^1. WHOEVER loves [1] discipline loves knowledge, But he who hates reproof is stupid.

^2. A good man will obtain favor from the LORD, But He will condemn a man [2] who devises evil.

^3. A man will not be established by wickedness, But the root of the righteous will not be moved.

^4. An [3] excellent wife is the crown of her husband, But she who shames him is like rottenness in his bones.

^5. The thoughts of the righteous are just, But the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.

^6. The words of the wicked 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 praised according to his insight, But one of perverse [4] mind will be despised.

^9. Better is he who is lightly esteemed and has a servant Than he who honors himself and lacks bread.

^10. A righteous man has regard for the life of his animal, But even the compassion of the wicked is cruel.

^11. He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, But he who pursues worthless things lacks [5] sense.

^12. The wicked man desires the [6] booty of evil men, But the root of the righteous yields fruit.

^13. [7] An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, But the righteous will escape from trouble.

^14. A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his [8] words, And the deeds of a man's hands will return to him.

^15. The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But a wise man is he who listens to counsel.

^16. A fool's anger is known at once, But a prudent man conceals dishonor.

^17. He who [9] speaks truth tells what is right, But a false witness, deceit.

^18. There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, But the tongue of the wise brings healing.

^19. Truthful lips will be established forever, But a lying tongue is only for a moment.

^20. Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, But counselors of peace have joy.

^21. No harm befalls the righteous, But the wicked are filled with trouble.

^22. Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, But those who deal faithfully are His delight.

^23. A prudent man conceals knowledge, But the heart of fools proclaims folly.

^24. The hand of the diligent will rule, But the [10] slack hand will be put to forced labor.

^25. Anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down, But a good word makes it glad.

^26. The righteous is a guide to his neighbor, But the way of the wicked leads them astray.

^27. A [12] lazy man does not [11] roast his prey, But the precious possession of a man is diligence.

^28. In the way of righteousness is life, And in its pathway there is no death.