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 will perish,

and the expectation of wealth perishes too.

8 The righteous is delivered from trouble,

and the wicked walks 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 by the mouth of the wicked it is overthrown.

12 Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense,

but a man of understanding remains silent.

13 Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets,

but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.

14 Where there is no guidance, a people falls,

but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.

15 Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer harm,

but he who hates striking hands in pledge 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 The wicked earns deceptive wages,

but one who sows righteousness gets a sure reward.

19 Whoever is steadfast in righteousness will live,

but he who pursues evil will die.

20 Those of crooked heart are an abomination to the Lord,

but those of blameless ways are his delight.

21 Be assured, an evil person will not go unpunished,

but the offspring of the righteous will be delivered.

22 Like a gold ring in a pig’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 gives freely, yet grows all the richer;

another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.

25 Whoever brings blessing 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 Whoever diligently seeks good seeks favor,

but evil comes to him who searches for it.

28 Whoever trusts in his riches will fall,

but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf.

29 Whoever troubles his own household will inherit the wind,

and the fool will be servant to the wise of heart.

30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,

and whoever captures souls is wise.

31 If the righteous is repaid on earth,

how much more the wicked and the sinner!

1 A false balance is abomination to the Lord:

But a just weight is his delight.

2 When pride cometh, then cometh shame:

But with the lowly is wisdom.

3 The integrity of the upright shall guide them:

But the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.

4 Riches profit not in the day of wrath:

But righteousness delivereth from death.

5 The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way:

But the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.

6 The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them:

But transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness.

7 When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish:

And the hope of unjust men perisheth.

8 The righteous is delivered out of trouble,

And the wicked cometh in his stead.

9 An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour:

But through knowledge shall the just be delivered.

10 When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth:

And when the wicked perish, there is shouting.

11 By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted:

But it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.

12 He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour:

But a man of understanding holdeth his peace.

13 A talebearer revealeth secrets:

But he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.

14 Where no counsel is, the people fall:

But in the multitude of counsellers there is safety.

15 He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it:

And he that hateth suretiship is sure.

16 A gracious woman retaineth honour:

And strong men retain riches.

17 The merciful man doeth good to his own soul:

But he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.

18 The wicked worketh a deceitful work:

But to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.

19 As righteousness tendeth to life:

So he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.

20 They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the Lord:

But such as are upright in their way are his delight.

21 Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished:

But the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.

22 As a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout,

So is a fair woman which is without discretion.

23 The desire of the righteous is only good:

But the expectation of the wicked is wrath.

24 There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth;

And there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.

25 The liberal soul shall be made fat:

And he that watereth shall be watered also himself.

26 He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him:

But blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.

27 He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour:

But he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him.

28 He that trusteth in his riches shall fall:

But the righteous shall flourish as a branch.

29 He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind:

And the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.

30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life;

And he that winneth souls is wise.

31 Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth:

Much more the wicked and the sinner.

1 The Lord detests the use of dishonest scales,

but he delights in accurate weights.

2 Pride leads to disgrace,

but with humility comes wisdom.

3 Honesty guides good people;

dishonesty destroys treacherous people.

4 Riches won’t help on the day of judgment,

but right living can save you from death.

5 The godly are directed by honesty;

the wicked fall beneath their load of sin.

6 The godliness of good people rescues them;

the ambition of treacherous people traps them.

7 When the wicked die, their hopes die with them,

for they rely on their own feeble strength.

8 The godly are rescued from trouble,

and it falls on the wicked instead.

9 With their words, the godless destroy their friends,

but knowledge will rescue the righteous.

10 The whole city celebrates when the godly succeed;

they shout for joy when the wicked die.

11 Upright citizens are good for a city and make it prosper,

but the talk of the wicked tears it apart.

12 It is foolish to belittle one’s neighbor;

a sensible person keeps quiet.

13 A gossip goes around telling secrets,

but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence.

14 Without wise leadership, a nation falls;

there is safety in having many advisers.

15 There’s danger in putting up security for a stranger’s debt;

it’s safer not to guarantee another person’s debt.

16 A gracious woman gains respect,

but ruthless men gain only wealth.

17 Your kindness will reward you,

but your cruelty will destroy you.

18 Evil people get rich for the moment,

but the reward of the godly will last.

