1Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,

but whoever hates reproof is stupid.* a

2A good person wins favor from the Lord,

but the schemer he condemns.*

3No one is made secure by wickedness,

but the root of the just will never be disturbed.*

4A woman of worth is the crown of her husband,b

but a disgraceful one is like rot in his bones.*

5The plans of the just are right;

the designs of the wicked are deceit.*

6The words of the wicked are a deadly ambush,

but the speech of the upright saves them.*

7Overthrow the wicked and they are no more,

but the house of the just stands firm.

8For their good sense people are praised,

but the perverse of heart are despised.*

9Better to be slighted and have a servant

than put on airs and lack bread.c

10The just take care of their livestock,

but the compassion of the wicked is cruel.*

11Those who till their own land have food in plenty,

but those who engage in idle pursuits lack sense.* d

12A wicked person desires the catch of evil people,

but the root of the righteous will bear fruit.*

13By the sin of their lips the wicked are ensnared,

but the just escape from a tight spot.

14From the fruit of their mouths people have their fill of good,e

and the works of their hands come back upon them.*

15The way of fools is right in their own eyes,

but those who listen to advice are the wise.

16Fools immediately show their anger,

but the shrewd conceal contempt.

17Whoever speaks honestly testifies truly,

but the deceitful make lying witnesses.* f

18The babble of some people is like sword thrusts,

but the tongue of the wise is healing.

19Truthful lips endure forever,

the lying tongue, for only a moment.*

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

but those who counsel peace have joy.

21No harm befalls the just,

but the wicked are overwhelmed with misfortune.

22Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord,g

but those who are truthful, his delight.

23The shrewd conceal knowledge,

but the hearts of fools proclaim folly.*

24The diligent hand will govern,

but sloth makes for forced labor.h

25Worry weighs down the heart,

but a kind word gives it joy.i

26The just act as guides to their neighbors,

but the way of the wicked leads them astray.

27Sloth does not catch its prey,

but the wealth of the diligent is splendid.

28In the path of justice is life,

but the way of abomination leads to death.