Proverbs 11

1The LORD detests dishonest scales, but an honest weight pleases him. 2When pride arrives, disgrace follows close behind, but the humble have wisdom. 3The upright are guided by their integrity, but the treacherous are ruined by their own deceit. 4Riches are of no use on the day of wrath, but righteousness rescues from death. 5The righteousness of the blameless clears their road, but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness. 6The righteousness of the upright sets them free, but the treacherous are trapped by their own greed. 7When the wicked die, their hope dies with them, and all they expected from their strength is gone. 8The righteous are rescued from trouble, and the wicked fall into it instead. 9With their words the godless bring ruin on their neighbors, but the righteous escape by knowing better. 10When the righteous do well, the whole town celebrates; when the wicked perish, there are cheers. 11A city is built up by the blessing of the upright, but the talk of the wicked tears it down. 12Whoever belittles a neighbor has no sense, but a person of understanding holds their tongue. 13A gossip goes around giving away secrets, but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence. 14Without wise direction a nation falls, but with many advisers comes victory. 15Whoever guarantees a stranger’s debt will be badly hurt, but whoever refuses to shake on such deals is safe. 16A gracious woman gains honor, and ruthless men gain only riches. 17People who are kind do themselves good, but the cruel bring harm on their own bodies. 18The wicked earn pay that does not last, but whoever sows righteousness reaps a sure reward. 19Real righteousness leads to life, but chasing after evil leads to death. 20The LORD detests those with twisted hearts, but people of integrity are his delight. 21Be sure of this: the wicked will not escape punishment, but the children of the righteous will go free. 22A lovely woman who has no sense is a gold ring stuck in a pig’s snout. 23What the righteous long for ends only in good, but what the wicked hope for ends in wrath. 24One person gives freely and gains even more; another holds back what should be given and ends up in need. 25A generous person will prosper, and whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. 26People curse the one who hoards grain, but they bless the one who sells it. 27Whoever works hard for what is good finds favor, but trouble comes to anyone who looks for it. 28Those who put their trust in riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like green leaves. 29Whoever brings trouble on their family will inherit nothing but wind, and the fool will end up serving the wise. 30What the righteous produce is a tree of life, and whoever wins people over is wise. 31If even the righteous are paid what they are due on earth, how much more will the wicked and sinners be!