Proverbs 11:1-31 NCV

[1] The LORD hates dishonest scales, but he is pleased with honest weights. [2] Pride leads only to shame; it is wise to be humble. [3] Good people will be guided by honesty; dishonesty will destroy those who are not trustworthy. [4] Riches will not help when it's time to die, but right living will save you from death. [5] The goodness of the innocent makes life easier, but the wicked will be destroyed by their wickedness. [6] Doing right brings freedom to honest people, but those who are not trustworthy will be caught by their own desires. [7] When the wicked die, hope dies with them; their hope in riches will come to nothing. [8] The good person is saved from trouble; it comes to the wicked instead. [9] With words an evil person can destroy a neighbor, but a good person will escape by being resourceful. [10] When good people succeed, the city is happy. When evil people die, there are shouts of joy. [11] Good people bless and build up their city, but the wicked can destroy it with their words. [12] People without good sense find fault with their neighbors, but those with understanding keep quiet. [13] Gossips can't keep secrets, but a trustworthy person can. [14] Without leadership a nation falls, but lots of good advice will save it. [15] Whoever guarantees to pay somebody else's loan will suffer. It is safer to avoid such promises. [16] A kind woman gets respect, but cruel men get only wealth. [17] Kind people do themselves a favor, but cruel people bring trouble on themselves. [18] An evil person really earns nothing, but a good person will surely be rewarded. [19] Those who are truly good will live, but those who chase after evil will die. [20] The LORD hates those with evil hearts but is pleased with those who are innocent. [21] Evil people will certainly be punished, but those who do right will be set free. [22] A beautiful woman without good sense is like a gold ring in a pig's snout. [23] Those who do right only wish for good, but the wicked can expect to be defeated by God's anger. [24] Some people give much but get back even more. Others don't give what they should and end up poor. [25] Whoever gives to others will get richer; those who help others will themselves be helped. [26] People curse those who keep all the grain, but they bless the one who is willing to sell it. [27] Whoever looks for good will find kindness, but whoever looks for evil will find trouble. [28] Those who trust in riches will be ruined, but a good person will be healthy like a green leaf. [29] Whoever brings trouble to his family will be left with nothing but the wind. A fool will be a servant to the wise. [30] A good person gives life to others; the wise person teaches others how to live. [31] Good people will be rewarded on earth, and the wicked and the sinners will be punished.