1 He that loves instruction loves sense, but he that hates reproofs is a fool.
2 He that has found favour with the Lord [is made] better; but a transgressor shall be passed over in silence.ᵃ
3 A man shall not prosper by wickedness; but the roots of the righteous shall not be taken up.
4 A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband; but as a worm in wood, so a bad woman destroys her husband.
5 The thoughts of the righteous [are true] judgments; but ungodly men devise deceits.
6 The words of ungodly men are crafty; but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.
7 When the ungodly is overthrown, he vanishes away; but the houses of the just remain.
8 The mouth of an understanding [man] is praised by a man; but he that is dull of heart is had in derision.
9 Better is a man in dishonour serving himself, than one honouring himself and wanting bread.
10 A righteous man has pity for the lives of his cattle; but the bowels of the ungodly are unmerciful.
11 He that tills his own land shall be satisfied with bread; but they that pursue vanities are void of understanding.
12 The desires of the ungodly are evil; but the roots of the godly are firmly set.
13 For the sin of [his] lips a sinner falls into snares; but a righteous man escapes from them.
14 The 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.
15 The ways of fools are right in their own eyes; but a wise man hearkens to counsels.
16 A fool declares his wrath the same day; but a prudent man hides his own disgrace.
17 A righteous man declares the open truth; but an unjust witness is deceitful.
18 Some wound as they speak, [like] swords; but the tongues of the wise heal.
19 True lips establish testimony; but a hasty witness has an unjust tongue.
20 [There is] deceit in the heart of him that imagines evil; but they that love peace shall rejoice.
21 No injustice will please a just man; but the ungodly will be filled with mischief.
22 Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord; but he that deals faithfully is accepted with him.
23 An understanding man is a throne of wisdom; but the heart of fools shall meet with curses.
24 The hand of chosen men shall easily obtain rule; but the deceitful shall be for a prey.
25 A terrible word troubles the heart of a righteous man; but a good message rejoices him.
26 A just arbitrator shall be his own friend; but mischief shall pursue sinners; and the way of ungodly men shall lead them astray.
27 A deceitful man shall catch no game; but a blameless man is a precious possession.ᵇ
28 In the ways of righteousness is life; but the ways of those that remember injuries [lead] to death.