| 1 | Whoever loves instruction
and
correction loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is like a brute beast, stupid
and
indiscriminating. |
| 2 | A good man obtains favor from the Lord, but a man of wicked devices He condemns. |
| 3 | A man shall not be established by wickedness, but the root of the [uncompromisingly] righteous shall never be moved. |
| 4 | A virtuous
and
worthy wife [earnest and strong in character] is a crowning joy to her husband, but she who makes him ashamed is as rottenness in his bones. |
| 5 | The thoughts
and
purposes of the [consistently] righteous are honest
and
reliable, but the counsels
and
designs of the wicked are treacherous. |
| 6 | The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them
and
the innocent ones [thus endangered]. |
| 7 | The wicked are overthrown and are not, but the house of the [uncompromisingly] righteous shall stand. |
| 8 | A man shall be commended according to his Wisdom [godly Wisdom, which is comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God], but he who is of a perverse heart shall be despised. |
| 9 | Better is he who is lightly esteemed but works for his own support than he who assumes honor for himself and lacks bread. |
| 10 | A [consistently] righteous man regards the life of his beast, but even the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. |
| 11 | He who tills his land shall be satisfied with bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits is lacking in sense
and
is without understanding. |
| 12 | The wicked desire the booty of evil men, but the root of the [uncompromisingly] righteous yields [richer fruitage]. |
| 13 | The wicked is [dangerously] snared by the transgression of his lips, but the [uncompromisingly] righteous shall come out of trouble. |
| 14 | From the fruit of his words a man shall be satisfied with good, and the work of a man’s hands shall come back to him [as a harvest]. |
| 15 | The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who listens to counsel is wise. |
| 16 | A fool’s wrath is quickly
and
openly known, but a prudent man ignores an insult. |
| 17 | He who breathes out truth shows forth righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God), but a false witness utters deceit. |
| 18 | There are those who speak rashly, like the piercing of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. |
| 19 | Truthful lips shall be established forever, but a lying tongue is [credited] but for a moment. |
| 20 | Deceit is in the hearts of those who devise evil, but for the counselors of peace there is joy. |
| 21 | No [actual] evil, misfortune,
or
calamity shall come upon the righteous, but the wicked shall be filled with evil, misfortune,
and
calamity. |
| 22 | Lying lips are extremely disgusting
and
hateful to the Lord, but they who deal faithfully are His delight. |
| 23 | A prudent man is reluctant to display his knowledge, but the heart of [self-confident] fools proclaims their folly. |
| 24 | The hand of the diligent will rule, but the slothful will be put to forced labor. |
| 25 | Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but an encouraging word makes it glad. |
| 26 | The [consistently] righteous man is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked causes others to go astray. |
| 27 | The slothful man does not catch his game
or
roast it once he kills it, but the diligent man gets precious possessions. |
| 28 | Life is in the way of righteousness (moral and spiritual rectitude in every area and relation), and in its pathway there is no death
but
immortality (perpetual, eternal life). |
Cross references:
-
Proverbs 12:4 : Prov. 31:23; I Cor. 11:7.
-
Proverbs 12:10 : Deut. 25:4.
-
Proverbs 12:15 : Prov. 3:7; 9:9; 21:2.
-
Proverbs 12:21 : Job 5:19; Ps. 91:3; Prov. 12:13; Isa. 46:4; Jer. 1:8; Dan. 6:27; II Tim. 4:18.
-
Proverbs 12:22 : Prov. 6:17; 11:20; Rev. 22:15.
-
Proverbs 12:23 : Isa. 32:6.
-
Proverbs 12:25 : Ps. 50:4; Prov. 15:13.
-
Proverbs 12:28 : John 3:36; 4:36; 8:51; 11:26; I Cor. 15:54; Gal. 6:8.
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