Proverbs 11:3-20

3The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.

4Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.

5The righteousness of the blameless makes their paths straight, but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness.

6The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the unfaithful are trapped by evil desires.

7Hopes placed in mortals die with them; all the promise of Two Hebrew manuscripts; most Hebrew manuscripts, Vulgate, Syriac and Targum When the wicked die, their hope perishes; / all they expected from their power comes to nothing.

8The righteous person is rescued from trouble, and it falls on the wicked instead.

9With their mouths the godless destroy their neighbors, but through knowledge the righteous escape.

10When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices; when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy.

11Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed.

12Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense, but the one who has understanding holds their tongue.

13A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.

14For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.

15Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer, but whoever refuses to shake hands in pledge is safe.

16A kindhearted woman gains honor, but ruthless men gain only wealth.

17Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves.

18A wicked person earns deceptive wages, but the one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.

19Truly the righteous attain life, but whoever pursues evil finds death.

20The LORD detests those whose hearts are perverse, but he delights in those whose ways are blameless.