Righteous Behavior
11 Dishonest scales are disgusting[a] to the Lord
but an accurate weight wins his approval.
2 When arrogance comes, shame follows,
but with humility comes wisdom.
3 The integrity of the upright guides them,
but the dishonesty of the treacherous destroys them.
4 Riches are of no help on the day of fury,
but righteousness saves from death.
5 The righteousness of honest people makes their way smooth,
but because of his wickedness a wicked person falls.
6 The righteousness of upright people rescues them,
but treacherous people are trapped by their own desire.
7 At the death of a wicked man, his hope will perish,
and his confidence in his strength[b] perishes.
8 A righteous person is rescued from trouble,
and a wicked person takes his place.
9 With his mouth the godless person destroys his neighbor,
but righteous people are rescued by knowledge.
10 When the righteous prosper, a city rejoices,
and when the wicked perish, there is a shout of joy.
11 Through the blessing of upright citizens, a city is raised up,
but by the mouth of the wicked, it is torn down.
12 A person who lacks sense despises his neighbor,
but an understanding person keeps silent.
13 A gossip goes around betraying secrets,
but a trustworthy spirit keeps a matter confidential.
14 Without guidance people fall,
but in many advisors there is safety.
15 Guaranteeing a loan for a stranger leads to trouble,
but one who hates to shake hands[c] remains secure.
16 A gracious woman takes hold of honor,
but ruthless men take hold of riches.[d]
17 A merciful man benefits his own soul,
but a cruel man brings trouble on his own flesh.
18 A wicked person earns deceptive wages,
but one who sows righteousness reaps a true reward.
19 Just as righteousness leads to life,
pursuing evil leads to death.
20 Perverted hearts are disgusting to the Lord,
but his favor rests on those whose way has integrity.
21 Be sure of this: An evil person will not go unpunished,
but the children of the righteous will escape.
22 The beauty of a woman who lacks moral judgment
is like a gold ring in a pig’s snout.
23 The desire of the righteous leads only to good.
The hope of the wicked leads to fury.
24 One person scatters his wealth, but it still increases.
Another hoards it unjustly, but this leads only to poverty.
25 A person who spreads blessings will be enriched.
One who gives a refreshing drink will be refreshed.
26 People curse the person who hoards grain,
but a blessing rests on the head of one who sells it.
27 Whoever searches for good seeks favor,
but whoever pursues evil will find it.
28 Whoever trusts his wealth will fall,
but righteous people will flourish like green plants.
29 Whoever troubles his household will inherit the wind,
and a stubborn fool will be a slave to a person with a wise heart.
30 The fruit of a righteous person is a tree of life,
and one who harvests souls is wise.
31 If a righteous person is paid back on earth,
how much more a wicked person or a sinner!
Footnotes
- Proverbs 11:1 Or repulsive or an abomination
- Proverbs 11:7 Or wealth
- Proverbs 11:15 Or make a deal
- Proverbs 11:16 The Greek text has a longer double proverb here: A gracious woman takes hold of honor, ⎣and she who hates virtue sets up a throne for dishonor. The lazy become destitute,⎦ but ruthless men take hold of riches.