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.

4An[a] 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.
6The words of the wicked are, “Lie in wait for blood,”
But the mouth of the upright will deliver them.

7The 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.

9Better is the one who is [b]slighted but has a servant,
Than he who honors himself but lacks bread.

10A righteous man regards the life of his animal,
But the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

11He who [c]tills his land will be satisfied with bread,
But he who follows [d]frivolity is devoid of [e]understanding.

12The wicked covet the catch of evil men,
But the root of the righteous yields fruit.
13The wicked is ensnared by the transgression of his lips,
But the righteous will come through trouble.
14A 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.

15The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,
But he who heeds counsel is wise.
16A fool’s wrath is known at once,
But a prudent man covers shame.

17He who speaks truth declares righteousness,
But a false witness, deceit.
18There 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.
21No grave [f]trouble will overtake the righteous,
But the wicked shall be filled with evil.
22Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord,
But those who deal truthfully are His delight.

23A prudent man conceals knowledge,
But the heart of fools proclaims foolishness.

24The hand of the diligent will rule,
But the lazy man will be put to forced labor.

25Anxiety 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.