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

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

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

4 A virtuous and worthy wife is a crowning joy to her husband, but she who makes him ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.

5 T he thoughts and purposes of the righteous are honest and reliable, but the counsels and designs of the wicked are treacherous.

6 T he words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them and the innocent ones.

7 T he wicked are overthrown and are not, but the house of the righteous shall stand.

8 A man shall be commended according to his Wisdom, but he who is of a perverse heart shall be despised.

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

10 A righteous man regards the life of his beast, but even the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

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

12 T he wicked desire the booty of evil men, but the root of the righteous yields.

13 T he wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips, but the righteous shall come out of trouble.

14 F rom 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.

15 T he way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who listens to counsel is wise.

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

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

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

19 T ruthful lips shall be established forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

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

21 N o evil, misfortune, or calamity shall come upon the righteous, but the wicked shall be filled with evil, misfortune, and calamity.

22 L ying lips are extremely disgusting and hateful to the Lord, but they who deal faithfully are His delight.

23 A prudent man is reluctant to display his knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims their folly.

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

25 A nxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but an encouraging word makes it glad.

26 T he righteous man is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked causes others to go astray.

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

28 L ife 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).