1  Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish. 2  A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn. 3  A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved. 4  A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones. 5  The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit. 6  The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them. 7  The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand. 8  A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.* of a…: Heb. perverse of heart 9  He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread. 10  A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.† tender…: or, bowels 11  He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding. 12  The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.‡ the net: or, the fortress 13  The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.§ The wicked…: Heb. The snare of the wicked is in the transgression of lips 14  A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man’s hands shall be rendered unto him. 15  The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise. 16  A fool’s wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.** presently: Heb. in that day 17  He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit. 18  There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health. 19  The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment. 20  Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy. 21  There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief. 22  Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight. 23  A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness. 24  The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.†† slothful: or, deceitful 25  Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad. 26  The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.‡‡ excellent: or, abundant 27  The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious. 28  In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death.