Proverbs 11

1Dishonest scales are an abomination to Yahweh, but a full weight is his delight.

2When arrogance comes, disgrace comes also, but with the humble is wisdom.

3The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous ruins them.

4Wealth is of no use on the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.

5The righteousness of the blameless makes his way straight, but the wicked falls by his wickedness.

6The righteousness of the upright rescues them, but the treacherous are caught by their own desire.

7When a wicked man dies, his hope perishes, and the expectation of strength comes to nothing.

8The righteous is rescued from trouble, and the wicked comes in his place.

9With his mouth the godless man destroys his neighbor, but by knowledge the righteous are delivered.

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

11By the blessing of the upright a city rises, but by the mouth of the wicked it is torn down.

12Whoever despises his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding keeps silent.

13A gossip reveals a secret, but a trustworthy person keeps a matter confidential.

14Without guidance a people falls, but with many counselors there is deliverance.

15Whoever guarantees for a stranger will surely suffer harm, but whoever hates making pledges is safe.

16A gracious woman holds on to honor, and ruthless men hold on to wealth.

17A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man troubles his own flesh.

18A wicked man does deceptive work, but one who sows righteousness earns a reliable reward.

19So righteousness leads to life, but whoever pursues evil heads toward his own death.

20Those whose hearts are crooked are an abomination to Yahweh, but those blameless in their way are his delight.

21Surely, the wicked will not go unpunished, but the offspring of the righteous will escape.

22Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion.

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

24There is one who scatters, yet gains still more; and one who withholds more than is right, only to become poor.

25A generous person will prosper, and whoever refreshes others will himself be refreshed.

26The one who withholds grain—the people curse him, but blessing is on the head of the one who sells it.

27Whoever diligently seeks good seeks favor, but whoever seeks evil—it will come upon him.

28Whoever trusts in his wealth will fall, but the righteous will flourish like leaves.

29Whoever troubles his own household will inherit wind, and the fool will be a servant to the wise in heart.

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

31Indeed, the righteous is repaid on earth—how much more the wicked and the sinner.