Proverbs 12:1-28, NLT

Proverbs 12

1To learn, you must love discipline;

it is stupid to hate correction.

2The Lord approves of those who are good,

but he condemns those who plan wickedness.

3Wickedness never brings stability,

but the godly have deep roots.

4A worthy wife is a crown for her husband,

but a disgraceful woman is like cancer in his bones.

5The plans of the godly are just;

the advice of the wicked is treacherous.

6The words of the wicked are like a murderous ambush,

but the words of the godly save lives.

7The wicked die and disappear,

but the family of the godly stands firm.

8A sensible person wins admiration,

but a warped mind is despised.

9Better to be an ordinary person with a servant

than to be self-important but have no food.

10The godly care for their animals,

but the wicked are always cruel.

11A hard worker has plenty of food,

but a person who chases fantasies has no sense.

12Thieves are jealous of each other’s loot,

but the godly are well rooted and bear their own fruit.

13The wicked are trapped by their own words,

but the godly escape such trouble.

14Wise words bring many benefits,

and hard work brings rewards.

15Fools think their own way is right,

but the wise listen to others.

16A fool is quick-tempered,

but a wise person stays calm when insulted.

17An honest witness tells the truth;

a false witness tells lies.

18Some people make cutting remarks,

but the words of the wise bring healing.

19Truthful words stand the test of time,

but lies are soon exposed.

20Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil;

joy fills hearts that are planning peace!

21No harm comes to the godly,

but the wicked have their fill of trouble.

22The Lord detests lying lips,

but he delights in those who tell the truth.

23The wise don’t make a show of their knowledge,

but fools broadcast their foolishness.

24Work hard and become a leader;

be lazy and become a slave.

25Worry weighs a person down;

an encouraging word cheers a person up.

26The godly give good advice to their friends;*12:26 Or The godly are cautious in friendship; or The godly are freed from evil. The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain.

the wicked lead them astray.

27Lazy people don’t even cook the game they catch,

but the diligent make use of everything they find.

28The way of the godly leads to life;

that path does not lead to death.