Proverbs 11

1 A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.

2 When pride comes, then comes shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.

3 The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.

4 Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivers from death.

5 The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.

6 The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness.

7 When a wicked man dies, his expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust men perishes.

8 The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked comes in his position.

9 An hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.

10 When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting.

11 By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.

12 He that is void of wisdom despises his neighbour: but a man of understanding holds his peace.

13 A talebearer reveals secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit conceals the matter.

14 Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.

15 He that is guarantor for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hates standing for surety is sure.

16 A gracious woman retains honour: and strong men retain riches.

17 The merciful man does good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubles his own flesh.

18 The wicked works a deceitful work: but to him that sows righteousness shall be a sure reward.

19 As righteousness tends to life: so he that pursues evil pursues it to his own death.

20 They that are of a perverse heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.

21 Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.

22 As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.

23 The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.

24 There is that scatters, and yet increases; and there is that withholds more than is meet, but it tends to poverty.

25 The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that waters shall be watered also himself.

26 He that withholds corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that sells it.

27 He that diligently seeks good procures favour: but he that seeks mischief, it shall come unto him.

28 He that trusts in his riches shall fall; but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.

29 He that troubles his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.

30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that wins souls is wise.

31 Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.