English Standard Version

Proverbs 12:8-17 English Standard Version (ESV)

8. A man is commended according to his good sense,but one of twisted mind is despised.

9. Better to be lowly and have a servantthan 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.

12. Whoever is wicked covets the spoil of evildoers,but the root of the righteous bears fruit.

13. An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, but the righteous escapes from trouble.

14. From 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.