Which Bible translation is shown on Proverbs 12?

This page reproduces the public-domain World English Bible Protestant edition.

How should I cite a verse in Proverbs 12?

Use the book, chapter, and verse, and name the World English Bible when the wording matters.

Proverbs 12 (WEB) — Full Text

Old Testament

Proverbs 12

1Whoever loves correction loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.

2A good man shall obtain favor from the LORD, but he will condemn a man of wicked plans.

3A man shall not be established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.

4A worthy woman is the crown of her husband, but a disgraceful wife is as rottenness in his bones.

5The thoughts of the righteous are just, but the advice of the wicked is deceitful.

6The words of the wicked are about lying in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them.

7The wicked are overthrown, and are no more, but the house of the righteous shall stand.

8A man shall be commended according to his wisdom, but he who has a warped mind shall be despised.

9Better is he who is little known, and has a servant, than he who honors himself and lacks bread.

10A righteous man respects the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

11He who tills his land shall have plenty of bread, but he who chases fantasies is void of understanding.

12The wicked desires the plunder of evil men, but the root of the righteous flourishes.

13An evil man is trapped by sinfulness of lips, but the righteous shall come out of trouble.

14A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth. The work of a man’s hands shall be rewarded to him.

15The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who is wise listens to counsel.

16A fool shows his annoyance the same day, but one who overlooks an insult is prudent.

17He who is truthful testifies honestly, but a false witness lies.

18There is one who speaks rashly like the piercing of a sword, but the tongue of the wise heals.

19Truth’s lips will be established forever, but a lying tongue is only momentary.

20Deceit is in the heart of those who plot evil, but joy comes to the promoters of peace.

21No mischief shall happen to the righteous, but the wicked shall be filled with evil.

22Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who do the truth are his delight.

23A prudent man keeps his knowledge, but the hearts of fools proclaim foolishness.

24The hands of the diligent ones shall rule, but laziness ends in slave labor.

25Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but a kind word makes it glad.

26A righteous person is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.

27The slothful man doesn’t roast his game, but the possessions of diligent men are prized.

28In the way of righteousness is life; in its path there is no death.

READ IN CONTEXT

Before applying this chapter

Wisdom for character, speech, work, relationships, justice, money, and reverence for God. Read Proverbs 12 within the complete Proverbs overview, and use the contextual Bible reading guide before forming a personal application. Chapter divisions aid navigation, but the literary unit may begin earlier or continue into the next chapter.

Observe first

Mark repeated words, changes of speaker, commands, promises, contrasts, questions, and the relationship between paragraphs.

Apply responsibly

Distinguish description from command and immediate audience from later readers before forming a personal application.

TEXT-DERIVED READING NOTES

What to notice in Proverbs 12

Proverbs 12 contains 28 verses and about 444 words in this translation. These observations come from the chapter itself; they are prompts for close reading, not claims about its only possible meaning.

The opening movement

Verse 1 begins: “Whoever loves correction loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.” Ask what situation, voice, image, or argument this opening establishes for everything that follows.

The closing movement

Verse 28 closes: “In the way of righteousness is life; in its path there is no death.” Compare the ending with the opening and note what changed, resolved, intensified, or remained open.

Vocabulary worth tracing

Recurring or prominent content words include wicked, righteous, evil, lying, lips, loves. Follow where each word appears and whether its meaning shifts with the speaker or setting.

COMMON QUESTIONS

About Proverbs 12

Which Bible translation is shown here?+

This page reproduces the World English Bible Protestant edition (WEBP), a modern-English translation dedicated to the public domain.

How should I cite a specific verse?+

Use the book, chapter, and verse—for example, Proverbs 12:1—and name the World English Bible if the wording matters. Each verse number above is a direct anchor link.

Does the chapter number define the complete literary unit?+

Not always. Chapter and verse numbers were added for navigation. Check the paragraphs, scenes, poetic stanzas, or argument before and after this chapter.