12:1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.
12:1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but those who hate to be rebuked are stupid.

12:2 A good man obtains favor from the LORD, but a man of evil devices he condemns.
12:2 The good obtain favor from the LORD, but those who devise evil he condemns.

12:3 A man is not established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous will never be moved.
12:3 No one finds security by wickedness, but the root of the righteous will never be moved.

12:4 A good wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones.
12:4 A good wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones.

12:5 The thoughts of the righteous are just; the counsels of the wicked are treacherous.
12:5 The thoughts of the righteous are just; the advice of the wicked is treacherous.

12:6 The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the mouth of the upright delivers men.
12:6 The words of the wicked are a deadly ambush, but the speech of the upright delivers them.

12:7 The wicked are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous will stand.
12:7 The wicked are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous will stand.

12:8 A man is commended according to his good sense, but one of perverse mind is despised.
12:8 One is commended for good sense, but a perverse mind is despised.

12:9 Better is a man of humble standing who works for himself than one who plays the great man but lacks bread.
12:9 Better to be despised and have a servant, than to be self-important and lack food.

12:10 A righteous man has regard for the life of his beast, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel.
12:10 The righteous know the needs of their animals, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel.

12:11 He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits has no sense.
12:11 Those who till their land will have plenty of food, but those who follow worthless pursuits have no sense.

12:12 The strong tower of the wicked comes to ruin, but the root of the righteous stands firm.
12:12 The wicked covet the proceeds of wickedness, but the root of the righteous bears fruit.

12:13 An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, but the righteous escapes from trouble.
12:13 The evil are ensnared by the transgression of their lips, but the righteous escape from trouble.

12:14 From the fruit of his words a man is satisfied with good, and the work of a man's hand comes back to him.
12:14 From the fruit of the mouth one is filled with good things, and manual labor has its reward.

12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.
12:15 Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to advice.

12:16 The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent man ignores an insult.
12:16 Fools show their anger at once, but the prudent ignore an insult.

12:17 He who speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit.
12:17 Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness speaks deceitfully.

12:18 There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
12:18 Rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

12:19 Truthful lips endure for ever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
12:19 Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.

12:20 Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but those who plan good have joy.
12:20 Deceit is in the mind of those who plan evil, but those who counsel peace have joy.

12:21 No ill befalls the righteous, but the wicked are filled with trouble.
12:21 No harm happens to the righteous, but the wicked are filled with trouble.

12:22 Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who act faithfully are his delight.
12:22 Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who act faithfully are his delight.

12:23 A prudent man conceals his knowledge, but fools proclaim their folly.
12:23 One who is clever conceals knowledge, but the mind of a fool broadcasts folly.

12:24 The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor.
12:24 The hand of the diligent will rule, while the lazy will be put to forced labor.

12:25 Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.
12:25 Anxiety weighs down the human heart, but a good word cheers it up.

12:26 A righteous man turns away from evil, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
12:26 The righteous gives good advice to friends, but the way of the wicked leads astray.

12:27 A slothful man will not catch his prey, but the diligent man will get precious wealth.
12:27 The lazy do not roast their game, but the diligent obtain precious wealth.

12:28 In the path of righteousness is life, but the way of error leads to death.
12:28 In the path of righteousness there is life, in walking its path there is no death.