Proverbs 12
Contrasting proverbs address the value of accepting correction, the faithfulness of the righteous versus the deceit of the wicked, and the power of words to wound or to heal. The diligent hand rules while the slack hand serves, and the way of a fool is right in his own eyes.
| v | King James Version | Modern English |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish. | Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge; but he who hates correction is brutish. |
| 2 | A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn. | A good man obtains favor from the LORD; but a man of wicked devices he will condemn. |
| 3 | A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved. | A man will not be established by wickedness; but the root of the righteous will not be moved. |
| 4 | A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones. | A virtuous woman is a crown to 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 deceit. | 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. | The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood; but the mouth of the upright will deliver them. |
| 7 | The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand. | The wicked are overthrown and are no more; but the house of the righteous will stand. |
| 8 | A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised. | A man will be commended according to his wisdom; but he who is of a perverse heart will be despised. |
| 9 | He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread. | He who is despised yet has a servant is better than he who honors himself yet lacks bread. |
| 10 | A righteous man regardeth the life of his animal: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. | A righteous man regards the life of his animal; 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. | He who tills his land will be satisfied with bread; but he who follows worthless persons lacks understanding. |
| 12 | The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit. | The wicked desire the spoil of evil men; but the root of the righteous yields fruit. |
| 13 | The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble. | The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips; but the just will come out of trouble. |
| 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. | A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth, and the recompense of a man's hands will be repaid to him. |
| 15 | The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise. | The way of a fool is right in his own eyes; but he who listens to counsel is wise. |
| 16 | A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame. | A fool's wrath is known at once; but a prudent man covers shame. |
| 17 | An honest witness delivereth true testimony: but a false witness deceit. | An honest witness delivers true testimony; but a false witness, deceit. |
| 18 | There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health. | There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword; but the tongue of the wise brings health. |
| 19 | The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment. | The lip of truth will be established forever; but a lying tongue is only for a moment. |
| 20 | Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy. | Deceit is in the heart of those who plot evil; but to the counselors of peace there is joy. |
| 21 | There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief. | No evil will happen to the just; but the wicked will be filled with mischief. |
| 22 | Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight. | Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD; but those who deal truly are His delight. |
| 23 | A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness. | A prudent man conceals knowledge; but the heart of fools proclaims foolishness. |
| 24 | The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute. | The hand of the diligent will rule; but the slothful will be under tribute. |
| 25 | Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad. | Heaviness in the heart of a man makes it stoop; but a good word makes it glad. |
| 26 | The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them. | The righteous is more excellent than his neighbor; but the way of the wicked seduces them. |
| 27 | The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious. | The slothful man does not roast what he has caught; 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. | In the way of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death. |