[1] A false balance is an abomination to the LORD, but a just weight is his
delight. [2] When pride comes, then comes disgrace; but with the humble is
wisdom. [3] The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness
of the treacherous destroys them. [4] Riches do not profit in the day of
wrath, but righteousness delivers from death. [5] The righteousness of the
blameless keeps his way straight, but the wicked falls by his own
wickedness. [6] The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the
treacherous are taken captive by their lust. [7] When the wicked dies, his
hope perishes, and the expectation of the godless comes to nought. [8] The
righteous is delivered from trouble, and the wicked gets into it instead.
[9] With his mouth the godless man would destroy his neighbor, but by
knowledge the righteous are delivered. [10] When it goes well with the
righteous, the city rejoices; and when the wicked perish there are shouts
of gladness. [11] By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but it
is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked. [12] He who belittles his
neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent. [13] He
who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy
in spirit keeps a thing hidden. [14] Where there is no guidance, a people
falls; but in an abundance of counselors there is safety. [15] He who gives
surety for a stranger will smart for it, but he who hates suretyship is
secure. [16] A gracious woman gets honor, and violent men get riches. [17]
A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself. [18] A
wicked man earns deceptive wages, but one who sows righteousness gets a
sure reward. [19] He who is steadfast in righteousness will live, but he
who pursues evil will die. [20] Men of perverse mind are an abomination to
the LORD, but those of blameless ways are his delight. [21] Be assured, an
evil man will not go unpunished, but those who are righteous will be
delivered. [22] Like a gold ring in a swine's snout is a beautiful woman
without discretion. [23] The desire of the righteous ends only in good; the
expectation of the wicked in wrath. [24] One man gives freely, yet grows
all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers
want. [25] A liberal man will be enriched, and one who waters will himself
be watered. [26] The people curse him who holds back grain, but a blessing
is on the head of him who sells it. [27] He who diligently seeks good seeks
favor, but evil comes to him who searches for it. [28] He who trusts in his
riches will wither, but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf. [29]
He who troubles his household will inherit wind, and the fool will be
servant to the wise. [30] The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, but
lawlessness takes away lives. [31] If the righteous is requited on earth,
how much more the wicked and the sinner!
