Sprüche 12 | 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.

English Standard Version

1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid. 2 A good man obtains favor from the Lord, but a man of evil devices he condemns. 3 No one is established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous will never be moved. 4 An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones. 5 The thoughts of the righteous are just; the counsels of the wicked are deceitful. 6 The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the mouth of the upright delivers them. 7 The wicked are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous will stand. 8 A man is commended according to his good sense, but one of twisted mind is despised. 9 Better to be lowly and have a servant than to play the great man and lack bread. 10 Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel. 11 Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense. 12 Whoever is wicked covets the spoil of evildoers, but the root of the righteous bears fruit. 13 An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips,* but the righteous escapes from trouble. 14 From the fruit of his mouth a man is satisfied with good, and the work of a man’s hand comes back to him. 15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice. 16 The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult. 17 Whoever speaks* the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit. 18 There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. 19 Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment. 20 Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but those who plan peace have joy. 21 No ill befalls the righteous, but the wicked are filled with trouble. 22 Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight. 23 A prudent man conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims folly. 24 The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor. 25 Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad. 26 One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor,* but the way of the wicked leads them astray. 27 Whoever is slothful will not roast his game, but the diligent man will get precious wealth.* 28 In the path of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death.

Sprüche 12 | New International Reader’s Version English Standard Version