Proverbs 11:1-31 VOICE

[1] Dishonesty in business disgusts the Eternal, but fair dealing delights Him. [2] When pride comes, shame is not far behind, but wisdom accompanies those who are humble. [3] The right-living are guided by integrity, but the crooked ways of the faithless will lead to ruin. [4] Riches won't matter on the day of wrath, but right living will rescue from death. [5] The good deeds of the blameless pave a peaceful, productive path, but wrongdoers trip over their own faults. [6] The good deeds of the upright will rescue them, but the faithless will be conquered by their shallow desires. [7] When wrongdoers die, their hopes die with them. Their great expectations vanish into nothing more than a dream. [8] Those who do right are pulled from trouble; it falls on wrongdoers instead who are left to sink in their own problems. [9] The words of the godless ruin those close to them, but through insight the right-living are spared. [10] When prosperity comes to those who do right, the whole city celebrates; but when the wicked get their just punishment, there is joyous cheering. [11] A city thrives through the blessing of those living right, but the words of a wrongdoer will bring it to ruin. [12] Whoever puts down another is not wise, but one who knows better keeps quiet. [13] A gossip can't keep anything confidential, but a reliable person protects a secret. [14] Without wise guidance, a nation falls; but victory is certain when there are plenty of wise counselors. [15] Trouble compounds when you guarantee a stranger's debt, but you'll be safe if you refuse the pledge. [16] A gracious woman acquires honor, but cruel people are only interested in acquiring money. [17] Kindness is its own reward, but cruelty is a self-inflicted wound. [18] The wicked earn a living by deception, but the one who plants righteousness gathers a true harvest. [19] Indeed, those who do what is right will live a good life, but those who pursue evil will die. [20] The Eternal detests a crooked heart and a warped mind, but He takes great pleasure in those who follow the right way. [21] Certainly those who do wrong will not escape punishment, but those who do right will go free. [22] Much like a gold ring in the snout of a pig, so is a beautiful woman who lacks good judgment. [23] Those who live right crave what is good, but the prospect of wrongdoers is wrath. [24] One shares liberally and yet gains even more, while another hoards more than is right and still has need. [25] A giving person will receive much in return, and someone who gives water will also receive the water he needs. [26] Curses fall upon those who hoard food, but blessings come to those who sell food. [27] Those who seek good find the goodwill of others, but those who look for evil are sure to find it. [28] Those who trust in their wealth are headed for great disappointment, but those who do right will sprout like green leaves in the spring. [29] A person who stirs up trouble in his family will inherit stormy winds, and foolish troublers will end up serving the wise. [30] The tree of life grows where the fruit of right-living falls, and whoever wins souls is wise. [31] If the righteous can expect to be repaid on earth, how much more can the ungodly and the sinners?