Proverbs 12 | King James Version

King James Version

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. 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. 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 . 13 The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble. 14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man' 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' wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame. 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. 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. 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.

New International Reader’s Version

1 Anyone who loves correction loves knowledge. Anyone who hates to be corrected is stupid. 2 The LORD blesses anyone who does good. But he judges anyone who plans to do evil. 3 No one can become strong and steady by doing evil. But if people do what is right, they can’t be removed from the land. 4 An excellent woman is her husband’s crown. But a wife who brings shame is like disease in his bones. 5 The plans of godly people are right. But the advice of sinners will lead you the wrong way. 6 The words of those who are evil hide and wait to spill people’s blood. But the speech of those who are honest saves them from traps like that. 7 Sinners are destroyed and taken away. But the houses of godly people stand firm. 8 A person is praised for how wise they are. But people hate anyone who has a twisted mind. 9 Being nobody and having a servant is better than pretending to be somebody and having no food. 10 Those who do what is right take good care of their animals. But the kindest acts of those who do wrong are mean. 11 Those who farm their land will have plenty of food. But those who chase dreams have no sense. 12 Those who do what is wrong are safe for just a while. But those who do what is right last for ever. 13 Those who do evil are trapped by their sinful talk. But those who have done no wrong escape trouble. 14 Many good things come from what people say. And the work of their hands rewards them. 15 The way of foolish people seems right to them. But those who are wise listen to advice. 16 Foolish people are easily upset. But wise people pay no attention to hurtful words. 17 An honest witness tells the truth. But a dishonest witness tells lies. 18 The words of thoughtless people cut like swords. But the tongue of wise people brings healing. 19 Truthful words last for ever. But lies last for only a moment. 20 There are lies in the hearts of those who plan evil. But there is joy for those who work to bring peace. 21 No harm comes to godly people. But sinners have all the trouble they can handle. 22 The LORD hates those whose lips tell lies. But he is pleased with people who tell the truth. 23 Wise people keep their knowledge to themselves. But the hearts of foolish people shout foolish things. 24 Hands that work hard will rule. But people who are lazy will be forced to work. 25 Worry makes the heart heavy. But a kind word cheers it up. 26 Godly people are careful about the friends they choose. But the way of sinners leads them down the wrong path. 27 Lazy people do not even cook what they catch. But those who work hard eat their fill of what is hunted. 28 There is life in doing what is right. Along that path you will never die.