1 The LORD abhors dishonest scales, but accurate weights are his delight. |
2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. |
3 The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity. |
4 Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death. |
5 The righteousness of the blameless makes a straight way for them, but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness. |
6 The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the unfaithful are trapped by evil desires. |
7 When a wicked man dies, his hope perishes; all he expected from his power comes to nothing. |
8 The righteous man is rescued from trouble, and it comes on the wicked instead. |
9 With his mouth the godless destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous escape. |
10 When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices; when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy. |
11 Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed. |
12 A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue. |
13 A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret. |
14 For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure. |
15 He who puts up security for another will surely suffer, but whoever refuses to strike hands in pledge is safe. |
16 A kindhearted woman gains respect, but ruthless men gain only wealth. |
17 A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings trouble on himself. |
18 The wicked man earns deceptive wages, but he who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward. |
19 The truly righteous man attains life, but he who pursues evil goes to his death. |
20 The LORD detests men of perverse heart but he delights in those whose ways are blameless. |
21 Be sure of this: The wicked will not go unpunished, but those who are righteous will go free. |
22 Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion. |
23 The desire of the righteous ends only in good, but the hope of the wicked only in wrath. |
24 One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. |
25 A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. |
26 People curse the man who hoards grain, but blessing crowns him who is willing to sell. |
27 He who seeks good finds goodwill, but evil comes to him who searches for it. |
28 Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf. |
29 He who brings trouble on his family will inherit only wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise. |
30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise. |
31 If the righteous receive their due on earth, how much more the ungodly and the sinner! |