Proverbs chapter 12 reveals the contrast between the righteous and the wicked, wisdom and folly. The passage reminds us that true wisdom lies in fearing God, speaking truthfully, and working diligently. Fools think themselves right but fall into ruin; the righteous, who act with honesty, will find stability and peace. This chapter is full of life wisdom and spiritual revelation—teaching us to be careful in our speech and upright in our actions, so that life may bear fruit in the path of righteousness.

Proverbs Chapter 12
(From the 1919 edition of the Chinese Bible, in the public domain)

Those who love discipline love knowledge; those who hate reprimand are like beasts.
The righteous will receive the Lord’s favor, but the wicked will be condemned by the Lord.
A person cannot stand by evil deeds, but the foundation of the righteous will not be shaken.
A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband, but a shameful woman is like rotten bones.
The thoughts of the righteous are just; the schemes of the wicked are deceitful.
The words of the wicked ambush bloodshed, but the mouth of the upright delivers salvation.
The wicked will perish, but the house of the righteous will stand.
A person will be praised according to their own wisdom, but the perverse in their heart will be despised.
Being despised by others, yet having servants, is better than having self-respect, even if one lacks food.
The righteous spare the life of their animals; the mercy of the wicked is cruelty.
Those who cultivate their own land will have plenty to eat, but those who follow vanity are ignorant.
The wicked seek to be caught in the snare of the wicked, but the root of the righteous is made strong.
The faults in the mouth of the wicked are a snare to themselves; but the righteous will be delivered from trouble.
A person will be satisfied with the fruit of their mouth and will be rewarded with the work of their hands.
The actions of a fool are right in his own eyes, but the wise will listen to advice.
The anger of a fool is immediately apparent; the wise endure humiliation and conceal shame.
He who speaks the truth demonstrates righteousness, but he who bears false witness demonstrates deceit.
A rash tongue is like a knife, but the tongue of a wise person is a healing balm.
Truth from the mouth stands forever, but lies from the tongue last only a moment.
Those who plot evil are deceitful, but those who encourage peace find joy.
The righteous will not suffer any calamity, but the wicked will be full of misfortune.
The Lord abhors a lying mouth, but delights in those who act truthfully.
The wise hide their knowledge; the mind of the fool reveals their foolishness.
The hand of the diligent will be in power, but the lazy will suffer hardship.
People are often anxious and hesitant; a kind word can bring them joy.
The righteous guide their neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
The lazy do not roast what they have hunted, but the diligent obtain valuable possessions.
There is life in the path of righteousness; there is no death in its way.