Proverbs 12 Modern English Version
12 Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge,
but he who hates reproof is brutish.
2 A good man obtains favor of the Lord,
but a man of wicked devices will He condemn.
3 A man will not be established by wickedness,
but the root of the righteous will not be moved.
4 A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband,
but she who brings shame is as rottenness in his bones.
5 The thoughts of the righteous are right,
but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.
6 The words of the wicked are, “Lie in wait for blood,”
but the mouth of the upright will deliver them.
7 The wicked are overthrown, and are not,
but the house of the righteous will stand.
8 A man will be commended according to his wisdom,
but he who is of a perverse heart will be despised.
9 He who is lightly esteemed and has a servant is better
than he who honors himself and lacks bread.
10 A righteous man regards the life of his animal,
but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
11 He who tills his land will be satisfied with bread,
but he who follows vain persons is void of understanding.
12 The wicked covet the plunder of evil men,
but the root of the righteous yields fruit.
13 The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips,
but the just will come out of trouble.
14 A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth,
and the recompense of a man’s hands will be rendered to him.
15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,
but he who listens to counsel is wise.
16 A fool’s wrath is presently known,
but a prudent man covers shame.
17 He who speaks truth shows forth righteousness,
but a false witness deceit.
18 There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword,
but the tongue of the wise is health.
19 The truthful lip will be established forever,
but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
20 Deceit is in the heart of those who imagine evil,
but to the counselors of peace is joy.
21 There will no evil happen to the just,
but the wicked will be filled with mischief.
22 Lying lips are abomination to the Lord,
but those who deal truly are His delight.
23 A prudent man conceals knowledge,
but the heart of fools proclaims foolishness.
24 The hand of the diligent will rule,
but the slothful will be put to forced labor.
25 Heaviness in the heart of man makes it droop,
but a good word makes it glad.
26 The righteous is a guide to his neighbors,
but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
27 The slothful man does not roast that which he took in hunting,
but the substance of a diligent man is precious.
28 In the way of righteousness is life,
and in its pathway there is no death.
The Holy Bible, Modern English Version. Copyright © 2014 by Military Bible Association. Published and distributed by Charisma House.