Proverbs 11

1 Yahweh hates scales that are not accurate, but he delights in a precise weight.⋮

2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.⋮

3 The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crooked ways of the treacherous destroy them.⋮

4 Wealth is worthless on the day of wrath, but doing right keeps you from death.⋮

5 The right conduct of a blameless person makes his way straight, but the wicked will fall because of their own wickedness.⋮

6 The right conduct of those who please God keeps them safe, but the treacherous are trapped by their cravings.⋮

7 When a wicked man dies, his hope perishes and the hope that was in his strength comes to nothing.⋮

8 The righteous person is kept away from trouble and it comes upon the wicked instead.⋮

9 With his mouth the godless person destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge righteous people are kept safe.⋮

10 When righteous people prosper, a city rejoices; when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy.⋮

11 Through the good gifts of those who please God, the city becomes great; by the mouth of the wicked, the city is torn down.⋮

12 The man who has contempt for his friend has no sense, but a man of understanding keeps quiet.⋮

13 Whoever goes around slandering reveals secrets, but a faithful person keeps a matter covered.⋮

14 Where there is no wise direction, a nation falls, but victory comes by consulting many advisors.⋮

15 Whoever guarantees a loan for a stranger will surely suffer harm, but the one who hates giving a pledge in that kind of promise is safe.⋮

16 A gracious woman gets honor, but ruthless people grasp for wealth.⋮

17 A kind person benefits himself, but one who is cruel hurts himself.⋮

18 The wicked person lies to get his wages, but one who sows what is right reaps the wages of truth.⋮

19 An honest person who does what is right will live, but the one who pursues evil will die.⋮

20 Yahweh hates those whose hearts are perverse, but he delights in those whose ways are blameless.⋮

21 Be sure of this—the wicked person will not go unpunished, but the descendants of righteous people will be kept safe.⋮

22 Like a gold ring in a pig's nose is a beautiful woman without discretion.⋮

23 The desires of righteous people result in good, but wicked people can only hope for wrath.⋮

24 There is one who scatters—he will accumulate even more; another withholds what he should give—he comes to poverty.⋮

25 The generous person will prosper and the one who gives water to others will have water for himself.⋮

26 People curse the man who refuses to sell grain, but good gifts crown the head of him who sells it.⋮

27 The one who diligently seeks good is also seeking favor, but the one who searches for evil will find it.⋮

28 Those who trust in their riches will fall, but like the leaf, righteous people will flourish.⋮

29 The one who brings trouble on his own household will inherit the wind and the fool will become a servant to the wise of heart.⋮

30 The righteous person will be like a tree of life, but violence takes away lives.⋮

31 Behold! The righteous person receives what he deserves; how much more the wicked and the sinner!⋮