1 Whoever loves discipline loves to learn,

but whoever hates correction is a dumb animal.

2 A good person obtains favor from the Lord,

but the Lord condemns everyone who schemes.

3 A person cannot stand firm on a foundation of wickedness,

and the roots of righteous people cannot be moved.

4 A wife with strength of character is the crown of her husband,

but the wife who disgraces him is like bone cancer.

5 The thoughts of righteous people are fair.

The advice of wicked people is treacherous.

6 The words of wicked people are a deadly ambush,

but the words * Or “mouths.” of decent people rescue.

7 Overthrow wicked people, and they are no more,

but the families of righteous people continue to stand.

8 A person will be praised based on his insight,

but whoever has a twisted mind will be despised.

9 Better to be unimportant and have a slave

than to act important and have nothing to eat.

10 A righteous person cares ⌞even⌟ about the life of his animals,

but the compassion of wicked people is ⌞nothing but⌟ cruelty.

11 Whoever works his land will have plenty to eat,

but the one who chases unrealistic dreams has no sense.

12 A wicked person delights in setting a trap for ⌞other⌟ evil people,

but the roots of righteous people produce ⌞fruit⌟.

13 An evil person is trapped by his own sinful talk,

but a righteous person escapes from trouble.

14 One person enjoys good things as a result of his speaking ability.

Another is paid according to what his hands have accomplished.

15 A stubborn fool considers his own way the right one,

but a person who listens to advice is wise.

16 When a stubborn fool is irritated, he shows it immediately,

but a sensible person hides the insult.

17 A truthful witness speaks honestly,

but a lying witness speaks deceitfully.

18 Careless words stab like a sword,

but the words of wise people bring healing.

19 The word of truth lasts forever,

but lies last only a moment.

20 Deceit is in the heart of those who plan evil,

but joy belongs to those who advise peace.

21 No ⌞lasting⌟ harm comes to a righteous person,

but wicked people have lots of trouble.

22 Lips that lie are disgusting to the Lord,

but honest people are his delight.

23 A sensible person ⌞discreetly⌟ hides knowledge,

but foolish minds preach stupidity.

24 Hard-working hands gain control,

but lazy hands do slave labor.

25 A person’s anxiety will weigh him down,

but an encouraging word makes him joyful.

26 A righteous person looks out for his neighbor,

but the path of wicked people leads others astray.

27 A lazy hunter does not catch his prey,

but a hard-working person becomes wealthy.

28 Everlasting life is on the way of righteousness.

Eternal death is not along its path.