‏ Proverbs 12

1Anyone who loves correction loves knowledge.
Anyone who hates to be corrected is stupid.

2The Lord blesses anyone who does good.
But he judges anyone who plans to do evil.

3No one can become strong and steady by doing evil.
But if people do what is right, they can’t be removed from the land.

4An excellent woman is her husband’s crown.
But a wife who brings shame is like sickness in his bones.

5The plans of godly people are right.
But the advice of sinners will lead you the wrong way.

6The words of those who are evil hide and wait to spill people’s blood.
But the speech of those who are honest saves them from traps like that.

7Sinners are destroyed and taken away.
But the houses of godly people stand firm.

8A person is praised for how wise they are.
But people hate anyone who has a twisted mind.

9Being nobody and having a servant
is better than pretending to be somebody and having no food.

10Those who do what is right take good care of their animals.
But the kindest acts of those who do wrong are mean.

11Those who farm their land will have plenty of food.
But those who chase dreams have no sense.

12Those who do what is wrong are safe for just a while.
But those who do what is right last forever.

13Those who do evil are trapped by their sinful talk.
But those who have done no wrong escape trouble.

14Many good things come from what people say.
And the work of their hands rewards them.

15The way of foolish people seems right to them.
But those who are wise listen to advice.

16Foolish people are easily upset.
But wise people pay no attention to hurtful words.

17An honest witness tells the truth.
But a dishonest witness tells lies.

18The words of thoughtless people cut like swords.
But the tongue of wise people brings healing.

19Truthful words last forever.
But lies last for only a moment.

20There are lies in the hearts of those who plan evil.
But there is joy for those who work to bring peace.

21No harm comes to godly people.
But sinners have all the trouble they can handle.

22The Lord hates those whose lips tell lies.
But he is pleased with people who tell the truth.

23Wise people keep their knowledge to themselves.
But the hearts of foolish people shout foolish things.

24Hands that work hard will rule.
But people who are lazy will be forced to work.

25Worry makes the heart heavy.
But a kind word cheers it up.

26Godly people are careful about the friends they choose.
But the way of sinners leads them down the wrong path.

27Lazy people do not even cook what they catch.
But those who work hard eat their fill of what is hunted.

28There is life in doing what is right.
Along that path you will never die.