Proverbs 11

1 A false balance is an abomination to Jehovah; 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 the treacherous shall be taken in their own iniquity.

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 neighbor; 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 neighbor is void of wisdom; But a man of understanding holdeth his peace.

13 He that goeth about as a tale-bearer revealeth secrets; But he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth a 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 suretyship is secure.

16 A gracious woman obtaineth honor; And violent men obtain 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 Jehovah; 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 ring of gold in a swine’s snout, So is a fair woman that 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 grain, the people shall curse him; But blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.

27 He that diligently seeketh good seeketh favor; But he that searcheth after evil, 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!

Proverbs 11

Watch what you say and do

1 The Lord hates anyone
who cheats,
but he likes everyone
who is honest.

2 Too much pride
can put you to shame.
It's wiser to be humble.

3 If you do the right thing,
honesty will be your guide.
But if you are crooked,
you will be trapped
by your own dishonesty.

4 When God is angry,
money won't help you.
Obeying God is the only way
to be saved from death.

5 If you are truly good,
you will do right;
if you are wicked,
you will be destroyed
by your own sin.

6 Honesty can keep you safe,
but if you can't be trusted,
you trap yourself.

7 When the wicked die,
their hopes die with them.

8 Trouble goes right past
the Lord's people
and strikes the wicked.

9 Dishonest people use gossip
to destroy their neighbours;
good people are protected
by their own good sense.

10 When honest people prosper
and the wicked disappear,
the whole city celebrates.

11 When God blesses his people,
their city prospers,
but deceitful liars
can destroy a city.

12 It's stupid to say bad things
about your neighbours.
If you are sensible,
you will keep quiet.

13 A gossip tells everything,
but a true friend
will keep a secret.

14 A city without wise leaders
will end up in ruin;
a city with many wise leaders
will be kept safe.

15 It's a dangerous thing
to guarantee payment
for someone's debts.
Don't do it!

16 A gracious woman
will be respected,
but a man must work hard
to get rich.t

17 Kindness is rewarded—
but if you are cruel,
you hurt yourself.

18 Meanness gets you nowhere,
but goodness is rewarded.

19 Always do the right thing,
and you will live;
keep on doing wrong,
and you will die.

20 The Lord hates cunning people,
but he likes everyone
who lives right.

21 You can be sure of this:
all crooks will be punished,
but God's people won't.

22 A beautiful woman
who acts foolishly
is like a gold ring
on the snout of a pig.

23 Good people want what is best,
but troublemakers
hope to stir up trouble.t

24 Sometimes you can become rich
by being generous
or poor by being greedy.

25 Generosity will be rewarded:
give a cup of water,
and you will receive
a cup of water in return.

26 Charge too much for grain,
and you will be cursed;
sell it at a fair price,
and you will be praised.

27 Try hard to do right,
and you will win friends;
go looking for trouble,
and you will find it.

28 Trust in your wealth,
and you will be a failure,
but God's people will prosper
like healthy plants.

29 Fools who cause trouble
in the family
won't inherit a thing.
They will end up as slaves
of someone with good sense.

30 Live right, and you will eat
from the life-giving tree.
And if you act wisely,
others will follow.t

31 If good people are rewardedtt
here on this earth,
all who are cruel and mean
will surely be punished.