Previous Chapter | Next Chapter
v1
Balances of deceit are an abomination of Yahweh, but an accurate weight ^[Literally “a full stone” or “a pure stone”] delights him.
v2
Pride comes, then disgrace comes, but wisdom is with the humble.
v3
The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.
v4
Wealth does not profit on the day of wrath, but righteousness will deliver from death.
v5
The righteousness of the blameless will keep his ways straight, but the wicked will fall by his wickedness.
v6
The righteousness of the upright will save them, but by a scheme the treacherous will be taken captive.
v7
With the death of a wicked person, hope will die, and the expectation of the godless perishes.
v8
The righteous is delivered from trouble, but the wicked enters into it.
v9
With a mouth, the godless shall destroy his neighbor, but by knowledge the righteous are delivered.
v10
When good is with the righteous, the city rejoices, and with the perishing of the wicked, jubilation.
v11
By the blessing of the upright, a city will be exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked, it will be overthrown.
v12
He who lacks sense ^[Literally “heart”] belittles his neighbor, but a person of intelligence will remain silent.
v13
A gossip walks about telling a secret, but the trustworthy in spirit keeps the matter.
v14
Where there is no guidance, a nation ^[Or “people”] shall fall, but there is safety in an abundance of counsel.
v15
He will suffer trouble when he loans to a stranger, but he who refuses a pledge is safe.
v16
A woman of grace receives honor, but the ruthless gets wealth.
v17
A person of kindness rewards himself, ^[Or “soul,” or “inner self”] but a cruel person harms his own flesh.
v18
The wicked earns ^[Or “does, makes”] deceptive gain, ^[Literally “gain of deception”] but he who sows righteousness, a true reward. ^[Literally “a reward of truth”]
v19
He who is steadfast in righteousness is to life as ^[Hebrew “and”] he who pursues evil is to death.
v20
An abomination of Yahweh are the crooked of heart, ^[Literally “crooked ones of heart”; “heart” may also be translated “mind”] but his delight are those with blameless ways. ^[Literally “blameless ones of ways”]
v21
Rest assured, ^[Literally “Hand to hand”] the wicked will not go unpunished, but the offspring ^[Or “seed”] of the righteous will escape.
v22
A ring of gold in the snout of a pig is a woman who is beautiful but without discretion.
v23
The desire of the righteous is only good, but the expectation of the wicked, wrath.
v24
There is one who gives yet grows richer, ^[Literally “adding more”] but he who withholds what is right ^[Literally “from what is right”] only finds need.
v25
A person of blessing will be enriched, and he who gives water also will be refreshed.
v26
He who withholds grain, the people curse him, but a blessing is for the head of him who sells.
v27
He who diligently seeks good seeks favor, but he who inquires of evil, it will come to him.
v28
He who trusts in his wealth is he who will fall, but like a green leaf the righteous will flourish.
v29
He who brings trouble to his household, he will inherit wind, ^[Or “breath, spirit”] and a fool will serve the wise of heart.
v30
The fruit of righteousness is a tree of life, and he who captures souls ^[Or “persons,” or “inner selves”] is wise.
v31
If the righteous on earth will be repaid, how much more ^[Literally “more for”] the wicked and sinner.