Chapter 11

Righteousness and wickedness contrasted


1

A false balance is an 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

A hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbor; 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 neighbor; 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 counselors there is safety.

15

He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it; and he that hateth suretyship is sure.

16

A gracious woman retaineth honor; 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 an 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 favor; 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.