¹⁶ A gracious woman gains respect,
    but ruthless men gain only wealth.

¹⁷ Your kindness will reward you,
    but your cruelty will destroy you.

¹⁰ The godly care for their animals,
    but the wicked are always cruel.

²³ The poor plead for mercy;
    the rich answer with insults.

¹⁷ If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord—
    and he will repay you!

¹⁰ Evil people desire evil;
    their neighbors get no mercy from them.

¹³ People who conceal their sins will not prosper,
    but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.