Proverbs 12

English Amplified Classic Bible 1987

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1WHOEVER LOVES instruction and correction loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is like a brute beast, stupid and indiscriminating.

2A good man obtains favor from the Lord, but a man of wicked devices He condemns.

3A man shall not be established by wickedness, but the root of the [uncompromisingly] righteous shall never be moved.

4A virtuous and worthy wife [earnest and strong in character] is a crowning joy to her husband, but she who makes him ashamed is as rottenness in his bones. [Prov. 31:23; I Cor. 11:7.]

5The thoughts and purposes of the [consistently] righteous are honest and reliable, but the counsels and designs of the wicked are treacherous.

6The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them and the innocent ones [thus endangered].

7The wicked are overthrown and are not, but the house of the [uncompromisingly] righteous shall stand.

8A man shall be commended according to his Wisdom [godly Wisdom, which is comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God], but he who is of a perverse heart shall be despised.

9Better is he who is lightly esteemed but works for his own support than he who assumes honor for himself and lacks bread.

10A [consistently] righteous man regards the life of his beast, but even the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. [Deut. 25:4.]

11He who tills his land shall be satisfied with bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits is lacking in sense and is without understanding.

12The wicked desire the booty of evil men, but the root of the [uncompromisingly] righteous yields [richer fruitage].

13The wicked is [dangerously] snared by the transgression of his lips, but the [uncompromisingly] righteous shall come out of trouble.

14From the fruit of his words a man shall be satisfied with good, and the work of a man's hands shall come back to him [as a harvest].

15The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who listens to counsel is wise. [Prov. 3:7; 9:9; 21:2.]

16A fool's wrath is quickly and openly known, but a prudent man ignores an insult.

17He who breathes out truth shows forth righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God), but a false witness utters deceit.

18There are those who speak rashly, like the piercing of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

19Truthful lips shall be established forever, but a lying tongue is [credited] but for a moment.

20Deceit is in the hearts of those who devise evil, but for the counselors of peace there is joy.

21No [actual] evil, misfortune, or calamity shall come upon the righteous, but the wicked shall be filled with evil, misfortune, and calamity. [Job 5:19; Ps. 91:3; Prov. 12:13; Isa. 46:4; Jer. 1:8; Dan. 6:27; II Tim. 4:18.]

22Lying lips are extremely disgusting and hateful to the Lord, but they who deal faithfully are His delight. [Prov. 6:17; 11:20; Rev. 22:15.]

23A prudent man is reluctant to display his knowledge, but the heart of [self-confident] fools proclaims their folly. [Isa. 32:6.]

24The hand of the diligent will rule, but the slothful will be put to forced labor.

25Anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down, but an encouraging word makes it glad. [Ps. 50:4; Prov. 15:13.]

26The [consistently] righteous man is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked causes others to go astray.

27The slothful man does not catch his game or roast it once he kills it, but the diligent man gets precious possessions.

28Life is in the way of righteousness (moral and spiritual rectitude in every area and relation), and in its pathway there is no death but immortality (perpetual, eternal life). [John 3:36; 4:36; 8:51; 11:26; I Cor. 15:54; Gal. 6:8.]

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