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Proverbs 12-14

Proverbs 12

1To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction.

2The LORD approves of those who are good, but he condemns those who plan wickedness.

3Wickedness never brings stability, but the godly have deep roots.

4A worthy wife is a crown for her husband, but a disgraceful woman is like cancer in his bones.

5The plans of the godly are just; the advice of the wicked is treacherous.

6The words of the wicked are like a murderous ambush, but the words of the godly save lives.

7The wicked die and disappear, but the family of the godly stands firm.

8A sensible person wins admiration, but a warped mind is despised.

9Better to be an ordinary person with a servant than to be self-important but have no food.

10The godly care for their animals, but the wicked are always cruel.

11A hard worker has plenty of food, but a person who chases fantasies has no sense.

12Thieves are jealous of each other’s loot, but the godly are well rooted and bear their own fruit.

13The wicked are trapped by their own words, but the godly escape such trouble.

14Wise words bring many benefits, and hard work brings rewards.

15Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.

16A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted.

17An honest witness tells the truth; a false witness tells lies.

18Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.

19Truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed.

20Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil; joy fills hearts that are planning peace!

21No harm comes to the godly, but the wicked have their fill of trouble.

22The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth.

23The wise don’t make a show of their knowledge, but fools broadcast their foolishness.

24Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave.

25Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.

26The godly give good advice to their friends; the wicked lead them astray.

27Lazy people don’t even cook the game they catch, but the diligent make use of everything they find.

28The way of the godly leads to life; that path does not lead to death.

Proverbs 13

1A wise child accepts a parent’s discipline; a mocker refuses to listen to correction.

2Wise words will win you a good meal, but treacherous people have an appetite for violence.

3Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything.

4Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper.

5The godly hate lies; the wicked cause shame and disgrace.

6Godliness guards the path of the blameless, but the evil are misled by sin.

7Some who are poor pretend to be rich; others who are rich pretend to be poor.

8The rich can pay a ransom for their lives, but the poor won’t even get threatened.

9The life of the godly is full of light and joy, but the light of the wicked will be snuffed out.

10Pride leads to conflict; those who take advice are wise.

11Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows over time.

12Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life.

13People who despise advice are asking for trouble; those who respect a command will succeed.

14The instruction of the wise is like a life-giving fountain; those who accept it avoid the snares of death.

15A person with good sense is respected; a treacherous person is headed for destruction.

16Wise people think before they act; fools don’t — and even brag about their foolishness.

17An unreliable messenger stumbles into trouble, but a reliable messenger brings healing.

18If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace; if you accept correction, you will be honored.

19It is pleasant to see dreams come true, but fools refuse to turn from evil to attain them.

20Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.

21Trouble chases sinners, while blessings reward the righteous.

22Good people leave an inheritance to their grandchildren, but the sinner’s wealth passes to the godly.

23A poor person’s farm may produce much food, but injustice sweeps it all away.

24Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them.

25The godly eat to their hearts’ content, but the belly of the wicked goes hungry.

Proverbs 14

1A wise woman builds her home, but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands.

2Those who follow the right path fear the LORD; those who take the wrong path despise him.

3A fool’s proud talk becomes a rod that beats him, but the words of the wise keep them safe.

4Without oxen a stable stays clean, but you need a strong ox for a large harvest.

5An honest witness does not lie; a false witness breathes lies.

6A mocker seeks wisdom and never finds it, but knowledge comes easily to those with understanding.

7Stay away from fools, for you won’t find knowledge on their lips.

8The prudent understand where they are going, but fools deceive themselves.

9Fools make fun of guilt, but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation.

10Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can fully share its joy.

11The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the godly will flourish.

12There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.

13Laughter can conceal a heavy heart, but when the laughter ends, the grief remains.

14Backsliders get what they deserve; good people receive their reward.

15Only simpletons believe everything they’re told! The prudent carefully consider their steps.

16The wise are cautious and avoid danger; fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence.

17Short-tempered people do foolish things, and schemers are hated.

18Simpletons are clothed with foolishness, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

19Evil people will bow before good people; the wicked will bow at the gates of the godly.

20The poor are despised even by their neighbors, while the rich have many “friends.”

21It is a sin to belittle one’s neighbor; blessed are those who help the poor.

22If you plan to do evil, you will be lost; if you plan to do good, you will receive unfailing love and faithfulness.

23Work brings profit, but mere talk leads to poverty!

24Wealth is a crown for the wise; the effort of fools yields only foolishness.

25A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is a traitor.

26Those who fear the LORD are secure; he will be a refuge for their children.

27Fear of the LORD is a life-giving fountain; it offers escape from the snares of death.

28A growing population is a king’s glory; a prince without subjects has nothing.

29People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness.

30A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones.

31Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker, but helping the poor honors him.

32The wicked are crushed by disaster, but the godly have a refuge when they die.

33Wisdom is enshrined in an understanding heart; wisdom is not found among fools.

34Godliness makes a nation great, but sin is a disgrace to any people.

35A king rejoices in wise servants but is angry with those who disgrace him.