19 Godly people find life;

evil people find death.

20 The Lord detests people with crooked hearts,

but he delights in those with integrity.

21 Evil people will surely be punished,

but the children of the godly will go free.

22 A beautiful woman who lacks discretion

is like a gold ring in a pig’s snout.

23 The godly can look forward to a reward,

while the wicked can expect only judgment.

24 Give freely and become more wealthy;

be stingy and lose everything.

25 The generous will prosper;

those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.

26 People curse those who hoard their grain,

but they bless the one who sells in time of need.

27 If you search for good, you will find favor;

but if you search for evil, it will find you!

28 Trust in your money and down you go!

But the godly flourish like leaves in spring.

29 Those who bring trouble on their families inherit the wind.

The fool will be a servant to the wise.

30 The seeds of good deeds become a tree of life;

a wise person wins friends.

31 If the righteous are rewarded here on earth,

what will happen to wicked sinners?

1 Dishonest scales are an abomination to the Lord,

But a just weight is His delight.

2 When pride comes, then comes shame;

But with the humble is wisdom.

3 The integrity of the upright will guide them,

But the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them.

4 Riches do not profit in the day of wrath,

But righteousness delivers from death.

5 The righteousness of the blameless will direct his way aright,

But the wicked will fall by his own wickedness.

6 The righteousness of the upright will deliver them,

But the unfaithful will be caught by their lust.

7 When a wicked man dies, his expectation will perish,

And the hope of the unjust perishes.

8 The righteous is delivered from trouble,

And it comes to the wicked instead.

9 The hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbor,

But through knowledge the righteous will be delivered.

10 When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices;

And when the wicked perish, there is jubilation.

11 By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted,

But it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.

12 He who is devoid of wisdom despises his neighbor,

But a man of understanding holds his peace.

13 A talebearer reveals secrets,

But he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter.

14 Where there is no counsel, the people fall;

But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.

15 He who is surety for a stranger will suffer,

But one who hates being surety is secure.

16 A gracious woman retains honor,

But ruthless men retain riches.

17 The merciful man does good for his own soul,

But he who is cruel troubles his own flesh.

18 The wicked man does deceptive work,

But he who sows righteousness will have a sure reward.

19 As righteousness leads to life,

So he who pursues evil pursues it to his own death.

20 Those who are of a perverse heart are an abomination to the Lord,

But the blameless in their ways are His delight.

21 Though they join forces, the wicked will not go unpunished;

But the posterity of the righteous will be delivered.

22 As a ring of gold in a swine’s snout,

So is a lovely woman who lacks discretion.

23 The desire of the righteous is only good,

But the expectation of the wicked is wrath.

24 There is one who scatters, yet increases more;

And there is one who withholds more than is right,

But it leads to poverty.

25 The generous soul will be made rich,

And he who waters will also be watered himself.

26 The people will curse him who withholds grain,

But blessing will be on the head of him who sells it.

27 He who earnestly seeks good finds favor,

But trouble will come to him who seeks evil.

28 He who trusts in his riches will fall,

But the righteous will flourish like foliage.

29 He who troubles his own house will inherit the wind,

And the fool will be servant to the wise of heart.

30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,

And he who wins souls is wise.

31 If the righteous will be recompensed on the earth,

How much more the ungodly and the sinner.

1 The Lord hates dishonest scales,

but he is pleased with honest weights.

2 Pride leads only to shame;

it is wise to be humble.

3 Good people will be guided by honesty;

dishonesty will destroy those who are not trustworthy.

4 Riches will not help when it’s time to die,

but right living will save you from death.

5 The goodness of the innocent makes life easier,

but the wicked will be destroyed by their wickedness.

6 Doing right brings freedom to honest people,

but those who are not trustworthy will be caught by their own desires.

7 When the wicked die, hope dies with them;

their hope in riches will come to nothing.

8 The good person is saved from trouble;

it comes to the wicked instead.

9 With words an evil person can destroy a neighbor,

but a good person will escape by being resourceful.

10 When good people succeed, the city is happy.

When evil people die, there are shouts of joy.

11 Good people bless and build up their city,

but the wicked can destroy it with their words.

12 People without good sense find fault with their neighbors,

but those with understanding keep quiet.

