Proverbs 13:11-17

English Standard Version

^11 (A)Wealth gained hastily^[a] will dwindle,
    but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.
¹² Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
    ^(B)but a desire fulfilled is ^(C)a tree of life.
¹³ Whoever ^(D)despises ^(E)the word^[b] brings destruction on himself,
    but he who reveres the commandment^[c] will be ^(F)rewarded.
¹⁴ The teaching of the wise is ^(G)a fountain of life,
    that one may ^(H)turn away from the snares of death.
^15 (I)Good sense wins ^(J)favor,
    but the way of the treacherous is their ruin.^[d]
16 (K)Every prudent man acts with knowledge,
    ^(L)but a fool flaunts his folly.
¹⁷ A wicked messenger falls into trouble,
    but ^(M)a faithful envoy brings healing.