Proverbs 12:3-27 - Compare All Versions

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No one can be established through wickedness, but the righteous cannot be uprooted. A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones. The plans of the righteous are just, but the advice of the wicked is deceitful. The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them. The wicked are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous stands firm. A person is praised according to their prudence, and one with a warped mind is despised. Better to be a nobody and yet have a servant than pretend to be somebody and have no food. The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel. Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense. The wicked desire the stronghold of evildoers, but the root of the righteous endures. Evildoers are trapped by their sinful talk, and so the innocent escape trouble. From the fruit of their lips people are filled with good things, and the work of their hands brings them reward. The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice. Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult. An honest witness tells the truth, but a false witness tells lies. The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment. Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy. No harm overtakes the righteous, but the wicked have their fill of trouble. The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy. The prudent keep their knowledge to themselves, but a fool’s heart blurts out folly. Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor. Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up. The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray. The lazy do not roast any game, but the diligent feed on the riches of the hunt.

No one is established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous will never be moved. An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones. The thoughts of the righteous are just; the counsels of the wicked are deceitful. The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the mouth of the upright delivers them. The wicked are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous will stand. A man is commended according to his good sense, but one of twisted mind is despised. Better to be lowly and have a servant than to play the great man and lack bread. Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel. Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense. Whoever is wicked covets the spoil of evildoers, but the root of the righteous bears fruit. An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, but the righteous escapes from trouble. From the fruit of his mouth a man is satisfied with good, and the work of a man’s hand comes back to him. The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice. The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult. Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit. There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment. Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but those who plan peace have joy. No ill befalls the righteous, but the wicked are filled with trouble. Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who act faithfully are his delight. A prudent man conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims folly. The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor. Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad. One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray. Whoever is slothful will not roast his game, but the diligent man will get precious wealth.

Wickedness never brings stability, but the godly have deep roots. A worthy wife is a crown for her husband, but a disgraceful woman is like cancer in his bones. The plans of the godly are just; the advice of the wicked is treacherous. The words of the wicked are like a murderous ambush, but the words of the godly save lives. The wicked die and disappear, but the family of the godly stands firm. A sensible person wins admiration, but a warped mind is despised. Better to be an ordinary person with a servant than to be self-important but have no food. The godly care for their animals, but the wicked are always cruel. A hard worker has plenty of food, but a person who chases fantasies has no sense. Thieves are jealous of each other’s loot, but the godly are well rooted and bear their own fruit. The wicked are trapped by their own words, but the godly escape such trouble. Wise words bring many benefits, and hard work brings rewards. Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others. A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted. An honest witness tells the truth; a false witness tells lies. Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing. Truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed. Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil; joy fills hearts that are planning peace! No harm comes to the godly, but the wicked have their fill of trouble. The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth. The wise don’t make a show of their knowledge, but fools broadcast their foolishness. Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave. Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up. The godly give good advice to their friends; the wicked lead them astray. Lazy people don’t even cook the game they catch, but the diligent make use of everything they find.

No one can be made secure by wickedness, but the root of the righteous is immovable.  A wife of noble character  is her husband’s crown,  but a wife who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones.  The thoughts of the righteous are just, but guidance from the wicked is deceitful. The words of the wicked are a deadly ambush,  but the speech of the upright rescues them.  The wicked are overthrown and perish,  but the house of the righteous will stand.  A man is praised for his insight, but a twisted mind is despised. Better to be disregarded, yet have a servant, than to act important but have no food.  The righteous cares about his animal’s health,  but even the merciful acts of the wicked are cruel. The one who works his land will have plenty of food,  but whoever chases fantasies lacks sense.  The wicked desire what evil people have caught,  but the root of the righteous is productive. By rebellious speech an evil person is trapped,  but a righteous person escapes from trouble.  A person will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth,  and the work of a person’s hands will reward him.  A fool’s way is right in his own eyes,  but whoever listens to counsel is wise. A fool’s displeasure is known at once, but whoever ignores an insult is sensible.  Whoever speaks the truth declares what is right, but a false witness speaks deceit.  There is one who speaks rashly, like a piercing sword;  but the tongue of the wise brings healing.  Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue, only a moment.  Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy.  No disaster overcomes the righteous,  but the wicked are full of misery. Lying lips are detestable to the  LORD,  but faithful people are his delight.  A shrewd person conceals knowledge, but a foolish heart publicizes stupidity.  The diligent hand will rule, but laziness will lead to forced labor.  Anxiety in a person’s heart weighs it down, but a good word cheers it up.  A righteous person is careful in dealing with his neighbor,  but the ways of the wicked lead them astray.  A lazy hunter doesn’t roast his game,  but to a diligent person, his wealth is precious.