13 Gossips can’t keep secrets,

but a trustworthy person can.

14 Without leadership a nation falls,

but lots of good advice will save it.

15 Whoever guarantees to pay somebody else’s loan will suffer.

It is safer to avoid such promises.

16 A kind woman gets respect,

but cruel men get only wealth.

17 Kind people do themselves a favor,

but cruel people bring trouble on themselves.

18 An evil person really earns nothing,

but a good person will surely be rewarded.

19 Those who are truly good will live,

but those who chase after evil will die.

20 The Lord hates those with evil hearts

but is pleased with those who are innocent.

21 Evil people will certainly be punished,

but those who do right will be set free.

22 A beautiful woman without good sense

is like a gold ring in a pig’s snout.

23 Those who do right only wish for good,

but the wicked can expect to be defeated by God’s anger.

24 Some people give much but get back even more.

Others don’t give what they should and end up poor.

25 Whoever gives to others will get richer;

those who help others will themselves be helped.

26 People curse those who keep all the grain,

but they bless the one who is willing to sell it.

27 Whoever looks for good will find kindness,

but whoever looks for evil will find trouble.

28 Those who trust in riches will be ruined,

but a good person will be healthy like a green leaf.

29 Whoever brings trouble to his family

will be left with nothing but the wind.

A fool will be a servant to the wise.

30 A good person gives life to others;

the wise person teaches others how to live.

31 Good people will be rewarded on earth,

and the wicked and the sinners will be punished.

1 A false balance is an abomination to Jehovah;

But a just weight is his delight.

2 When pride cometh, then cometh shame;

But with the lowly is wisdom.

3 The integrity of the upright shall guide them;

But the perverseness of the treacherous shall destroy them.

4 Riches profit not in the day of wrath;

But righteousness delivereth from death.

5 The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way;

But the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.

6 The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them;

But the treacherous shall be taken in their own iniquity.

7 When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish;

And the hope of iniquity perisheth.

8 The righteous is delivered out of trouble,

And the wicked cometh in his stead.

9 With his mouth the godless man destroyeth his neighbor;

But through knowledge shall the righteous be delivered.

10 When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth;

And when the wicked perish, there is shouting.

11 By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted;

But it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.

12 He that despiseth his neighbor is void of wisdom;

But a man of understanding holdeth his peace.

13 He that goeth about as a tale-bearer revealeth secrets;

But he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth a matter.

14 Where no wise guidance is, the people falleth;

But in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.

15 He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it;

But he that hateth suretyship is secure.

16 A gracious woman obtaineth honor;

And violent men obtain riches.

17 The merciful man doeth good to his own soul;

But he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.

18 The wicked earneth deceitful wages;

But he that soweth righteousness hath a sure reward.

19 He that is stedfast in righteousness shall attain unto life;

And he that pursueth evil doeth it to his own death.

20 They that are perverse in heart are an abomination to Jehovah;

But such as are perfect in their way are his delight.

21 Though hand join in hand, the evil man shall not be unpunished;

But the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.

22 As a ring of gold in a swine’s snout,

So is a fair woman that is without discretion.

23 The desire of the righteous is only good;

But the expectation of the wicked is wrath.

24 There is that scattereth, and increaseth yet more;

And there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth only to want.

25 The liberal soul shall be made fat;

And he that watereth shall be watered also himself.

26 He that withholdeth grain, the people shall curse him;

But blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.

27 He that diligently seeketh good seeketh favor;

But he that searcheth after evil, it shall come unto him.

28 He that trusteth in his riches shall fall;

But the righteous shall flourish as the green leaf.

29 He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind;

And the foolish shall be servant to the wise of heart.

30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life;

And he that is wise winneth souls.

31 Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth:

How much more the wicked and the sinner!

1 A false balance is an abomination to Jehovah; but a just weight is his delight.

2 When pride cometh, then cometh shame; but with the lowly is wisdom.

3 The integrity of the upright guideth them; but the crookedness of the unfaithful destroyeth them.

4 Wealth profiteth not in the day of wrath; but righteousness delivereth from death.

5 The righteousness of the perfect maketh plain his way; but the wicked falleth by his own wickedness. 6 The righteousness of the upright delivereth them; but the treacherous are taken in their own craving.

