The Tanakh · JPS 1917 Translation

Proverbs 12

Jewish Publication Society 1917 · Ketuvim — the Writings

Proverbs chapter 12 — part of the Ketuvim — the Writings in the Jewish Bible. In the classic JPS 1917 translation it opens: “Whoso loveth knowledge loveth correction; but he that is brutish hateth reproof.” — the complete text of all 28 verses is below, free to read online.

1Whoso loveth knowledge loveth correction; but he that is brutish hateth reproof.

2A good man shall obtain favour of HaShem; but a man of wicked devices will He condemn.

3A man shall not be established by wickedness; but the root of the righteous shall never be moved.

4A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband; but she that doeth shamefully 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 intelligence; but he that is of a distorted understanding shall be despised.

9Better is he that is lightly esteemed, and hath a servant, than he that playeth the man of rank, 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 ground shall have plenty of bread; but he that followeth after vain things is void of understanding.

12The wicked desireth the prey of evil men; but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.

13In the transgression of the lips is a snare to the evil man; but the righteous cometh out of trouble.

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

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

16A fool's vexation is presently known; but a prudent man concealeth shame.

17He that breatheth forth truth uttereth 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 devise evil; but to the counsellors of peace is joy.

21There shall no mischief befall the righteous; but the wicked are filled with evil.

22Lying lips are an abomination to HaShem; 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.

25Care in the heart of a man boweth it down; but a good word maketh it glad.

26The righteous is guided by his friend; but the way of the wicked leadeth them astray.

27The slothful man shall not hunt his prey; but the precious substance of men is to be diligent.

28In the way of righteousness is life, and in the pathway thereof there is no death.

28 verses · JPS 1917 (public domain)

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