1Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge : but he that hateth reproof is brutish . 2A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD : 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 virtuous woman is a crown to her husband : but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones . 5The thoughts of the righteous are right : but the counsels of the wicked are deceit .
The Value of a Good Name
6The words of the wicked are to lie 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 . 9He that is despised , and hath a servant , is better than he that honoureth 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 be satisfied with bread : but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding . 12The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit . 13The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips : but the just shall come out of trouble . 14A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth : and the recompence of a man’s hands shall be rendered unto him. 15The way of a fool is right in his own eyes : but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise .
The Power of Words
16A fool’s wrath is presently known : but a prudent man covereth shame . 17He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness : but a false witness deceit . 18There is that speaketh 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 imagine evil : but to the counsellors of peace is joy . 21There shall no evil happen to the just : but the wicked shall be filled with mischief . 22Lying lips are abomination to the LORD : 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 under tribute . 25Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop : but a good word maketh it glad . 26The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour : but the way of the wicked seduceth them. 27The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting : but the substance of a diligent man is precious . 28In the way of righteousness is life ; and in the pathway thereof there is no death .