1Whoso loveth correction loveth knowledge ; But he that hateth reproof is brutish . 2A good man shall obtain favor of Jehovah ; But a man of wicked devices will he condemn . 3A man shall not be established by wickedness ; But the root of the righteous shall not be moved . 4A worthy woman is the crown of her husband ; But she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones . 5The thoughts of the righteous are just ; But the counsels of the wicked are deceit .
The Value of a Good Name
6The words of the wicked are of lying in wait for blood ; But the mouth of the upright shall deliver them . 7The wicked are overthrown , and are not ; But the house of the righteous shall stand . 8A man shall be commended according to his wisdom ; But he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised. 9Better is he that is lightly esteemed , and hath a servant , Than he that honoreth himself , and lacketh bread . 10A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast ; But the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel .
The Consequences of Actions
11He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread ; But he that followeth after vain persons is void of understanding . 12The wicked desireth the net of evil men ; But the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit . 13In the transgression of the lips is a snare to the evil man ; But the righteous shall come out of trouble . 14A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth ; And the doings of a man ’s hands shall be rendered unto him . 15The way of a fool is right in his own eyes ; But he that is wise hearkeneth unto counsel .
The Power of Words
16A fool’s vexation is presently known ; But a prudent man concealeth shame . 17He that uttereth truth showeth forth righteousness ; But a false witness , deceit . 18There is that speaketh rashly like the piercings of a sword ; But the tongue of the wise is health . 19The lip of truth shall be established for ever ; But a lying tongue is but for a moment . 20Deceit is in the heart of them that devise evil ; But to the counsellors of peace is joy . 21There shall no mischief happen to the righteous ; But the wicked shall be filled with evil . 22Lying lips are an abomination to Jehovah ; But they that deal truly are his delight . 23A prudent man concealeth knowledge ; But the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness. 24The hand of the diligent shall bear rule ; But the slothful shall be put under taskwork. 25Heaviness in the heart of a man maketh it stoop ; But a good word maketh it glad . 26The righteous is a guide to his neighbor ; But the way of the wicked causeth them to err . 27The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting ; But the precious substance of men is to the diligent . 28In the way of righteousness is life ; And in the pathway thereof there is no death .