Proverbs 13:6-16

The Voice

⁶ Doing right keeps the innocent on the path of life,
    but doing wrong is the downfall of the wicked.
⁷ One pretends he is wealthy but has nothing,
    while another seems to be poor but has great wealth.
⁸ The rich are targeted and must ransom their lives,
    but no one bothers to threaten the poor.
⁹ The light of the right-living brings joy as it burns brightly;
    the lamp of a wrongdoer will be snuffed out.
¹⁰ Arrogance only produces arguments,
    but wisdom accompanies those well advised.
¹¹ Money earned hastily is easily lost,
    but hard-earned money continues to grow.
¹² Hope postponed grieves the heart;
    but when a dream comes true, life is full and sweet.
¹³ The one who hates good counsel will reap failure and ruin,
    but the one who reveres God’s instruction will be rewarded.
¹⁴ Wise instruction is a spring yielding a satisfied life;
    those who follow it avoid the traps that lead to death.
¹⁵ Good sense brings blessing,
    but the road of the treacherous is long and rough.
¹⁶ A clever person acquires knowledge and then acts on it;
    but a fool advertises his folly for all to see.