7 When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish; and the hope of evil men perisheth.

8 The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead.

9 With his mouth a hypocrite destroyeth his neighbour; but through knowledge are the righteous delivered.

10 When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth; and when the wicked perish, there is shouting. 11 By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted; but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.

12 He that despiseth his neighbour is void of heart; but a man of understanding holdeth his peace. 13 He that goeth about talebearing revealeth secrets; but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.

14 Where no advice is, the people fall; but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.

15 It goeth ill with him that is surety for another; but he that hateth suretyship is secure.

16 A gracious woman retaineth honour; and the violent retain riches.

17 The merciful man doeth good to his own soul; but the cruel troubleth his own flesh.

18 The wicked worketh a deceitful work; but he that soweth righteousness hath a sure reward.

19 As righteousness tendeth to life, so he that pursueth evil doeth it to his own death.

20 The perverse in heart are abomination to Jehovah; but they that are perfect in their way are his delight.

21 Hand for hand! an evil man shall not be held innocent; but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.

22 A fair woman who is without discretion, is as a gold ring in a swine’s snout.

23 The desire of the righteous is only good; the expectation of the wicked is wrath.

24 There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is right, but it tendeth only to want.

25 The liberal soul shall be made fat, and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.

26 He that withholdeth corn, the people curse him; but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.

27 He that is earnest after good seeketh favour; but he that searcheth for mischief, it shall come upon him.

28 He that trusteth in his riches shall fall; but the righteous shall flourish as a leaf.

29 He that troubleth his own house shall inherit wind; and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.

30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and the wise winneth souls.

31 Behold, the righteous shall be requited on the earth: how much more the wicked and the sinner.

1 Dishonest scales are disgusting to the Lord, 

but accurate weights are pleasing to him. 

2 Arrogance comes, 

then comes shame, 

but wisdom remains with humble people. 

3 Integrity guides decent people, 

but hypocrisy leads treacherous people to ruin. 

4 Riches are of no help on the day of fury, 

but righteousness saves from death. 

5 The righteousness of innocent people makes their road smooth, 

but wicked people fall by their own wickedness. 

6 Decent people are saved by their righteousness, 

but treacherous people are trapped by their own greed. 

7 At the death of a wicked person, hope vanishes. 

Moreover, his confidence in strength vanishes. 

8 A righteous person is rescued from trouble, 

and a wicked person takes his place. 

9 With his talk a godless person can ruin his neighbor, 

but righteous people are rescued by knowledge. 

10 When righteous people prosper, a city is glad. 

When wicked people die, there are songs of joy. 

11 With the blessing of decent people a city is raised up, 

but by the words of wicked people, it is torn down. 

12 A person who despises a neighbor has no sense, 

but a person who has understanding keeps quiet. 

13 Whoever gossips gives away secrets, 

but whoever is trustworthy in spirit can keep a secret. 

14 A nation will fall when there is no direction, 

but with many advisers there is victory. 

15 Whoever guarantees a stranger’s loan will get into trouble, 

but whoever hates the closing of a deal remains secure. 

16 A gracious woman wins respect, 

but ruthless men gain riches. 

17 A merciful person helps himself, 

but a cruel person hurts himself. 

18 A wicked person earns dishonest wages, 

but whoever spreads righteousness earns honest pay. 

19 As righteousness leads to life, 

so whoever pursues evil finds his own death. 

20 Devious people are disgusting to the Lord, 

but he is delighted with those whose ways are innocent. 

21 Certainly, an evil person will not go unpunished, 

but the descendants of righteous people will escape. 

22 ⸤Like⸥ a gold ring in a pig’s snout, 

⸤so⸥ is a beautiful woman who lacks good taste. 

23 The desire of righteous people ends only in good, 

but the hope of wicked people ends only in fury. 

24 One person spends freely and yet grows richer, 

while another holds back what he owes and yet grows poorer. 

25 A generous person will be made rich, 

and whoever satisfies others will himself be satisfied.

26 People will curse the one who hoards grain, 

but a blessing will be upon the head of the one who sells it. 

27 Whoever eagerly seeks good searches for good will, 

but whoever looks for evil finds it. 

28 Whoever trusts his riches will fall, 

but righteous people will flourish like a green leaf. 

