1A false balance is abomination to the LORD : but a just weight is his delight . 2When pride cometh , then cometh shame : but with the lowly is wisdom . 3The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them. 4Riches profit not in the day of wrath : but righteousness delivereth from death . 5The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way : but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness .
The Value of Wisdom
6The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness . 7When a wicked man dieth , his expectation shall perish : and the hope of unjust men perisheth . 8The righteous is delivered out of trouble , and the wicked cometh in his stead.
Community and Relationships
9An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour : but through knowledge shall the just be delivered . 10When it goeth well with the righteous , the city rejoiceth : and when the wicked perish , there is shouting . 11By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted : but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked . 12He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour : but a man of understanding holdeth his peace .
Generosity and Its Rewards
13A talebearer revealeth secrets : but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter . 14Where no counsel is , the people fall : but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety . 15He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretiship is sure . 16A gracious woman retaineth honour : and strong men retain riches . 17The merciful man doeth good to his own soul : but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh . 18The wicked worketh a deceitful work : but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward .
The Final Outcomes
19As righteousness tendeth to life : so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death . 20They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD : but such as are upright in their way are his delight . 21Though hand join in hand , the wicked shall not be unpunished : but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered . 22As a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout , so is a fair woman which is without discretion . 23The desire of the righteous is only good : but the expectation of the wicked is wrath . 24There is that scattereth , and yet increaseth ; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet , but it tendeth to poverty . 25The liberal soul shall be made fat : and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. 26He that withholdeth corn , the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it . 27He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour : but he that seeketh mischief , it shall come unto him. 28He that trusteth in his riches shall fall : but the righteous shall flourish as a branch . 29He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind : and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart . 30The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life ; and he that winneth souls is wise . 31Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth : much more the wicked and the sinner .