Loving Discipline and Knowledge

1Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,

but he who hates correction is stupid.

2The good man obtains favor from the LORD,

but the LORD condemns a man who devises evil.

3A man cannot be established through wickedness,

but the righteous cannot be uprooted.

4A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown,

but she who causes shame is like decay in his bones.

5The plans of the righteous are just,

but the counsel of the wicked leads to deceit.

6The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood,

but the speech of the upright rescues them.

7The wicked are overthrown and perish,

but the house of the righteous will stand.

8A man is praised according to his wisdom,

but a twisted mind is despised.

9Better to be lightly esteemed yet have a servant,

than to be self-important but lack food.

10A righteous man regards the life of his animal,

but the tender mercies of the wicked are only cruelty.

11The one who works his land will have plenty of food,

but whoever chases fantasies lacks judgment.

12The wicked desire the plunder of evil men,

but the root of the righteous flourishes.

13An evil man is trapped by his rebellious speech,

but a righteous man escapes from trouble.

14By fruitful speech a man is filled with good things,

and the work of his hands returns to him.

15The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,

but a wise man listens to counsel.

16A fool’s anger is known at once,

but a prudent man overlooks an insult.

17He who speaks the truth declares what is right,

but a false witness speaks deceit.

18Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword,

but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

19Truthful lips endure forever,

but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.

20Deceit is in the hearts of those who devise evil,

but the counselors of peace have joy.

21No harm befalls the righteous,

but the wicked are filled with trouble.

22Lying lips are detestable to the LORD,

but those who deal faithfully are His delight.

23A shrewd man keeps his knowledge to himself,

but a foolish heart proclaims its folly.

24The hand of the diligent will rule,

but laziness ends in forced labor.

25Anxiety weighs down the heart of a man,

but a good word cheers it up.

26A righteous man is cautious in friendship,

but the ways of the wicked lead them astray.

27A lazy man does not roast his game,

but a diligent man prizes his possession.

28There is life in the path of righteousness,

but another path leads to death.