Proverbs 11:12-22

12 Whoever shows contempt for his neighbor lacks sense, but a man with understanding keeps silent.^[a]

13 A gossip goes around revealing a secret, but the trustworthy keeps a confidence.^[b]

14 Without guidance, people fall, but with many counselors there is deliverance.^[c]

15 If someone puts up security for a stranger, he will suffer for it,^[d] but the one who hates such agreements is protected.

16 A gracious woman gains honor, but violent^[e] men gain [only] riches.

17 A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings disaster on himself.^[f]

18 The wicked man earns an empty wage, but the one who sows righteousness, a true reward.^[g]

19 Genuine righteousness [leads] to life,^[h] but pursuing evil [leads] to death.

20 Those with twisted minds are detestable to the Lord, but those with blameless conduct are His delight.^[i]

21 Be assured^[j] that the wicked will not go unpunished,^[k] but the offspring of the righteous will escape.

22 A beautiful woman who rejects good sense is like a gold ring in a pig's snout.

Footnotes

• [a] Pr 14:21
• [b] Pr 10:18; 20:19; Lv 19:16
• [c] Pr 15:22; 20:18; 24:6
• [d] Pr 6:1-2; 17:18; 22:26
• [e] Or ruthless
• [f] Pr 11:3
• [g] Pr 10:2-3
• [h] Pr 10:16-17; 19:23
• [i] Pr 3:32; 12:22; 15:8-9,26
• [j] Lit Hand to hand
• [k] Pr 16:5