29 Whoever brings trouble upon his family inherits ⸤only⸥ wind, 

and that stubborn fool becomes a slave to the wise in heart. 

30 The fruit of a righteous person is a tree of life, 

and a winner of souls is wise. 

31 If the righteous person is rewarded on earth, 

how much more the wicked person and the sinner! 

1 Dishonest scales are detestable to the Lord,

but an accurate weight is His delight.

2 When pride comes, disgrace follows,

but with humility comes wisdom.

3 The integrity of the upright guides them,

but the perversity of the treacherous destroys them.

4 Wealth is not profitable on a day of wrath,

but righteousness rescues from death.

5 The righteousness of the blameless clears his path,

but the wicked person will fall because of his wickedness.

6 The righteousness of the upright rescues them,

but the treacherous are trapped by their own desires.

7 When the wicked man dies,

his expectation comes to nothing,

and hope placed in wealth vanishes.

8 The righteous one is rescued from trouble;

in his place, the wicked one goes in.

9 With his mouth the ungodly destroys his neighbor,

but through knowledge the righteous are rescued.

10 When the righteous thrive, a city rejoices,

and when the wicked die, there is joyful shouting.

11 A city is built up by the blessing of the upright,

but it is torn down by the mouth of the wicked.

12 Whoever shows contempt for his neighbor lacks sense,

but a man with understanding keeps silent.

13 A gossip goes around revealing a secret,

but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence.

14 Without guidance, people fall,

but with many counselors there is deliverance.

15 If someone puts up security for a stranger,

he will suffer for it,

but the one who hates such agreements is protected.

16 A gracious woman gains honor,

but violent men gain only riches.

17 A kind man benefits himself,

but a cruel man brings disaster on himself.

18 The wicked man earns an empty wage,

but the one who sows righteousness, a true reward.

19 Genuine righteousness leads to life,

but pursuing evil leads to death.

20 Those with twisted minds are detestable to the Lord,

but those with blameless conduct are His delight.

21 Be assured that the wicked

will not go unpunished,

but the offspring of the righteous will escape.

22 A beautiful woman who rejects good sense

is like a gold ring in a pig’s snout.

23 The desire of the righteous turns out well,

but the hope of the wicked leads to wrath.

24 One person gives freely,

yet gains more;

another withholds what is right,

only to become poor.

25 A generous person will be enriched,

and the one who gives a drink of water

will receive water.

26 People will curse anyone who hoards grain,

but a blessing will come to the one who sells it.

27 The one who searches for what is good finds favor,

but if someone looks for trouble, it will come to him.

28 Anyone trusting in his riches will fall,

but the righteous will flourish like foliage.

29 The one who brings ruin on his household

will inherit the wind,

and a fool will be a slave

to someone whose heart is wise.

30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,

but violence takes lives.

31 If the righteous will be repaid on earth,

how much more the wicked and sinful.

1 A false balance is an abomination to the Lord,

but an accurate weight is his delight.

2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace;

but wisdom is with the humble.

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 their ways straight,

but the wicked fall by their own wickedness.

6 The righteousness of the upright saves them,

but the treacherous are taken captive by their schemes.

7 When the wicked die, their hope perishes,

and the expectation of the godless comes to nothing.

8 The righteous are delivered from trouble,

and the wicked get into it instead.

9 With their mouths the godless would destroy their neighbors,

but by knowledge the righteous are delivered.

10 When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices;

and when the wicked perish, there is jubilation.

11 By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted,

but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.

12 Whoever belittles another lacks sense,

but an intelligent person remains silent.

13 A gossip goes about telling secrets,

but one who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a confidence.

14 Where there is no guidance, a nation falls,

but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.

15 To guarantee loans for a stranger brings trouble,

but there is safety in refusing to do so.

16 A gracious woman gets honor,

but she who hates virtue is covered with shame.

The timid become destitute,

but the aggressive gain riches.

17 Those who are kind reward themselves,

but the cruel do themselves harm.

18 The wicked earn no real gain,

but those who sow righteousness get a true reward.

19 Whoever is steadfast in righteousness will live,

but whoever pursues evil will die.

20 Crooked minds are an abomination to the Lord,

but those of blameless ways are his delight.

21 Be assured, the wicked will not go unpunished,

but those who are righteous will escape.

