Proverbs 11:11-20

English Standard Version

¹¹ By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted,
    but ^(A)by the mouth of the wicked ^(B)it is overthrown.
¹² Whoever ^(C)belittles his neighbor lacks sense,
    but a man of understanding remains silent.
¹³ Whoever ^(D)goes about slandering reveals secrets,
    but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.
¹⁴ Where there is ^(E)no guidance, a people falls,
    ^(F)but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.
^15 (G)Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer harm,
    but he who hates striking hands in pledge is secure.
^16 (H)A gracious woman gets honor,
    and ^(I)violent men get riches.
^17 (J)A man who is kind benefits himself,
    but a cruel man hurts himself.
¹⁸ The wicked earns deceptive wages,
    but one who ^(K)sows righteousness gets a sure reward.
¹⁹ Whoever is steadfast in righteousness ^(L)will live,
    but ^(M)he who pursues evil will die.
²⁰ Those of ^(N)crooked heart are ^(O)an abomination to the Lord,
    but those of ^(P)blameless ways are ^(Q)his delight.