1Whoso loveth knowledge loveth correction;

But he that is brutish hateth reproof.

2A good man shall obtain favour of the Lord;

But a man of wicked devices will He condemn.

3A man shall not be established by wickedness;

But the root of the righteous shall never be moved.

4A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband;

But she that doeth shamefully is as rottenness in his bones.

5The thoughts of the righteous are right;

But the counsels of the wicked are deceit.

6The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood;

But the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.

7The wicked are overthrown, and are not;

But the house of the righteous shall stand.

8A man shall be commended according to his intelligence;

But he that is of a distorted understanding shall be despised.

9Better is he that is lightly esteemed, and hath a servant,

Than he that playeth the man of rank, and lacketh bread.

10A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast;

But the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

11He that tilleth his ground shall have plenty of bread;

But he that followeth after vain things is void of understanding.

12The wicked desireth the prey of evil men;

But the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.

13In the transgression of the lips is a snare to the evil man;

But the righteous cometh out of trouble.

14A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth,

And the doings of a man’s hands shall be rendered unto him.

15The way of a fool is straight in his own eyes;

But he that is wise hearkeneth unto counsel.

16A fool’s vexation is presently known;

But a prudent man concealeth shame.

17He that breatheth forth truth uttereth righteousness;

But a false witness deceit.

18There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword;

But the tongue of the wise is health.

19The lip of truth shall be established for ever;

But a lying tongue is but for a moment.

20Deceit is in the heart of them that devise evil;

But to the counsellors of peace is joy.

21There shall no mischief befall the righteous;

But the wicked are filled with evil.

22Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord;

But they that deal truly are His delight.

23A prudent man concealeth knowledge;

But the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.

24The hand of the diligent shall bear rule;

But the slothful shall be under tribute.

25Care in the heart of a man boweth it down;

But a good word maketh it glad.

26The righteous is guided by his friend;

But the way of the wicked leadeth them astray.

27The slothful man shall not hunt his prey;

But the precious substance of men is to be diligent.

28In the way of righteousness is life,

And in the pathway thereof there is no death.