Proverbs 11:8-18

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.

Footnotes

• [a] Or [an army]
• [b] Compare Gk Syr: Heb lacks [but she . . . shame]
• [c] Gk: Heb lacks [The timid . . . destitute]