Proverbs 13:7–17

7 One person pretends to be rich, yet has nothing;y

another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.z

8 A person’s riches may ransom their life,

but the poor cannot respond to threatening rebukes.a

9 The light of the righteous shines brightly,

but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.b

10 Where there is strife, there is pride,

but wisdom is found in those who take advice.c

11 Dishonest money dwindles away,d

but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.

12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick,

but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.e

13 Whoever scorns instruction will pay for it,f

but whoever respectsg a command is rewarded.h

14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,i

turning a person from the snares of death.j

15 Good judgment wins favor,

but the way of the unfaithful leads to their destruction.a

16 All who are prudent act withb knowledge,

but fools exposek their folly.l

17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble,m

but a trustworthy envoy brings healing.n