A man shall not be established by wickedness: But the root of the righteous shall not be moved. A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: But she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones. The thoughts of the righteous are right: But the counsels of the wicked are deceit. The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: But the mouth of the upright shall deliver them. The wicked are overthrown, and are not: But the house of the righteous shall stand. A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: But he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised. He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better Than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread. A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: But the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: But he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding. The wicked desireth the net of evil men: But the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit. The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: But the just shall come out of trouble. A 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. The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: But he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise. A fool's wrath is presently known: But a prudent man covereth shame. He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: But a false witness deceit. There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: But the tongue of the wise is health. The lip of truth shall be established for ever: But a lying tongue is but for a moment. Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: But to the counsellors of peace is joy. There shall no evil happen to the just: But the wicked shall be filled with mischief. Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: But they that deal truly are his delight. A prudent man concealeth knowledge: But the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness. The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: But the slothful shall be under tribute. Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: But a good word maketh it glad. The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: But the way of the wicked seduceth them. The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: But the substance of a diligent man is precious.

A man is not established by wickedness, But the root of the righteous cannot be moved. An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, But she who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones. The thoughts of the righteous are right, But the counsels of the wicked are deceitful. The words of the wicked are, “Lie in wait for blood,” But the mouth of the upright will deliver them. The wicked are overthrown and are no more, But the house of the righteous will stand. A man will be commended according to his wisdom, But he who is of a perverse heart will be despised. Better is the one who is slighted but has a servant, Than he who honors himself but lacks bread. A righteous man regards the life of his animal, But the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. He who tills his land will be satisfied with bread, But he who follows frivolity is devoid of understanding. The wicked covet the catch of evil men, But the root of the righteous yields fruit. The wicked is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, But the righteous will come through trouble. A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth, And the recompense of a man’s hands will be rendered to him. The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But he who heeds counsel is wise. A fool’s wrath is known at once, But a prudent man covers shame. He who speaks truth declares righteousness, But a false witness, deceit. There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, But the tongue of the wise promotes health. The truthful lip shall be established forever, But a lying tongue is but for a moment. Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, But counselors of peace have joy. No grave trouble will overtake the righteous, But the wicked shall be filled with evil. Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, But those who deal truthfully are His delight. A prudent man conceals knowledge, But the heart of fools proclaims foolishness. The hand of the diligent will rule, But the lazy man will be put to forced labor. Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad. The righteous should choose his friends carefully, For the way of the wicked leads them astray. The lazy man does not roast what he took in hunting, But diligence is man’s precious possession.

You can’t find firm footing in a swamp, but life rooted in God stands firm. A hearty wife invigorates her husband, but a frigid woman is cancer in the bones. The thinking of principled people makes for justice; the plots of degenerates corrupt. The words of the wicked kill; the speech of the upright saves. Wicked people fall to pieces—there’s nothing to them; the homes of good people hold together. A person who talks sense is honored; airheads are held in contempt. Better to be ordinary and work for a living than act important and starve in the process. Good people are good to their animals; the “good-hearted” bad people kick and abuse them. The one who stays on the job has food on the table; the witless chase whims and fancies. What the wicked construct finally falls into ruin, while the roots of the righteous give life, and more life. The gossip of bad people gets them in trouble; the conversation of good people keeps them out of it. Well-spoken words bring satisfaction; well-done work has its own reward. Fools are headstrong and do what they like; wise people take advice. Fools have short fuses and explode all too quickly; the prudent quietly shrug off insults. Truthful witness by a good person clears the air, but liars lay down a smoke screen of deceit. Rash language cuts and maims, but there is healing in the words of the wise. Truth lasts; lies are here today, gone tomorrow. Evil scheming distorts the schemer; peace-planning brings joy to the planner. No evil can overwhelm a good person, but the wicked have their hands full of it. God can’t stomach liars; he loves the company of those who keep their word. Prudent people don’t flaunt their knowledge; talkative fools broadcast their silliness. The diligent find freedom in their work; the lazy are oppressed by work. Worry weighs us down; a cheerful word picks us up. A good person survives misfortune, but a wicked life invites disaster. A lazy life is an empty life, but “early to rise” gets the job done.

A person will not be established by wickedness, But the root of the righteous will not be moved. An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, But she who shames him is like rottenness in his bones. The thoughts of the righteous are just, But the counsels of the wicked are deceitful. The words of the wicked wait in ambush for blood, But the mouth of the upright will rescue them. The wicked are overthrown and are no more, But the house of the righteous will stand. A person will be praised according to his insight, But one of perverse mind will be despised. Better is one who is lightly esteemed and has a servant, Than one who honors himself and lacks bread. A righteous person has regard for the life of his animal, But even the compassion of the wicked is cruel. One who works his land will have plenty of bread, But one who pursues worthless things lacks sense. The wicked person desires the plunder of evil people, But the root of the righteous yields fruit. An evil person is ensnared by the offense of his lips, But the righteous will escape from trouble. A person will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his words, And the deeds of a person’s hands will return to him. The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But a person who listens to advice is wise. A fool’s anger is known at once, But a prudent person conceals dishonor. One who declares truth tells what is right, But a false witness, deceit. There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, But the tongue of the wise brings healing. Truthful lips will endure forever, But a lying tongue is only for a moment. Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, But counselors of peace have joy. No harm happens to the righteous, But the wicked are filled with trouble. Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, But those who deal faithfully are His delight. A prudent person conceals knowledge, But the heart of fools proclaims foolishness. The hand of the diligent will rule, But the lazy hand will be put to forced labor. Anxiety in a person’s heart weighs it down, But a good word makes it glad. The righteous person is a guide to his neighbor, But the way of the wicked leads them astray. A lazy person does not roast his prey, But the precious possession of a person is diligence.

