Proverbs 11:17-27

17 When you're kind to others, you help yourself; when you're cruel to others, you hurt yourself.
18 Bad work gets paid with a bad check; good work gets solid pay.
19 Take your stand with God's loyal community and live, or chase after phantoms of evil and die.
20 God can't stand deceivers, but oh how he relishes integrity.
21 Count on this: The wicked won't get off scot-free, and God's loyal people will triumph.
22 Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful face on an empty head.
23 The desires of good people lead straight to the best, but wicked ambition ends in angry frustration.
24 The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller.
25 The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped.
26 Curses on those who drive a hard bargain! Blessings on all who play fair and square!
27 The one who seeks good finds delight; the student of evil becomes evil.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.