¹ Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge: but he that hates reproof is stupid. ² A good man obtains favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn. ³ A man will not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous will not be moved. ⁴ A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that makes ashamed is as rottenness in his bones. ⁵ The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit. ⁶ The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright will deliver them. ⁷ The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous will stand. ⁸ A man will be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart will be despised. ⁹ He that is despised, and has a servant, is better than he that honours himself, and lacks bread. ¹⁰ A righteous man regards the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. ¹¹ He that tills his land will be satisfied with bread: but he that follows vain persons is void of understanding. ¹² The wicked desires the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yields [fruit]. ¹³ The wicked are trapped by the transgression of his lips: but the just will come out of trouble. ¹⁴ A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man's hands will be rendered to him. ¹⁵ The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hears to counsel is wise. ¹⁶ A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covers shame. ¹⁷ He that speaks truth shows forward righteousness: but a false witness deceit. ¹⁸ There is that speaks like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health. ¹⁹ The lip of truth will be established forever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment. ²⁰ Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy. ²¹ There will no evil happen to the just: but the wicked will be filled with mischief. ²² Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but those deal truly are his delight. ²³ A prudent man conceals knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaims foolishness. ²⁴ The hand of the diligent will bear rule: but the slothful will be under tribute. ²⁵ Heaviness in the heart of man makes it stoop: but a good word makes it glad. ²⁶ The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduces them. ²⁷ The slothful man roasts not that which he took in hunting: but the wealth of a diligent man is precious. ²⁸ In the way of righteousness is life and in the pathway of it there is no death.