15 If someone puts up security for a stranger,

he will suffer for it,k

but the one who hates such agreements is protected.

16 A gracious woman gains honor,

but violentC people gain only riches.

17 A kind man benefits himself,l

but a cruel person brings ruin on himself.m

18 The wicked person earns an empty wage,

but the one who sows righteousness, a true reward.n

19 Genuine righteousness leads to life,o

but pursuing evil leads to death.p

20 Those with twisted minds are detestable to the Lord,

but those with blameless conduct are his delight.q

21 Be assuredD that a wicked person

will not go unpunished,r

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.s

23 The desire of the righteous turns out well,t

but the hope of the wicked leads to wrath.u

24 One person gives freely,

yet gains more;v

another withholds what is right,

only to become poor.w

25 A generous person will be enriched,x

and the one who gives a drink of water

will receive water.y

26 People will cursez anyone who hoards grain,

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

27 The one who searches for what is goodab seeks favor,

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