Proverbs 11:12-23

New King James Version

¹² He who ^[a]is devoid of wisdom despises his neighbor,
But a man of understanding holds his peace.

^13 (A)A talebearer reveals secrets,
But he who is of a faithful spirit ^(B)conceals a matter.

^14 (C)Where there is no counsel, the people fall;
But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.

¹⁵ He who is ^(D)surety^[b] for a stranger will suffer,
But one who hates ^[c]being surety is secure.

¹⁶ A gracious woman retains honor,
But ruthless men retain riches.
^17 (E)The merciful man does good for his own soul,
But he who is cruel troubles his own flesh.
¹⁸ The wicked man does deceptive work,
But ^(F)he who sows righteousness will have a sure reward.
¹⁹ As righteousness leads to ^(G)life,
So he who pursues evil pursues it to his own ^(H)death.
²⁰ Those who are of a perverse heart are an abomination to the Lord,
But the blameless in their ways are His delight.
^21 (I)Though they join ^[d]forces, the wicked will not go unpunished;
But ^(J)the posterity of the righteous will be delivered.

²² As a ring of gold in a swine’s snout,
So is a lovely woman who lacks ^[e]discretion.

²³ The desire of the righteous is only good,
But the expectation of the wicked ^(K)is wrath.