Proverbs 11:11-21

11 By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, But by the mouth of the wicked it is torn down.

12 He who despises his neighbor lacks sense, But a man of understanding keeps silent.

13 He ¹who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets, But he who is trustworthy * ²conceals a matter.

14 Where there is no ³guidance the people fall, But in abundance of counselors there is victory.

15 He who is ⁴guarantor for a stranger will surely suffer for it, But he who hates being a guarantor is secure.

16 A ⁵gracious woman attains honor, And ruthless men attain riches.

17 The ⁶merciful man does himself good, But the cruel man does himself harm.

18 The wicked earns deceptive wages, But he who ⁷sows righteousness gets a true reward.

19 He who is steadfast in ⁸righteousness will attain to life, And ⁹he who pursues evil will bring about his own death.

20 The perverse in heart are an abomination to the LORD, But the ¹⁰blameless in their walk are His ¹¹delight.

21 Assuredly, the evil man will not go unpunished, But the descendants of the righteous will be delivered.

Cross References

• 1. Leviticus 19:16; Proverbs 20:19; 1 Timothy 5:13
• 2. Proverbs 19:11
• 3. Proverbs 15:22; Proverbs 20:18; Proverbs 24:6
• 4. Proverbs 6:1; Proverbs 27:13
• 5. Proverbs 31:28, 30
• 6. Matthew 5:7; Matthew 25:34-36
• 7. Hosea 10:12; Galatians 6:8, 9; James 3:18
• 8. Proverbs 10:16; Proverbs 12:28; Proverbs 19:23
• 9. Proverbs 21:16; Romans 6:23; James 1:15
• 10. Psalms 119:1; Proverbs 13:6
• 11. 1 Chronicles 29:17

Footnotes

• [a]. Lit "heart"
• [b]. Lit "faithful of spirit"
• [c]. Lit "deliverance"
• [d]. Lit "those who strike hands"
• [e]. Lit "good to his own soul"
• [f]. Lit "troubles his flesh"
• [g]. Lit "way"
• [h]. Lit "Hand to hand"
• [i]. Lit "seed"