A man will not be established by wickedness, But the root of the [consistently] righteous will not be moved. A virtuous and excellent wife [worthy of honor] is the crown of her husband, But she who shames him [with her foolishness] is like rottenness in his bones. [Prov 31:23; 1 Cor 11:7] The thoughts and purposes of the [consistently] righteous are just (honest, reliable), But the counsels and schemes of the wicked are deceitful. The [malevolent] words of the wicked lie in wait for [innocent] blood [to slander], But the mouth of the upright will rescue and protect them. The wicked are overthrown [by their evil] and are no more, But the house of the [consistently] righteous will stand [securely]. A man will be commended according to his insight and sound judgment, But the one who is of a perverse mind will be despised. Better is he who is lightly esteemed and has a servant, Than he who [boastfully] honors himself [pretending to be what he is not] and lacks bread. A righteous man has kind regard for the life of his animal, But even the compassion of the wicked is cruel. [Deut 25:4] He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, But he who follows worthless things lacks common sense and good judgment. The wicked desire the plunder of evil men, But the root of the righteous yields richer fruit. An evil man is [dangerously] ensnared by the transgression of his lips, But the righteous will escape from trouble. A man will be satisfied with good from the fruit of his words, And the deeds of a man’s hands will return to him [as a harvest]. The way of the [arrogant] fool [who rejects God’s wisdom] is right in his own eyes, But a wise and prudent man is he who listens to counsel. [Prov 3:7; 9:9; 21:2] The [arrogant] fool’s anger is quickly known [because he lacks self-control and common sense], But a prudent man ignores an insult. He who speaks truth [when he testifies] tells what is right, But a false witness utters deceit [in court]. There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, But the tongue of the wise brings healing. Truthful lips will be established forever, But a lying tongue is [credited] only for a moment. Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, But counselors of peace have joy. No harm befalls the righteous, But the wicked are filled with trouble. [Job 5:19; Ps 91:3; Prov 12:13; Is 46:4; Jer 1:8; Dan 6:27; 2 Tim 4:18] Lying lips are extremely disgusting to the LORD, But those who deal faithfully are His delight. [Prov 6:17; 11:20; Rev 22:15] A shrewd man is reluctant to display his knowledge [until the proper time], But the heart of [over-confident] fools proclaims foolishness. [Is 32:6] The hand of the diligent will rule, But the negligent and lazy will be put to forced labor. Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, But a good (encouraging) word makes it glad. [Is 50:4; Prov 15:13] The righteous man is a guide to his neighbor, But the way of the wicked leads them astray. The lazy man does not catch and roast his prey, But the precious possession of a [wise] man is diligence [because he recognizes opportunities and seizes them].

No one can be established through wickedness, but a righteous root cannot be moved. A noble wife is the crown of her husband, but the wife who acts shamefully is like rottenness in his bones. The plans of the righteous are just; the counsels of the wicked are deceitful. The words of the wicked lie in wait to shed innocent blood, but the words of the upright will deliver them. The wicked are overthrown and perish, but the righteous household will stand. A person is praised in accordance with his wisdom, but the one who has a twisted mind is despised. Better is a person of humble standing who nevertheless has a servant, than one who pretends to be somebody important yet has no food. A righteous person cares for the life of his animal, but even the most compassionate acts of the wicked are cruel. The one who works his field will have plenty of food, but whoever chases daydreams lacks wisdom. The wicked person desires a stronghold, but the righteous root endures. The evil person is ensnared by the transgression of his speech, but the righteous person escapes out of trouble. A person will be satisfied with good from the fruit of his words, and the work of his hands will be rendered to him. The way of a fool is right in his own opinion, but the one who listens to advice is wise. A fool’s annoyance is known at once, but the prudent overlooks an insult. The faithful witness tells what is right, but a false witness speaks deceit. Speaking recklessly is like the thrusts of a sword, but the words of the wise bring healing. The one who tells the truth will endure forever, but the one who lies will last only for a moment. Deceit is in the heart of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy. The righteous do not encounter any harm, but the wicked are filled with calamity. The LORD abhors a person who lies, but those who deal truthfully are his delight. The shrewd person conceals knowledge, but foolish people publicize folly. The diligent person will rule, but the slothful will become a slave. Anxiety in a person’s heart weighs him down, but an encouraging word brings him joy. The righteous person is cautious in his friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray. The lazy person does not roast his prey, but personal possessions are precious to the diligent.