Proverbs 11

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

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

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

4 Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth 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 they that deal treacherously shall be taken in their own mischief.

7 When a wicked man dieth [his] expectation shall perish: and the hope of iniquity perisheth.

8 The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead.

9 With his mouth the godless man destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the righteous be delivered.

10 When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: 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 despiseth his neighbour is void of wisdom: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.

13 He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.

14 Where no wise guidance is, the people falleth: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.

15 He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: but he that hateth suretiship is sure.

16 A gracious woman retaineth honour: and violent men retain riches.

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

18 The wicked earneth deceitful wages: but he that soweth righteousness [hath] a sure reward.

19 He that is stedfast in righteousness [shall attain] unto life: and he that pursueth evil [doeth it] to his own death.

20 They that are perverse in heart are an abomination to the LORD: but such as are perfect in [their] way are his delight.

21 [Though] hand [join] in hand, the evil man 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 scattereth, and increaseth yet more; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but [it tendeth] only to want.

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

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

27 He that diligently seeketh good seeketh favour: but he that searcheth after mischief, it shall come unto him.

28 He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as the green leaf.

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

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

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