Proverbs 11:9-19

9 With his talk a godless person can ruin his neighbor, but righteous people are rescued by knowledge.
10 When righteous people prosper, a city is glad. When wicked people die, there are songs of joy.
11 With the blessing of decent people a city is raised up, but by the words of wicked people, it is torn down.
12 A person who despises a neighbor has no sense, but a person who has understanding keeps quiet.
13 Whoever gossips gives away secrets, but whoever is trustworthy in spirit can keep a secret.
14 A nation will fall when there is no direction, but with many advisers there is victory.
15 Whoever guarantees a stranger's loan will get into trouble, but whoever hates the closing of a deal remains secure.
16 A gracious woman wins respect, but ruthless men gain riches.
17 A merciful person helps himself, but a cruel person hurts himself.
18 A wicked person earns dishonest wages, but whoever spreads righteousness earns honest pay.
19 As righteousness leads to life, so whoever pursues evil finds his own death.
GOD'S WORD® is a copyrighted work of God's Word to the Nations. Copyright © 1995 by God's Word to the Nations. All rights reserved. Used by permission.