¹ Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge,
But he who hates correction is stupid.
² A good man obtains favor from the LORD,
But a man of wicked intentions He will condemn.
³ A man is not established by wickedness,
But the root of the righteous cannot be moved.
⁴ An excellent^[a] wife is the crown of her husband,
But she who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones.
⁵ The thoughts of the righteous are right,
But the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.
⁶ The words of the wicked are, “Lie in wait for blood,”
But the mouth of the upright will deliver them.
⁷ The wicked are overthrown and are no more,
But the house of the righteous will stand.
⁸ A man will be commended according to his wisdom,
But he who is of a perverse heart will be despised.
⁹ Better is the one who is slighted but has a servant,
Than he who honors himself but lacks bread.
¹⁰ A righteous man regards the life of his animal,
But the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
¹¹ He who tills his land will be satisfied with bread,
But he who follows frivolity is devoid of understanding.^[b]
12 The wicked covet the catch of evil men,
But the root of the righteous yields fruit.
¹³ The wicked is ensnared by the transgression of his lips,
But the righteous will come through trouble.
¹⁴ A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth,
And the recompense of a man’s hands will be rendered to him.
¹⁵ The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,
But he who heeds counsel is wise.
¹⁶ A fool’s wrath is known at once,
But a prudent man covers shame.
¹⁷ He who speaks truth declares righteousness,
But a false witness, deceit.
¹⁸ There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword,
But the tongue of the wise promotes health.
¹⁹ The truthful lip shall be established forever,
But a lying tongue is but for a moment.
²⁰ Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil,
But counselors of peace have joy.
²¹ No grave trouble will overtake the righteous,
But the wicked shall be filled with evil.
²² Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD,
But those who deal truthfully are His delight.
²³ A prudent man conceals knowledge,
But the heart of fools proclaims foolishness.
²⁴ The hand of the diligent will rule,
But the lazy man will be put to forced labor.
²⁵ Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression,
But a good word makes it glad.
²⁶ The righteous should choose his friends carefully,
For the way of the wicked leads them astray.
²⁷ The lazy man does not roast what he took in hunting,
But diligence is man’s precious possession.
²⁸ In the way of righteousness is life,
And in its pathway there is no death.