¹ A false balance is an abomination to the LORD, ² When pride comes, then comes shame,
but with humility comes wisdom. ³ The integrity of the upright shall guide them,
but the perverseness of the treacherous shall destroy them. ⁴ Riches don’t profit in the day of wrath, ⁵ The righteousness of the blameless will direct his way, ⁶ The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them,
but the unfaithful will be trapped by evil desires. ⁷ When a wicked man dies, hope perishes, ⁸ A righteous person is delivered out of trouble, ⁹ With his mouth the godless man destroys his neighbor, ¹⁰ When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices.
When the wicked perish, there is shouting. ¹¹ By the blessing of the upright, the city is exalted, ¹² One who despises his neighbor is void of wisdom, ¹³ One who brings gossip betrays a confidence,
but one who is of a trustworthy spirit is one who keeps a secret. ¹⁴ Where there is no wise guidance, the nation falls, ¹⁵ He who is collateral for a stranger will suffer for it, ¹⁶ A gracious woman obtains honor,
but violent men obtain riches. ¹⁷ The merciful man does good to his own soul,
but he who is cruel troubles his own flesh. ¹⁸ Wicked people earn deceitful wages, ¹⁹ He who is truly righteous gets life. ²⁰ Those who are perverse in heart are an abomination to the LORD, ²¹ Most certainly, the evil man will not be unpunished, ²² Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout, ²³ The desire of the righteous is only good. ²⁴ There is one who scatters, and increases yet more. ²⁵ The liberal soul shall be made fat. ²⁶ People curse someone who withholds grain,
but blessing will be on the head of him who sells it. ²⁷ He who diligently seeks good seeks favor, ²⁸ He who trusts in his riches will fall, ²⁹ He who troubles his own house shall inherit the wind. ³⁰ The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life. ³¹ Behold, the righteous shall be repaid on the earth,