Self-interpreting Bible

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Proverbs 11

Various observations of moral virtues and their contrary vices.


1 A 1FALSE balance is abomination to the LORD: but 2a just weight is his delight.

2 When apride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.

3 The bintegrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.

4 cRiches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.

5 The drighteousness of the perfect shall 3direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.

6 The erighteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but ftransgressors shall be *taken in their own *naughtiness.

7 When ga wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust men perisheth.

8 The hrighteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his *stead.

9 An ihypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: jbut through knowledge shall the just be delivered.

10 When kit goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting.

11 By lthe blessing of the upright mthe city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.

12 He nthat is 4void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.

13 5A otalebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.

14 pWhere no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.

15 He qthat is surety for a stranger 6shall smart for it: and he that hateth 7suretiship is sure.

16 A rgracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches.

17 The smerciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.

18 The twicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.

19 As urighteousness tendeth to life: so vhe that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.

20 They wthat are of a *froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.

21 Though xhand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.

22 As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which 8is without discretion.

23 The ydesire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.

24 There zis that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is *meet, but it tendeth to poverty.

25 9The aliberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.

26 He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but bblessing shall be upon the head of him that cselleth it.

27 He dthat diligently seeketh good procureth favour: ebut he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him.

28 He fthat trusteth in his riches shall fall: but gthe righteous shall flourish as a branch.

29 He hthat troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: iand the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.

30 The jfruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and khe that 10winneth souls is wise.

31 lBehold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.