Chapter 11 - False balanceĀ 




1 A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.


2 When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.


3 The integrity (of the upright) shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.


4 Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.


5 The righteousness (of the Perfect) shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.


6 The righteousness (of the upright) shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness.


7 When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust men perisheth.


8 The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead.


9 An hypocrite (with his mouth) destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.


10 When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting.


11 By the blessing (of the upright) the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.


12 He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.


13 A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.


14 Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.


15 He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretiship is sure.


16 A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches.


17 The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.


18 The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.


19 As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.


20 They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.


21 Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.


22 [As] a jewel (of gold) in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.


23 The desire (of the righteous) is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.


24 There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.


25 The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.


26 He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.


27 He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him.


28 He that trusteth in his riches shall fall; but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.


29 He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.


30 The fruit (of the righteous) is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.


31 Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.



Chapter 12