Proverbs 11:22-31

The Message

²² Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout
    is a beautiful face on an empty head.

²³ The desires of good people lead straight to the best,
    but wicked ambition ends in angry frustration.

²⁴ The world of the generous gets larger and larger;
    the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller.

²⁵ The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed;
    those who help others are helped.

²⁶ Curses on those who drive a hard bargain!
    Blessings on all who play fair and square!

²⁷ The one who seeks good finds delight;
    the student of evil becomes evil.

²⁸ A life devoted to things is a dead life, a stump;
    a God-shaped life is a flourishing tree.

²⁹ Exploit or abuse your family, and end up with a fistful of air;
    common sense tells you it’s a stupid way to live.

³⁰ A good life is a fruit-bearing tree;
    a violent life destroys souls.

³¹ If good people barely make it,
    what’s in store for the bad!