12:16 A fool’s annoyance 1 is known at once, 2
but the prudent 3 overlooks 4 an insult.
12:17 The faithful witness 5 tells what is right, 6
but a false witness 7 speaks 8 deceit.
12:18 Speaking recklessly 9 is like the thrusts of a sword,
but the words 10 of the wise bring 11 healing. 12
12:19 The one who tells the truth 13 will endure forever,
but the one who lies 14 will last only for a moment. 15
12:20 Deceit is in the heart of those who plot evil, 16
but those who promote peace 17 have joy.
12:21 The righteous do not encounter 18 any harm, 19
but the wicked are filled with calamity. 20
12:22 The Lord 21 abhors a person who lies, 22
but those who deal truthfully 23 are his delight. 24
12:23 The shrewd person 25 conceals 26 knowledge,
but foolish people 27 publicize folly. 28
12:24 The diligent 29 person 30 will rule,
but the slothful 31 will become a slave. 32
12:25 Anxiety 33 in a person’s heart 34 weighs him down, 35
but an encouraging 36 word brings him joy. 37
12:26 The righteous person is cautious in his friendship, 38
but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
12:27 The lazy person does not roast 39 his prey,
but personal possessions 40 are precious to the diligent.
12:28 In the path of righteousness there is life,
but another path leads to death. 41