Proverbs 11:12-20

English Standard Version

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