Proverbs 11:13-23

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.

Footnotes 3

  • [a]. Or [an army]
  • [b]. Compare Gk Syr: Heb lacks [but she . . . shame]
  • [c]. Gk: Heb lacks [The timid . . . destitute]
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.