1  Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.

2  A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.

3  A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.

4  A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed 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 to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.

7  The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.

8  A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.

9  He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.

10  A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

11  He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.

12  The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.

13  The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.

14  A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him.

15  The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.

16  A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.

17  He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.

18  There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.

19  The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

20  Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.

21  There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.

22  Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.

23  A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.

24  The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.

25  Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.

26  The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.

27  The slothful man roasteth not 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 the pathway thereof there is no death.