New Living Translation

1 To learn, you must love discipline;<br>it is stupid to hate correction.<br> 2 The LORD approves of those who are good,<br>but he condemns those who plan wickedness.<br> 3 Wickedness never brings stability,<br>but the godly have deep roots.<br> 4 A worthy wife is a crown for her husband,<br>but a disgraceful woman is like cancer in his bones.<br> 5 The plans of the godly are just;<br>the advice of the wicked is treacherous.<br> 6 The words of the wicked are like a murderous ambush,<br>but the words of the godly save lives.<br> 7 The wicked die and disappear,<br>but the family of the godly stands firm.<br> 8 A sensible person wins admiration,<br>but a warped mind is despised.<br> 9 Better to be an ordinary person with a servant<br>than to be self-important but have no food.<br> 10 The godly care for their animals,<br>but the wicked are always cruel.<br> 11 A hard worker has plenty of food,<br>but a person who chases fantasies has no sense.<br> 12 Thieves are jealous of each other’s loot,<br>but the godly are well rooted and bear their own fruit.<br> 13 The wicked are trapped by their own words,<br>but the godly escape such trouble.<br> 14 Wise words bring many benefits,<br>and hard work brings rewards.<br> 15 Fools think their own way is right,<br>but the wise listen to others.<br> 16 A fool is quick-tempered,<br>but a wise person stays calm when insulted.<br> 17 An honest witness tells the truth;<br>a false witness tells lies.<br> 18 Some people make cutting remarks,<br>but the words of the wise bring healing.<br> 19 Truthful words stand the test of time,<br>but lies are soon exposed.<br> 20 Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil;<br>joy fills hearts that are planning peace!<br> 21 No harm comes to the godly,<br>but the wicked have their fill of trouble.<br> 22 The LORD detests lying lips,<br>but he delights in those who tell the truth.<br> 23 The wise don’t make a show of their knowledge,<br>but fools broadcast their foolishness.<br> 24 Work hard and become a leader;<br>be lazy and become a slave.<br> 25 Worry weighs a person down;<br>an encouraging word cheers a person up.<br> 26 The godly give good advice to their friends;<br>the wicked lead them astray.<br> 27 Lazy people don’t even cook the game they catch,<br>but the diligent make use of everything they find.<br> 28 The way of the godly leads to life;<br>that path does not lead to death.<br>