Proverbs 11

Evangelical Heritage Version

11 Dishonest scales are disgusting^[a] to the Lord
but an accurate weight wins his approval.
² When arrogance comes, shame follows,
but with humility comes wisdom.
³ The integrity of the upright guides them,
but the dishonesty of the treacherous destroys them.
⁴ Riches are of no help on the day of fury,
but righteousness saves from death.
⁵ The righteousness of honest people makes their way smooth,
but because of his wickedness a wicked person falls.
⁶ The righteousness of upright people rescues them,
but treacherous people are trapped by their own desire.
⁷ At the death of a wicked man, his hope will perish,
and his confidence in his strength^[b] perishes.
⁸ A righteous person is rescued from trouble,
and a wicked person takes his place.
⁹ With his mouth the godless person destroys his neighbor,
but righteous people are rescued by knowledge.
¹⁰ When the righteous prosper, a city rejoices,
and when the wicked perish, there is a shout of joy.
¹¹ Through the blessing of upright citizens, a city is raised up,
but by the mouth of the wicked, it is torn down.
¹² A person who lacks sense despises his neighbor,
but an understanding person keeps silent.
¹³ A gossip goes around betraying secrets,
but a trustworthy spirit keeps a matter confidential.
¹⁴ Without guidance people fall,
but in many advisors there is safety.
¹⁵ Guaranteeing a loan for a stranger leads to trouble,
but one who hates to shake hands^[c] remains secure.
¹⁶ A gracious woman takes hold of honor,
but ruthless men take hold of riches.^[d]
17 A merciful man benefits his own soul,
but a cruel man brings trouble on his own flesh.
¹⁸ A wicked person earns deceptive wages,
but one who sows righteousness reaps a true reward.
¹⁹ Just as righteousness leads to life,
pursuing evil leads to death.
²⁰ Perverted hearts are disgusting to the Lord,
but his favor rests on those whose way has integrity.
²¹ Be sure of this: An evil person will not go unpunished,
but the children of the righteous will escape.
²² The beauty of a woman who lacks moral judgment
    is like a gold ring in a pig’s snout.
²³ The desire of the righteous leads only to good.
The hope of the wicked leads to fury.
²⁴ One person scatters his wealth, but it still increases.
Another hoards it unjustly, but this leads only to poverty.
²⁵ A person who spreads blessings will be enriched.
One who gives a refreshing drink will be refreshed.
²⁶ People curse the person who hoards grain,
but a blessing rests on the head of one who sells it.
²⁷ Whoever searches for good seeks favor,
but whoever pursues evil will find it.
²⁸ Whoever trusts his wealth will fall,
but righteous people will flourish like green plants.
²⁹ Whoever troubles his household will inherit the wind,
and a stubborn fool will be a slave to a person with a wise heart.
³⁰ The fruit of a righteous person is a tree of life,
and one who harvests souls is wise.
³¹ If a righteous person is paid back on earth,
how much more a wicked person or a sinner!