Loving Discipline and Knowledge

¹ Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,

but he who hates correction is stupid.

² The good man obtains favor from the LORD,

but the LORD condemns a man who devises evil.

³ A man cannot be established through wickedness,

but the righteous cannot be uprooted.

⁴ A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown,

but she who causes shame is like decay in his bones.

⁵ The plans of the righteous are just,

but the counsel of the wicked leads to deceit.

⁶ The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood,

but the speech of the upright rescues them.

⁷ The wicked are overthrown and perish,

but the house of the righteous will stand.

⁸ A man is praised according to his wisdom,

but a twisted^* mind is despised.

⁹ Better to be lightly esteemed yet have a servant,

than to be self-important but lack food.

¹⁰ A righteous man regards the life of his animal,

but the tender mercies of the wicked are only cruelty.

¹¹ The one who works his land will have plenty of food,

but whoever chases fantasies^* lacks judgment.

¹² The wicked desire^* the plunder of evil men,

but the root^* of the righteous flourishes.

¹³ An evil man is trapped by his rebellious speech,

but a righteous man escapes from trouble.

¹⁴ By fruitful speech a man is filled with good things,

and the work of his hands returns to him.

¹⁵ The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,

but a wise man listens to counsel.

¹⁶ A fool’s anger is known at once,

but a prudent man overlooks an insult.

¹⁷ He who speaks the truth declares what is right,

but a false witness speaks deceit.

¹⁸ Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword,^*

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 devise evil,

but the counselors of peace have joy.

²¹ No harm befalls the righteous,

but the wicked are filled with trouble.

²² Lying lips are detestable to the LORD,

but those who deal faithfully are His delight.

²³ A shrewd man keeps his knowledge to himself,

but a foolish heart proclaims its folly.

²⁴ The hand of the diligent will rule,

but laziness ends in forced labor.

²⁵ Anxiety weighs down^* the heart of a man,

but a good word cheers it up.

²⁶ A righteous man is cautious^* in friendship,

but the ways of the wicked lead them astray.

²⁷ A lazy man does not roast his game,

but a diligent man prizes his possession.

²⁸ There is life in the path of righteousness,

but another path leads to death.