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Proverbs chapter 12

English Standard Version

1Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid. 2A good man obtains favor from the Lord, but a man of evil devices he condemns. 3No one is established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous will never be moved. 4 An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones. 5 The thoughts of the righteous are just; the counsels of the wicked are deceitful. 6The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the mouth of the upright delivers them. 7 The wicked are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous will stand. 8A man is commended according to his good sense, but one of twisted mind is despised. 9Better to be lowly and have a servant than to play the great man and lack bread. 10 Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel. 11 Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense. 12Whoever is wicked covets the spoil of evildoers, but the root of the righteous bears fruit. 13An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, but the righteous escapes from trouble. 14From the fruit of his mouth a man is satisfied with good, and the work of a man 's hand comes back to him. 15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice. 16 The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult. 17 Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit. 18 There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. 19Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment. 20Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but those who plan peace have joy. 21 No ill befalls the righteous, but the wicked are filled with trouble. 22 Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight. 23 A prudent man conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims folly. 24 The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor. 25 Anxiety in a man 's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad. 26One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray. 27 Whoever is slothful will not roast his game, but the diligent man will get precious wealth. 28 In the path of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death.
New International Version

1Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid.
2Good people obtain favor from the Lord, but he condemns those who devise wicked schemes.
3No one can be established through wickedness, but the righteous cannot be uprooted.
4A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.
5The plans of the righteous are just, but the advice of the wicked is deceitful.
6The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them.
7The wicked are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous stands firm.
8A person is praised according to their prudence, and one with a warped mind is despised.
9Better to be a nobody and yet have a servant than pretend to be somebody and have no food.
10The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.
11Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense.
12The wicked desire the stronghold of evildoers, but the root of the righteous endures.
13Evildoers are trapped by their sinful talk, and so the innocent escape trouble.
14From the fruit of their lips people are filled with good things, and the work of their hands brings them reward.
15The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.
16Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult.
17An honest witness tells the truth, but a false witness tells lies.
18The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
19Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.
20Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy.
21No harm overtakes the righteous, but the wicked have their fill of trouble.
22The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.
23The prudent keep their knowledge to themselves, but a fool’s heart blurts out folly.
24Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor.
25Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.
26The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
27The lazy do not roast any game, but the diligent feed on the riches of the hunt. 28In the way of righteousness there is life; along that path is immortality.
New American Standard Bible

1One who loves discipline loves knowledge, But one who hates rebuke is stupid. 2A good person will obtain favor from the Lord, But He will condemn a person who devises evil. 3A person will not be established by wickedness, But the root of the righteous will not be moved. 4An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, But she who shames him is like rottenness in his bones. 5The thoughts of the righteous are just, But the counsels of the wicked are deceitful. 6The words of the wicked wait in ambush for blood, But the mouth of the upright will rescue them. 7The wicked are overthrown and are no more, But the house of the righteous will stand. 8A person will be praised according to his insight, But one of perverse mind will be despised. 9Better is one who is lightly esteemed and has a servant, Than one who honors himself and lacks bread. 10A righteous person has regard for the life of his animal, But even the compassion of the wicked is cruel. 11One who works his land will have plenty of bread, But one who pursues worthless things lacks sense. 12The wicked person desires the plunder of evil people, But the root of the righteous yields fruit. 13 An evil person is ensnared by the offense of his lips, But the righteous will escape from trouble. 14A person will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his words, And the deeds of a person’s hands will return to him. 15The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But a person who listens to advice is wise. 16A fool’s anger is known at once, But a prudent person conceals dishonor. 17One who declares truth tells what is right, But a false witness, deceit. 18There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, But the tongue of the wise brings healing. 19Truthful lips will endure forever, But a lying tongue is only for a moment. 20Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, But counselors of peace have joy. 21No harm happens to the righteous, But the wicked are filled with trouble. 22Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, But those who deal faithfully are His delight. 23A prudent person conceals knowledge, But the heart of fools proclaims foolishness. 24The hand of the diligent will rule, But the lazy hand will be put to forced labor. 25Anxiety in a person’s heart weighs it down, But a good word makes it glad. 26The righteous person is a guide to his neighbor, But the way of the wicked leads them astray. 27 A lazy person does not roast his prey, But the precious possession of a person is diligence. 28In the way of righteousness there is life, And in its pathway there is no death.
Christian Standard Bible

1Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but one who hates correction is stupid.
2One who is good obtains favor from the Lord, but he condemns a person who schemes.
3No one can be made secure by wickedness, but the root of the righteous is immovable.
4A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but a wife who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones.
5The thoughts of the righteous are just, but guidance from the wicked is deceitful.
6The words of the wicked are a deadly ambush, but the speech of the upright rescues them.
7The wicked are overthrown and perish, but the house of the righteous will stand.
8A man is praised for his insight, but a twisted mind is despised.
9Better to be disregarded, yet have a servant, than to act important but have no food.
10The righteous cares about his animal’s health, but even the merciful acts of the wicked are cruel.
11The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies lacks sense.
12The wicked desire what evil people have caught, but the root of the righteous is productive.
13By rebellious speech an evil person is trapped, but a righteous person escapes from trouble.
14A person will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth, and the work of a person’s hands will reward him.
15A fool’s way is right in his own eyes, but whoever listens to counsel is wise.
16A fool’s displeasure is known at once, but whoever ignores an insult is sensible.
17Whoever speaks the truth declares what is right, but a false witness speaks deceit.
18There is one who speaks rashly, like a piercing sword; but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
19Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue, only a moment.
20Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy.
21No disaster overcomes the righteous, but the wicked are full of misery.
22Lying lips are detestable to the Lord, but faithful people are his delight.
23A shrewd person conceals knowledge, but a foolish heart publicizes stupidity.
24The diligent hand will rule, but laziness will lead to forced labor.
25Anxiety in a person’s heart weighs it down, but a good word cheers it up.
26A righteous person is careful in dealing with his neighbor, but the ways of the wicked lead them astray.
27A lazy hunter doesn’t roast his game, but to a diligent person, his wealth is precious. 28There is life in the path of righteousness, and in its path there is no death.
New Living Translation

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.
King James Version

1Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.
2A good man obtaineth 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 not be moved.
4A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed 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 wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.
9He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, 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 land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.
12The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.
13The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.
14A 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.
15The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.
16A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.
17He that speaketh truth sheweth forth 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 imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.
21There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.
22Lying lips are 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.
25Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.
26The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.
27The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.
28In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death.
New King James Version

1Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, But he who hates correction is stupid. 2A good man obtains favor from the Lord, But a man of wicked intentions He will condemn. 3A man is not established by wickedness, But the root of the righteous cannot be moved. 4 An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, But she who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones. 5The thoughts of the righteous are right, But the counsels of the wicked are deceitful. 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 no more, But the house of the righteous will stand. 8A man will be commended according to his wisdom, But he who is of a perverse heart will be despised. 9 Better is the one who is slighted but has a servant, Than he who honors himself but 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 frivolity is devoid of understanding. 12The wicked covet the catch of evil men, But the root of the righteous yields fruit. 13 The wicked is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, But the righteous will come through 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 heeds counsel is wise. 16 A fool’s wrath is known at once, But a prudent man covers shame. 17 He who speaks truth declares righteousness, But a false witness, deceit. 18 There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, But the tongue of the wise promotes health. 19The truthful lip shall be established forever, But a lying tongue is but for a moment. 20Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, But counselors of peace have joy. 21 No grave trouble will overtake the righteous, But the wicked shall be filled with evil. 22 Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, But those who deal truthfully 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 lazy man will be put to forced labor. 25 Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad. 26The righteous should choose his friends carefully, For the way of the wicked leads them astray. 27The lazy man does not roast what he took in hunting, But diligence is man’s precious possession. 28In the way of righteousness is life, And in its pathway there is no death.

What does Proverbs chapter 12 mean?

Chapter 12 continues to offer individual statements of common sense and godly wisdom.

The first portion of this chapter compares the various lifestyles of God-fearing people (Proverbs 1:7) to the lives of those who choose foolishness and sin. Among the highlights of this advice is the "stupidity"—the irrationality—of those who refuse to take good advice. Likewise, it is noted that it's better to "be" successful, even if others do not know it, rather than to "appear" successful and be a failure. Solomon also connects a person's treatment of animals to their righteousness (Proverbs 12:1–11).

The next part of chapter 12 makes frequent references to speech. Those who lie put themselves at risk: their own deceit, eventually, contradicts itself and they will be caught. Those who patiently hold their tongue, waiting to speak until they have something useful and helpful to say, are wise. In contrast are those who can't control their speech, hurting other people and damaging their own reputation in the process. Of special distaste to God are those who persistently lie (Proverbs 12:12–23).

The last statements of this chapter return to the opposing results of godliness, versus sin. Hard work, honesty, goodness, and kind words benefit a person and those around him. Laziness, lies, and rebellion against God are paths to disaster (Proverbs 12:24–28).
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