Proverbs 13:12-22

12 Delayed hope makes the heart sick, but fulfilled desire is a tree of life.^[a]

13 The one who has contempt for instruction will pay the penalty, but the one who respects a command will be rewarded.^[b]

14 A wise man's instruction is a fountain of life, turning people away from the snares of death.^[c]

15 Good sense wins favor, but the way of the treacherous never changes.^[d]

16 Every sensible person acts knowledgeably, but a fool displays his stupidity.

17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a trustworthy courier [brings] healing.^[e]

18 Poverty and disgrace [come to] those who ignore instruction, but the one who accepts rebuke will be honored.^[f]

19 Desire fulfilled is sweet to the taste, but fools hate to turn from evil.^[g]

20 The one who walks with the wise will become wise, but a companion of fools will suffer harm.

21 Disaster pursues sinners, but good rewards the righteous.

22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his^[h] grandchildren, but the sinner's wealth is stored up for the righteous.^[i]

Footnotes

• [a]. Pr 11:30; 15:4
• [b]. Pr 3:1-2; 4:4; 6:23
• [c]. Pr 10:11; 14:27; Ps 116:3
• [d]. LXX, Syr, Tg read treacherous will perish
• [e]. Pr 25:13
• [f]. Pr 5:12-14; 12:1; 15:31-33
• [g]. Pr 16:22; 29:27
• [h]. Or inheritance: his
• [i]. Pr 28:8; Jb 27:13-17; Ec 2:26