Proverbs 11:1-31 NIrV

[1] The LORD hates it when people use scales to cheat others. But he is delighted when people use honest weights. [2] When pride comes, shame follows. But wisdom comes to those who are not proud. [3] Those who do what is right are guided by their honest lives. But those who aren’t faithful are destroyed by their lies. [4] Wealth isn’t worth anything when God judges you. But doing what is right saves you from death. [5] The ways of honest people are made straight because they do what is right. But those who do what is wrong are brought down by their own sins. [6] Godly people are saved by doing what is right. But those who aren’t faithful are trapped by evil longings. [7] Hopes placed in human beings will die with them. Everything their power promised comes to nothing. [8] Those who do right are saved from trouble. But trouble comes on those who do wrong. [9] With their words ungodly people destroy their neighbors. But those who do what is right escape because of their knowledge. [10] When those who do right succeed, their city is glad. When those who do wrong die, people shout for joy. [11] The blessing of honest people builds up a city. But the words of sinners destroy it. [12] Whoever makes fun of their neighbor has no sense. But the one who has understanding controls their tongue. [13] Those who talk about others will tell secrets. But those who can be trusted keep the secrets of others. [14] Without guidance a nation falls. But many good advisers can bring victory to a nation. [15] Whoever promises to pay for what someone else owes will certainly suffer. But a person who doesn’t agree to pay someone else’s bill is safe. [16] A woman who has a kind heart gains honor. But men who are not kind gain only wealth. [17] Those who are kind benefit themselves. But mean people bring ruin on themselves. [18] An evil person really earns nothing. But the one who plants what is right will certainly be rewarded. [19] Surely right living leads to life. But whoever runs after evil finds death. [20] The LORD hates those whose hearts are twisted. But he is pleased with those who live without blame. [21] You can be sure that sinners will be punished. And you can also be sure that godly people will go free. [22] A beautiful woman who has no sense is like a gold ring in a pig’s nose. [23] What godly people long for ends only in what is good. But what sinners hope for ends only in God’s anger. [24] One person gives freely but gets even richer. Another person doesn’t give what they should but gets even poorer. [25] Anyone who gives a lot will succeed. Anyone who renews others will be renewed. [26] People ask for bad things to happen to those who store up grain for themselves. But people ask for God’s blessing on those who are willing to sell. [27] Anyone who looks for what is good will be blessed. But bad things will happen to a person who plans to do evil. [28] Those who trust in their riches will fall. But those who do right will be as healthy as a green leaf. [29] Those who bring ruin on their families will receive nothing but wind. And foolish people will serve wise people. [30] The fruit that godly people bear is like a tree of life. And those who are wise save lives. [31] Godly people get what they should get on earth. So ungodly people and sinners will certainly get what they should get!