Proverbs 11:12-23

Modern English Version

¹² He who is void of wisdom despises his neighbor,
    but a man of understanding holds his peace.

¹³ A talebearer reveals secrets,
    but he who is of a faithful spirit conceals the matter.

¹⁴ Where there is no counsel, the people fall;
    but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.

¹⁵ He who puts up a pledge for a stranger will suffer for it,
    and he who hates being a pledge is secure.

¹⁶ A gracious woman retains honor,
    but ruthless men retain riches.

¹⁷ The merciful man does good to his own soul,
    but he who is cruel troubles his own body.

¹⁸ The wicked works a deceitful work,
    but to him who sows righteousness will be a sure reward.

¹⁹ As righteousness tends to life,
    so he who pursues evil pursues it to his own death.

²⁰ Those who are of a perverse heart are abomination to the Lord,
    but such as are upright in their way are His delight.

²¹ Though be assured, the wicked will not be unpunished,
    but the posterity of the righteous will be delivered.

²² As a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout,
    so is a fair woman who is without discretion.

²³ The desire of the righteous is only good,
    but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.