Proverbs 12:14-21
14 From the fruit of their lips people are filled with good things, and the work of their hands brings them reward.
15 The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.
16 Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult.
17 An honest witness tells the truth, but a false witness tells lies.
18 The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
19 Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.
20 Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy.
21 No harm overtakes the righteous, but the wicked have their fill of trouble.
Other Translations of Proverbs 12:14-21
King James Version
14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man's 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's wrath is presently
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.
English Standard Version
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
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.
The Message
14 Well-spoken words bring satisfaction; well-done work has its own reward.
15 Fools are headstrong and do what they like; wise people take advice.
16 Fools have short fuses and explode all too quickly; the prudent quietly shrug off insults.
17 Truthful witness by a good person clears the air, but liars lay down a smoke screen of deceit.
18 Rash language cuts and maims, but there is healing in the words of the wise.
19 Truth lasts; lies are here today, gone tomorrow.
20 Evil scheming distorts the schemer; peace-planning brings joy to the planner.
21 No evil can overwhelm a good person, but the wicked have their hands full of it.
New King James Version
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.
New Living Translation
14 Wise words bring many benefits, and hard work brings rewards.
15 Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.
16 A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted.
17 An honest witness tells the truth; a false witness tells lies.
18 Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.
19 Truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed.
20 Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil; joy fills hearts that are planning peace!
21 No harm comes to the godly, but the wicked have their fill of trouble.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 12:14-21
Commentary on Proverbs 12:14
(Read Proverbs 12:14)
When men use their tongues aright, to teach and comfort others, they enjoy acceptance through Christ Jesus; and the testimony of their conscience, that they in some measure answer the end of their being.
Commentary on Proverbs 12:15
(Read Proverbs 12:15)
A fool, in the sense of Scripture, means a wicked man, one who acts contrary to the wisdom that is from above. His rule is, to do what is right in his own eyes.
Commentary on Proverbs 12:16
(Read Proverbs 12:16)
A foolish man is soon angry, and is hasty in expressing it; he is ever in trouble and running into mischief. It is kindness to ourselves to make light of injuries and affronts, instead of making the worst of them.
Commentary on Proverbs 12:17
(Read Proverbs 12:17)
It is good for all to dread and detest the sin of lying, and to be governed by honesty.
Commentary on Proverbs 12:18
(Read Proverbs 12:18)
Whisperings and evil surmises, like a sword, separate those that have been dear to each other. The tongue of the wise is health, making all whole.
Commentary on Proverbs 12:19
(Read Proverbs 12:19)
If truth be spoken, it will hold good; whoever may be disobliged, still it will keep its ground.
Commentary on Proverbs 12:20
(Read Proverbs 12:20)
Deceit and falsehood bring terrors and perplexities. But those who consult the peace and happiness of others have joy in their own minds.
Commentary on Proverbs 12:21
(Read Proverbs 12:21)
If men are sincerely righteous, the righteous God has engaged that no evil shall happen to them. But they that delight in mischief shall have enough of it.