111 A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but an accurate weight is his delight.

2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace; but wisdom is with the humble.

3 The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.

4 Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.

5 The righteousness of the blameless keeps their ways straight, but the wicked fall by their own wickedness. 6 The righteousness of the upright saves them, but the treacherous are taken captive by their schemes.

7 When the wicked die, their hope perishes, and the expectation of the godless comes to nothing.

8 The righteous are delivered from trouble, and the wicked get into it instead.

9 With their mouths the godless would destroy their neighbors, but by knowledge the righteous are delivered.

10 When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices; and when the wicked perish, there is jubilation. 11 By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.

12 Whoever belittles another lacks sense, but an intelligent person remains silent. 13 A gossip goes about telling secrets, but one who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a confidence.

14 Where there is no guidance, a nation falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.

15 To guarantee loans for a stranger brings trouble, but there is safety in refusing to do so.

16 A gracious woman gets honor, but she who hates virtue is covered with shame. The timid become destitute, but the aggressive gain riches.

17 Those who are kind reward themselves, but the cruel do themselves harm.

18 The wicked earn no real gain, but those who sow righteousness get a true reward.

19 Whoever is steadfast in righteousness will live, but whoever pursues evil will die.

20 Crooked minds are an abomination to the Lord, but those of blameless ways are his delight.

21 Be assured, the wicked will not go unpunished, but those who are righteous will escape.

22 Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman without good sense.

23 The desire of the righteous ends only in good; the expectation of the wicked in wrath.

24 Some give freely, yet grow all the richer; others withhold what is due, and only suffer want.

25 A generous person will be enriched, and one who gives water will get water.

26 The people curse those who hold back grain, but a blessing is on the head of those who sell it.

27 Whoever diligently seeks good seeks favor, but evil comes to the one who searches for it.

28 Those who trust in their riches will wither, but the righteous will flourish like green leaves.

29 Those who trouble their households will inherit wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise.

30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, but violence takes lives away.

31 If the righteous are repaid on earth, how much more the wicked and the sinner!

Exhortations to Obedience

31 My child, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; 2 for length of days and years of life and abundant welfare they will give you. 3 Do not let loyalty and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 So you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and of people. 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. 8 It will be a healing for your flesh and a refreshment for your body. 9 Honor the Lord with your substance and with the first fruits of all your produce; 10 then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine. 11 My child, do not despise the Lord's discipline or be weary of his reproof, 12 for the Lord reproves the one he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.

13 Happy are those who find wisdom, and those who get understanding, 14 for her income is better than silver, and her revenue better than gold. 15 She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. 16 Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. 17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. 18 She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called happy. 19 The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding he established the heavens; 20 by his knowledge the deeps broke open, and the clouds drop down the dew.

21 My child, do not let these escape from your sight: keep sound wisdom and prudence, 22 and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck. 23 Then you will walk on your way securely and your foot will not stumble. 24 If you sit down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. 25 Do not be afraid of sudden panic, or of the storm that strikes the wicked; 26 for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.

27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. 28 Do not say to your neighbor, "Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give it"-when you have it with you. 29 Do not plan harm against your neighbor who lives trustingly beside you. 30 Do not quarrel with anyone without cause, when no harm has been done to you. 31 Do not envy the violent and do not choose any of their ways; 32 for the perverse are an abomination to the Lord, but the upright are in his confidence. 33 The Lord's curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the abode of the righteous. 34 Toward the scorners he is scornful, but to the humble he shows favor. 35 The wise will inherit honor, but stubborn fools, disgrace.