Proverbs 11:12-23

New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition

¹² Whoever belittles another lacks sense,
    but an intelligent person remains silent.
¹³ A gossip goes about telling secrets,
    but one who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a confidence.
¹⁴ Where there is no guidance, a nation^[a] falls,
    but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.
¹⁵ To guarantee loans for a stranger brings trouble,
    but there is safety in refusing to do so.
¹⁶ A gracious woman gets honor,
    but she who hates virtue is covered with shame.^[b]
The timid become destitute,^[c]
    but the aggressive gain riches.
¹⁷ Those who are kind reward themselves,
    but the cruel do themselves harm.
¹⁸ The wicked earn no real gain,
    but those who sow righteousness get a true reward.
¹⁹ Whoever is steadfast in righteousness will live,
    but whoever pursues evil will die.
²⁰ Crooked minds are an abomination to the Lord,
    but those of blameless ways are his delight.
²¹ Be assured, the wicked will not go unpunished,
    but those who are righteous will escape.
²² Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout
    is a beautiful woman without good sense.
²³ The desire of the righteous ends only in good;
    the expectation of the wicked in wrath.