Proverbs 12:17-28

English Standard Version

¹⁷^(A)Whoever speaks^[a] the truth gives honest evidence,
    but ^(B)a false witness utters deceit.
¹⁸^(C)There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts,
    but the tongue of the wise brings ^(D)healing.
¹⁹Truthful lips endure forever,
    but ^(E)a lying tongue is but for a moment.
²⁰Deceit is in the heart of ^(F)those who devise evil,
    but those who plan peace have joy.
²¹^(G)No ill befalls the righteous,
    but the wicked are filled with trouble.
²²^(H)Lying lips are ^(I)an abomination to the Lord,
    ^(J)but those who act faithfully are his delight.
²³^(K)A prudent man conceals knowledge,
    ^(L)but the heart of fools proclaims folly.
²⁴^(M)The hand of the diligent will rule,
    while the slothful will be ^(N)put to forced labor.
²⁵^(O)Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down,
    but a good word makes him glad.
²⁶One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor,^[b]
    but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
²⁷^(P)Whoever is slothful will not roast his game,
    but the diligent man will get precious wealth.^[c]
²⁸^(Q)In the path of righteousness is life,
    and in its pathway there is no death.