¹² The wicked covet the catch of evil men,
But the root of the righteous yields fruit.
^13 (A)The wicked is ensnared by the transgression of his lips,
^(B)But the righteous will come through trouble.
^14 (C)A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth,
^(D)And the recompense of a man’s hands will be rendered to him.

^15 (E)The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,
But he who heeds counsel is wise.
^16 (F)A fool’s wrath is known at once,
But a prudent man covers shame.

^17 (G)He who speaks truth declares righteousness,
But a false witness, deceit.
^18 (H)There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword,
But the tongue of the wise promotes health.
¹⁹ The truthful lip shall be established forever,
^(I)But a lying tongue is but for a moment.
²⁰ Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil,
But counselors of peace have joy.
^21 (J)No grave ^[a]trouble will overtake the righteous,
But the wicked shall be filled with evil.
^22 (K)Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord,
But those who deal truthfully are His delight.

^23 (L)A prudent man conceals knowledge,
But the heart of fools proclaims foolishness.

^24 (M)The hand of the diligent will rule,
But the lazy man will be put to forced labor.