22 Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout

is a beautiful woman without good sense.

23 The desire of the righteous ends only in good;

the expectation of the wicked in wrath.

24 Some give freely, yet grow all the richer;

others withhold what is due, and only suffer want.

25 A generous person will be enriched,

and one who gives water will get water.

26 The people curse those who hold back grain,

but a blessing is on the head of those who sell it.

27 Whoever diligently seeks good seeks favor,

but evil comes to the one who searches for it.

28 Those who trust in their riches will wither,

but the righteous will flourish like green leaves.

29 Those who trouble their households will inherit wind,

and the fool will be servant to the wise.

30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,

but violence takes lives away.

31 If the righteous are repaid on earth,

how much more the wicked and the sinner!

1 Balances of deceit are an abomination of Yahweh,

but an accurate weight delights him.

2 Pride comes, then disgrace comes,

but wisdom is with the humble.

3 The integrity of the upright guides them,

but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.

4 Wealth does not profit on the day of wrath,

but righteousness will deliver from death.

5 The righteousness of the blameless will keep his ways straight,

but the wicked will fall by his wickedness.

6 The righteousness of the upright will save them,

but by a scheme the treacherous will be taken captive.

7 With the death of a wicked person, hope will die,

and the expectation of the godless perishes.

8 The righteous is delivered from trouble,

but the wicked enters into it.

9 With a mouth, the godless shall destroy his neighbor,

but by knowledge the righteous are delivered.

10 When good is with the righteous, the city rejoices,

and with the perishing of the wicked, jubilation.

11 By the blessing of the upright, a city will be exalted,

but by the mouth of the wicked, it will be overthrown.

12 He who lacks sense belittles his neighbor,

but a person of intelligence will remain silent.

13 A gossip walks about telling a secret,

but the trustworthy in spirit keeps the matter.

14 Where there is no guidance, a nation shall fall,

but there is safety in an abundance of counsel.

15 He will suffer trouble when he loans to a stranger,

but he who refuses a pledge is safe.

16 A woman of grace receives honor,

but the ruthless gets wealth.

17 A person of kindness rewards himself,

but a cruel person harms his own flesh.

18 The wicked earns deceptive gain,

but he who sows righteousness, a true reward.

19 He who is steadfast in righteousness is to life

as he who pursues evil is to death.

20 An abomination of Yahweh are the crooked of heart,

but his delight are those with blameless ways.

21 Rest assured, the wicked will not go unpunished,

but the offspring of the righteous will escape.

22 A ring of gold in the snout of a pig

is a woman who is beautiful but without discretion.

23 The desire of the righteous is only good,

but the expectation of the wicked, wrath.

24 There is one who gives yet grows richer,

but he who withholds what is right only finds need.

25 A person of blessing will be enriched,

and he who gives water also will be refreshed.

26 He who withholds grain, the people curse him,

but a blessing is for the head of him who sells.

27 He who diligently seeks good seeks favor,

but he who inquires of evil, it will come to him.

28 He who trusts in his wealth is he who will fall,

but like a green leaf the righteous will flourish.

29 He who brings trouble to his household, he will inherit wind,

and a fool will serve the wise of heart.

30 The fruit of righteousness is a tree of life,

and he who captures souls is wise.

31 If the righteous on earth will be repaid,

how much more the wicked and sinner.

1 The Lord hates it when people use scales to cheat others.

But he is delighted when people use honest weights.

2 When pride comes, shame follows.

But wisdom comes to those who are not proud.

3 Those who do what is right are guided by their honest lives.

But those who aren’t faithful are destroyed by their trickery.

4 Wealth isn’t worth anything when God judges you.

But doing what is right saves you from death.

5 The ways of honest people are made straight because they do what is right.

But those who do what is wrong are brought down by their own sins.

6 Godly people are saved by doing what is right.

But those who aren’t faithful are trapped by evil longings.

7 When an evil man dies, his hope dies with him.

Everything he expected to gain from his power will be lost.

8 Those who do right are saved from trouble.

But trouble comes on those who do wrong.

9 With their words ungodly people destroy their neighbors.

But those who do what is right escape because of their knowledge.

10 When those who do right succeed, their city is glad.

When those who do wrong die, people shout for joy.

11 The blessing of honest people builds up a city.

But the words of sinners destroy it.

