgments; but ungodly men devise deceits.
6 The words of ungodly men are crafty;
but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.
7 When the ungodly is overthrown, he
vanishes away; but the houses of the just remain.
8 The mouth of an understanding
man is praised by a man; but he that is dull of heart
is had in derision. 9 Better is a man
in dishonour serving himself, than one honouring himself and wanting bread.
10 A righteous man has pity for the
lives of his cattle; but the bowels of the ungodly are unmerciful.
11 He that tills his own land shall
be satisfied with bread; but they that pursue vanities are void of
understanding. 11a He that enjoys
himself in banquets of wine, shall leave dishonour in his own strong holds.
12 The desires of the ungodly are
evil; but the roots of the godly are firmly set.
13 For the sin of
his lips a sinner falls into snares; but a righteous
man escapes from them. 13a He whose
looks are gentle shall be pitied, but he that contends in the gates will
afflict souls. 14 The soul of a man
shall be filled with good from the fruits of his mouth; and the recompence of
his lips shall be given to him.
15 The ways of fools are right in
their own eyes; but a wise man hearkens to counsels.
16 A fool declares his wrath the same
day; but a prudent man hides his own disgrace.
17 A righteous man declares the open
truth; but an unjust witness is deceitful.
18 Some wound as they speak,
like swords; but the tongues of the wise heal.
19 True lips establish testimony; but
a hasty witness has an unjust tongue.
20 There is deceit in the heart of him that imagines
evil; but they that love peace shall rejoice.
21 No injustice will please a just
man; but the ungodly will be filled with mischief.
22 Lying lips are an abomination to
the Lord; but he that deals faithfully is accepted with him.
23 An understanding man is a throne
of wisdom; but the heart of fools shall meet with curses.
24 The hand of chosen men shall
easily obtain rule; but the deceitful shall be for a prey.
25 A terrible word troubles the heart
of a righteous man; but a good message rejoices him.
26 A just arbitrator shall be his own
friend; but mischief shall pursue sinners; and the way of ungodly men shall
lead them astray. 27 A deceitful man
shall catch no game; but a
bGr. pure.blameless man is a precious possession.
28 In the ways of righteousness is
life; but the ways of those that remember injuries
lead to death.