12¹ Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, But he who hates correction is stupid.

² A good man obtains favor from the Lord, But a man of wicked intentions He will condemn.

³ A man is not established by wickedness, But the root of the righteous cannot be moved.

⁴ An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, But she who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones.

⁵ The thoughts of the righteous are right, But the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.

⁶ The words of the wicked are, "Lie in wait for blood," But the mouth of the upright will deliver them.

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

⁸ A man will be commended according to his wisdom, But he who is of a perverse heart will be despised.

⁹ Better is the one who is slighted but has a servant, Than he who honors himself but lacks bread.

¹⁰ A righteous man regards the life of his animal, But the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

¹¹ He who tills his land will be satisfied with bread, But he who follows frivolity is devoid of understanding.

¹² The wicked covet the catch of evil men, But the root of the righteous yields fruit.

¹³ The wicked is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, But the righteous will come through trouble.

¹⁴ A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth, And the recompense of a man's hands will be rendered to him.

¹⁵ The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But he who heeds counsel is wise.

¹⁶ A fool's wrath is known at once, But a prudent man covers shame.

¹⁷ He who speaks truth declares righteousness, But a false witness, deceit.

¹⁸ There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, But the tongue of the wise promotes health.

¹⁹ The truthful lip shall be established forever, But a lying tongue is but for a moment.

²⁰ Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, But counselors of peace have joy.

²¹ No grave trouble will overtake the righteous, But the wicked shall be filled with evil.

²² Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, But those who deal truthfully are His delight.

²³ A prudent man conceals knowledge, But the heart of fools proclaims foolishness.

²⁴ The hand of the diligent will rule, But the lazy man will be put to forced labor.

²⁵ Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad.

²⁶ The righteous should choose his friends carefully, For the way of the wicked leads them astray.

²⁷ The lazy man does not roast what he took in hunting, But diligence is man's precious possession.

²⁸ In the way of righteousness is life, And in its pathway there is no death.

Exhortations to Obedience

3¹ My son, do not forget my law, But let your heart keep my commands; ² For length of days and long life And peace they will add to you. ³ Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart, ⁴ And so find favor and high esteem In the sight of God and man. ⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; ⁶ In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

⁷ Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. ⁸ It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones. ⁹ Honor the Lord with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase; ¹⁰ So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine. ¹¹ My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor detest His correction; ¹² For whom the Lord loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights.

¹³ Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding; ¹⁴ For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, And her gain than fine gold. ¹⁵ She is more precious than rubies, And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her. ¹⁶ Length of days is in her right hand, In her left hand riches and honor. ¹⁷ Her ways are ways of pleasantness, And all her paths are peace. ¹⁸ She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, And happy are all who retain her. ¹⁹ The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; By understanding He established the heavens; ²⁰ By His knowledge the depths were broken up, And clouds drop down the dew.

²¹ My son, let them not depart from your eyes-- Keep sound wisdom and discretion; ²² So they will be life to your soul And grace to your neck. ²³ Then you will walk safely in your way, And your foot will not stumble. ²⁴ When you lie down, you will not be afraid; Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet. ²⁵ Do not be afraid of sudden terror, Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes; ²⁶ For the Lord will be your confidence, And will keep your foot from being caught.

²⁷ Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in the power of your hand to do so. ²⁸ Do not say to your neighbor, "Go, and come back, And tomorrow I will give it," When you have it with you. ²⁹ Do not devise evil against your neighbor, For he dwells by you for safety's sake. ³⁰ Do not strive with a man without cause, If he has done you no harm. ³¹ Do not envy the oppressor, And choose none of his ways; ³² For the perverse person is an abomination to the Lord, But His secret counsel is with the upright. ³³ The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked, But He blesses the home of the just. ³⁴ Surely He scorns the scornful, But gives grace to the humble. ³⁵ The wise shall inherit glory, But shame shall be the legacy of fools.