12 A person who has no sense makes fun of his neighbor.

But a man who has understanding controls his tongue.

13 Those who talk about others tell secrets.

But those who can be trusted keep things to themselves.

14 Without the guidance of good leaders a nation falls.

But many good advisers can save it.

15 Anyone who puts up money for what someone else owes will certainly suffer.

But a person who doesn’t agree to pay up for someone else is safe.

16 A woman who has a kind heart gains respect.

But men who are not kind gain only wealth.

17 A kind man benefits himself.

But a mean person brings trouble on himself.

18 Those who do what is wrong really earn nothing.

But those who plant what is right will certainly be rewarded.

19 Right living leads to life.

But anyone who runs after evil will die.

20 The Lord hates those whose hearts are twisted.

But he is pleased with those who live without blame.

21 You can be sure that sinners will be punished.

And you can also be sure that godly people will go free.

22 A beautiful woman who has no sense

is like a gold ring in a pig’s nose.

23 What godly people long for ends only in what is good.

But what sinners hope for ends only in God’s anger.

24 Some give freely but get even richer.

Others don’t give what they should but get even poorer.

25 Anyone who gives a lot will succeed.

Anyone who renews others will be renewed.

26 People call down curses on those who store up grain for themselves.

But blessing makes those who are willing to sell feel like kings.

27 Anyone who looks for what is good finds favor.

But bad things happen to a person who plans to do evil.

28 Those who trust in their riches will fall.

But those who do right will be as healthy as a green leaf.

29 Those who bring trouble on their families will receive nothing but wind.

And foolish people will serve wise people.

30 The fruit that godly people bear is like a tree of life.

And those who lead others to do what is right are wise.

31 Godly people get what they should get on earth.

So ungodly people and sinners will certainly get what they should get!

1 A false balance is an abomination to the Lord,

But a just weight is His delight.

2 When pride comes, then comes dishonor,

But with the humble is wisdom.

3 The integrity of the upright will guide them,

But the crookedness of the treacherous will destroy them.

4 Riches do not profit in the day of wrath,

But righteousness delivers from death.

5 The righteousness of the blameless will smooth his way,

But the wicked will fall by his own wickedness.

6 The righteousness of the upright will deliver them,

But the treacherous will be caught by their own greed.

7 When a wicked man dies, his expectation will perish,

And the hope of strong men perishes.

8 The righteous is delivered from trouble,

But the wicked takes his place.

9 With his mouth the godless man destroys his neighbor,

But through knowledge the righteous will be delivered.

10 When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices,

And when the wicked perish, there is joyful shouting.

11 By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted,

But by the mouth of the wicked it is torn down.

12 He who despises his neighbor lacks sense,

But a man of understanding keeps silent.

13 He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets,

But he who is trustworthy conceals a matter.

14 Where there is no guidance the people fall,

But in abundance of counselors there is victory.

15 He who is guarantor for a stranger will surely suffer for it,

But he who hates being a guarantor is secure.

16 A gracious woman attains honor,

And ruthless men attain riches.

17 The merciful man does himself good,

But the cruel man does himself harm.

18 The wicked earns deceptive wages,

But he who sows righteousness gets a true reward.

19 He who is steadfast in righteousness will attain to life,

And he who pursues evil will bring about his own death.

20 The perverse in heart are an abomination to the Lord,

But the blameless in their walk are His delight.

21 Assuredly, the evil man will not go unpunished,

But the descendants of the righteous will be delivered.

22 As a ring of gold in a swine’s snout

So is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion.

23 The desire of the righteous is only good,

But the expectation of the wicked is wrath.

24 There is one who scatters, and yet increases all the more,

And there is one who withholds what is justly due, and yet it results only in want.

25 The generous man will be prosperous,

And he who waters will himself be watered.

26 He who withholds grain, the people will curse him,

But blessing will be on the head of him who sells it.

27 He who diligently seeks good seeks favor,

But he who seeks evil, evil will come to him.

28 He who trusts in his riches will fall,

But the righteous will flourish like the green leaf.

29 He who troubles his own house will inherit wind,

And the foolish will be servant to the wisehearted.

30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,

And he who is wise wins souls.

31 If the righteous will be rewarded in the earth,

How much more the wicked and the sinner!