Loving Discipline and Knowledge

1He that loves instruction loves sense, but he that hates reproofs is a fool.

2He that has found favour with the Lord is made better; but a transgressor shall be passed over in silence.

3A man shall not prosper by wickedness; but the roots of the righteous shall not be taken up.

4A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband; but as a worm in wood, so a bad woman destroys her husband.

5The thoughts of the righteous are true judgments; but ungodly men devise deceits.

6The words of ungodly men are crafty; but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.

7When the ungodly is overthrown, he vanishes away; but the houses of the just remain.

8The mouth of an understanding man is praised by a man; but he that is dull of heart is had in derision.

9Better is a man in dishonour serving himself, than one honouring himself and wanting bread.

10A righteous man has pity for the lives of his cattle; but the bowels of the ungodly are unmerciful.

11He that tills his own land shall be satisfied with bread; but they that pursue vanities are void of understanding. (12:11A) He that enjoys himself in banquets of wine, shall leave dishonour in his own strong holds.

12The desires of the ungodly are evil; but the roots of the godly are firmly set.

13For the sin of his lips a sinner falls into snare; but a righteous man escapes from them. (12:13A) He whose looks are gentle shall be pitied, but he that contends in the gates will afflict souls.

14The soul of a man shall be filled with good from the fruits of his mouth; and the recompence of his lips shall be given to him.

15The ways of fools are right in their own eyes; but a wise man hearkens to counsels.

16A fool declares his wrath the same day; but a prudent man hides his own disgrace.

17A righteous man declares the open truth; but an unjust witness is deceitful.

18Some wound as they speak, like swords; but the tongues of the wise heal.

19True lips establish testimony; but a hasty witness has an unjust tongue.

20There is deceit in the heart of him that imagines evil; but they that love peace shall rejoice.

21No injustice will please a just man; but the ungodly will be filled with mischief.

22Lying lips are a abomination to the Lord; but he that deals faithfully is accepted with him.

23An understanding man is a throne of wisdom; but the heart of fools shall meet with curses.

24The hand of chosen men shall easily obtain rule; but the deceitful shall be for a prey.

25A terrible word troubles the heart of a righteous man; but a good message rejoices him.

26A just arbitrator shall be his own friend; but mischief shall pursue sinners; and the way of ungodly men shall lead them astray.

27A deceitful man shall catch no game; but a blameless man is a precious possession.

28In the ways of righteousness is life; but the ways of those that remember injuries lead to death.