Loving Discipline and Knowledge

1He that loves instruction loves sense, but he that hates reproofs is a fool.

2He that has found favour with the Lord is made better; but a transgressor shall be passed over in silence.

3A man shall not prosper by wickedness; but the roots of the righteous shall not be taken up.

4A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband; but as a worm in wood, so a bad woman destroys her husband.

5The thoughts of the righteous are true judgments; but ungodly men devise deceits.

6The words of ungodly men are crafty; but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.

7When the ungodly is overthrown, he vanishes away; but the houses of the just remain.

8The mouth of an understanding man is praised by a man; but he that is dull of heart is had in derision.

9Better is a man in dishonour serving himself, than one honouring himself and wanting bread.

10A righteous man has pity for the lives of his cattle; but the bowels of the ungodly are unmerciful.

11He that tills his own land shall be satisfied with bread; but they that pursue vanities are void of understanding. He that enjoys himself in banquets of wine, shall leave dishonour in his own strong holds.

12The desires of the ungodly are evil; but the roots of the godly are firmly set.

13For the sin of his lips a sinner falls into snare; but a righteous man escapes from them. He whose looks are gentle shall be pitied, but he that contends in the gates will afflict souls.

14The soul of a man shall be filled with good from the fruits of his mouth; and the recompence of his lips shall be given to him.

15The ways of fools are right in their own eyes; but a wise man hearkens to counsels.

16A fool declares his wrath the same day; but a prudent man hides his own disgrace.

17A righteous man declares the open truth; but an unjust witness is deceitful.

18Some wound as they speak, like swords; but the tongues of the wise heal.

19True lips establish testimony; but a hasty witness has an unjust tongue.

20There is deceit in the heart of him that imagines evil; but they that love peace shall rejoice.

21No injustice will please a just man; but the ungodly will be filled with mischief.

22Lying lips are a abomination to the Lord; but he that deals faithfully is accepted with him.

23An understanding man is a throne of wisdom; but the heart of fools shall meet with curses.

24The hand of chosen men shall easily obtain rule; but the deceitful shall be for a prey.

25A terrible word troubles the heart of a righteous man; but a good message rejoices him.

26A just arbitrator shall be his own friend; but mischief shall pursue sinners; and the way of ungodly men shall lead them astray.

27A deceitful man shall catch no game; but a blameless man is a precious possession.

28In the ways of righteousness is life; but the ways of those that remember injuries lead to death.