Proverbs 11:1-31 AMP

Proverbs 11:1-31 AMP [1] A false balance and dishonest business practices are extremely offensive to the LORD, But an accurate scale is His delight. [2] When pride comes [boiling up with an arrogant attitude of self-importance], then come dishonor and shame, But with the humble [the teachable who have been chiseled by trial and who have learned to walk humbly with God] there is wisdom and soundness of mind. [3] The integrity and moral courage of the upright will guide them, But the crookedness of the treacherous will destroy them. [4] Riches will not provide security in the day of wrath and judgment, But righteousness rescues from death. [5] The righteousness of the blameless will smooth their way and keep it straight, But the wicked will fall by his own wickedness. [6] The righteousness of the upright will rescue them, But the treacherous will be caught by their own greed. [7] When the wicked man dies, his expectation will perish; And the hope of [godless] strong men perishes. [8] The righteous is rescued from trouble, And the wicked takes his place. [9] With his mouth the godless man destroys his neighbor, But through knowledge and discernment the righteous will be rescued. [10] When it goes well for the righteous, the city rejoices, And when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy. [11] By the blessing [of the influence] of the upright the city is exalted, But by the mouth of the wicked it is torn down. [12] He who despises his neighbor lacks sense, But a man of understanding keeps silent. [13] He who goes about as a gossip reveals secrets, But he who is trustworthy and faithful keeps a matter hidden. [14] Where there is no [wise, intelligent] guidance, the people fall [and go off course like a ship without a helm], But in the abundance of [wise and godly] counselors there is victory. [15] He who puts up security and guarantees a debt for an outsider will surely suffer [for his foolishness], But he who hates (declines) being a guarantor is secure [from its penalties]. [16] A gracious and good woman attains honor, And ruthless men attain riches [but not respect]. [17] The merciful and generous man benefits his soul [for his behavior returns to bless him], But the cruel and callous man does himself harm. [18] The wicked man earns deceptive wages, But he who sows righteousness and lives his life with integrity will have a true reward [that is both permanent and satisfying]. [19] He who is steadfast in righteousness attains life, But he who pursues evil attains his own death. [20] The perverse in heart are repulsive and shamefully vile to the LORD, But those who are blameless and above reproach in their walk are His delight! [21] Assuredly, the evil man will not go unpunished, But the descendants of the righteous will be freed. [22] As a ring of gold in a swine’s snout, So is a beautiful woman who is without discretion [her lack of character mocks her beauty]. [23] The desire of the righteous brings only good, But the expectation of the wicked brings wrath. [24] There is the one who [generously] scatters [abroad], and yet increases all the more; And there is the one who withholds what is justly due, but it results only in want and poverty. [25] The generous man [is a source of blessing and] shall be prosperous and enriched, And he who waters will himself be watered [reaping the generosity he has sown]. [26] The people curse him who holds back grain [when the public needs it], But a blessing [from God and man] is upon the head of him who sells it. [27] He who diligently seeks good seeks favor and grace, But he who seeks evil, evil will come to him. [28] He who leans on and trusts in and is confident in his riches will fall, But the righteous [who trust in God’s provision] will flourish like a green leaf. [29] He who troubles (mismanages) his own house will inherit the wind (nothing), And the foolish will be a servant to the wise-hearted. [30] The fruit of the [consistently] righteous is a tree of life, And he who is wise captures and wins souls [for God—he gathers them for eternity]. [31] If the righteous will be rewarded on the earth [with godly blessings], How much more [will] the wicked and the sinner [be repaid with punishment]!

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