Proverbs on Justice, Integrity, and Righteous Living
Proverbs 11:1-31
1Deceitful balances are an abomination to the LORD, but a just weight finds his favor.2Arrogance comes, and dishonor follows; wisdom belongs with the humble.3The integrity of the upright guides them, yet the crookedness of the treacherous brings them to ruin.4Wealth profits nothing in the day of fury, but righteousness delivers from death.5The righteousness of the blameless makes his path straight, but the wicked falls by his own wickedness.6The righteousness of the upright rescues them, yet those who act treacherously are captured by their own desire.7When a wicked man dies, hope perishes; the expectation of the evil also perishes.8The righteous is delivered from trouble, and the wicked takes his place.9With the lip of the profane a man ruins his neighbor, but the righteous are rescued by knowledge.10A town rejoices in the prosperity of the righteous, but cries out when the wicked perish.11A town is exalted by the blessing of the upright, but it is overthrown by the speech of the wicked.12Whoever despises his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent.13A slanderer reveals secrets, but a faithful spirit keeps a matter hidden.14Without guidance a people falls, but victory comes through many counselors.15Whoever puts up security for a stranger suffers harm, but one who hates striking hands is secure.16A gracious woman obtains honor, but ruthless men seize riches.17A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man harms his own flesh.18The wicked earns deceptive wages, but one who sows righteousness receives a sure reward.19Righteousness leads to life, but the pursuit of evil ends in death.20The LORD detests a crooked heart, but he delights in those whose way is blameless.21The wicked will not go unpunished, but the offspring of the righteous will escape.22Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman without discretion.23The desire of the righteous ends only in good; the hope of the wicked ends in wrath.24One who scatters yet withholds more than is right comes only to poverty.25A generous soul will prosper, and whoever refreshes others will himself be refreshed.26The people curse the one who withholds grain, but blessing crowns the one who sells it.27Whoever seeks good finds favor, but evil comes to the one who seeks harm.28Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like foliage.29Whoever brings trouble on his household inherits the wind, and the servant of a fool serves the wise in heart.30The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and the wise captivates souls.31If the righteous is repaid on earth, how much more the wicked and the sinner.