Proverbs 12

²God shows favour to the good person. But the person who plans wicked things — God will judge them.

³Doing wrong can never build a lasting life. But the righteous person is like a tree with deep roots — they cannot be blown over.

⁴A woman of good character is like a crown on her husband's head — she honours him. But a woman who brings shame is like a sickness that rots from the inside.

⁵The righteous person thinks right thoughts. The wicked person's plans are built on deceit and lies.

⁶The wicked use words like traps — to harm people. But the upright person's words can rescue those who are in danger.

⁷The wicked are knocked down and gone. But the righteous person's house stands firm.

⁸People praise a person for their wisdom. But someone with a twisted, dishonest heart will be looked down on.

⁹Being humble with food is better than boasting. Boasting and going hungry is foolish. True contentment beats empty pride.

¹⁰A righteous person takes good care of their animals. Even the kindest thing a wicked person does is still cruel.

¹¹The person who works their land will have plenty to eat. But following empty, foolish people leads nowhere.

¹²Wicked people want to take what others have — like a trap. But the righteous person grows fruit from their own roots.

¹³The wicked person gets caught in their own wrong words — like a trap. But the just person comes out of trouble safely.

¹⁴Good words bring good things back to you. Your hard work comes back to you as a reward. What you put out comes back.

¹⁵A fool always thinks they are right. But the wise person listens to good advice. Wise people do not think they know everything.

¹⁶A fool loses their temper right away. Everyone can see it! But a wise person stays calm. They do not show every bad feeling.

¹⁷An honest witness tells the truth. A false witness tells lies. Truth delivers; lies deceive.

¹⁸Some words cut like a sharp sword — they hurt deeply. But the wise person's words are like medicine — they bring healing.

¹⁹Truth lasts forever. Lies only last for a moment before they fall apart.

²⁰The heart that plans evil is full of deceit. But those who work for peace — they are filled with joy.

²¹No lasting evil falls on the just person. God protects them. But the wicked fill themselves with trouble.

²²God hates lying lips — they are disgusting to Him. But people who deal truly are His delight. God loves honest people.

²³A wise person does not show off everything they know. But fools shout out their foolishness for everyone to hear.

²⁴The hard worker rises to lead. The lazy person ends up serving others — always under someone else's control.

²⁵A heavy, sad heart makes a person droop and stoop. But one good word can lift them up and make them glad.

²⁶The righteous person stands out above others. But the wicked person's path leads them astray. They do not even know it.

²⁷The lazy person does not even cook what they caught. They waste what they have! But the diligent person's things are precious because they are well cared for.

²⁸The righteous path leads to life. On that path, there is no death. Walk right and live forever.