Proverbs 11
1False balances are an abomination before the Lord: but a just weight is acceptable to him.
2Wherever pride enters, there will be also disgrace: but the mouth of the lowly meditates wisdom.
3+ 11:3 the Alexandrine text reads: “The integrity of the upright shall guide them, but the overthrow of the rebellious shall spoil them.” When a just man dies he + 11:3 Comp. Heb. leaves regret: but the destruction of the ungodly is speedy, and causes joy.
4+ 11:4 there is no verse 4. The Alexandrine text has this. Possessions will not profit in a day of wrath, but righteousness will deliver from death.
5Righteousness + 11:5 Gr. right divides. traces out blameless paths: but ungodliness encounters unjust dealing.
6The righteousness of upright men delivers them: but transgressors are caught in their own destruction.
7At the death of a just man his hope does not perish: but the boast of the ungodly perishes.
8A righteous man escapes from a snare, and the ungodly man is delivered up in his place.
9In the mouth of ungodly men is a snare to citizens: but the understanding of righteous men is prosperous.
10In the prosperity of righteous men a city prospers: + 11:10 The Alexandrine text reads: “[note - Part of verse 10.]— but at the destruction of the wicked there is exultation.” but by the mouth of ungodly men it is overthrown.
11+ 11:11 there is no verse 11, but the Alexandrine text reads. At the blessing of the upright a city shall be exalted.
12A man void of understanding sneers at his fellow citizens: but a sensible man is quiet.
13A double-tongued man discloses the secret counsels of an assembly: but he that is + 11:13 See chap 20:27. faithful in spirit conceals matters.
14They that have no + 11:14 Or, governance. guidance fall like leaves: but in much counsel there is safety.
15A bad man does harm wherever he meets a just man: and he hates the sound of safety.
16A gracious wife + 11:16 Gr. raises. brings glory to her husband: but a woman hating righteousness is a theme of dishonour. The slothful come to lack: but the + 11:16 Gr. manly. diligent support themselves with wealth.
17A merciful man does good to his own soul: but the merciless destroys his own body.
18An ungodly man performs unrighteous works: but the seed of the righteous is a reward of truth.
19A righteous son is born for life: but the persecution of the ungodly ends in death.
20Perverse ways are an abomination to the Lord: but all they that are blameless in their ways are acceptable to him.
21He that unjustly strikes hands shall not be unpunished: but he that sows righteousness he shall receive a faithful reward.
22As an ornament in a swine's snout, so is beauty to an ill-minded woman.
23All the desire of the righteous is good: but the hope of the ungodly shall perish.
24There are some who scatter their own, and make it more: and there are some also who gather, yet have less. + 11:24 Gr. diminished.
25Every sincere soul is blessed: but a passionate man is not graceful.
26May he that hoards corn leave it to the nation: but blessing be on the head of him that gives it.
27He that devises good counsels seeks good favour: but as for him that seeks after evil, evil shall overtake him.
28He that trusts in wealth shall fall; but he that helps righteous men shall rise. + 11:28 See 1 Tim 5:8.
29He that deals not graciously with his own house shall inherit the wind; and the fool shall be servant to the wise man.
30Out of the fruit of righteousness grows a tree of life; but the souls of transgressors are cut off before their time.
31+ 11:31 See 1 Pet. If the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?