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 aroot of the righteous cannot be moved.
4 aAn excellent wife is the crown of her husband,
But she who causes shame is blike rottenness in his bones.
5 The thoughts of the righteous are right,
But the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.
6 aThe words of the wicked are, “Lie in wait for blood,”
bBut the mouth of the upright will deliver them.
7 aThe 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,
aBut he who is of a perverse heart will be despised.
9 aBetter is the one who is slighted but has a servant,
Than he who honors himself but lacks bread.
10 aA righteous man regards the life of his animal,
But the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
11 aHe who tills his land will be satisfied with bbread,
But he who follows frivolity cis devoid of understanding.
12 The wicked covet the catch of evil men,
But the root of the righteous yields fruit.
13 aThe wicked is ensnared by the transgression of his lips,
bBut the righteous will come through trouble.
14 aA man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth,
bAnd the recompense of a man’s hands will be rendered to him.
15 aThe way of a fool is right in his own eyes,
But he who heeds counsel is wise.
16 aA fool’s wrath is known at once,
But a prudent man covers shame.
17 aHe who speaks truth declares righteousness,
But a false witness, deceit.
18 aThere 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,
aBut 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 aNo grave trouble will overtake the righteous,
But the wicked shall be filled with evil.
22 aLying lips are an abomination to the Lord,
But those who deal truthfully are His delight.
23 aA prudent man conceals knowledge,
But the heart of fools proclaims foolishness.
24 aThe hand of the diligent will rule,
But the lazy man will be put to forced labor.
25 aAnxiety in the heart of man causes depression,
But ba 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.
The Holy Bible, New King James Version, Copyright © 1982 Thomas Nelson.
All rights reserved.