1  A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.*† 2  When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom. 3  The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them. 4  Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.

5  The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.‡ 6  The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness. 7  When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust men perisheth. 8  The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead. 9  An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.

10  When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth : and when the wicked perish, there is shouting. 11  By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.

12  He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.§ 13  A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.** 14  Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety. 15  He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretiship is sure.††‡‡ 16  A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches. 17  The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh. 18  The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward. 19  As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death. 20  They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight. 21  Though hand 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 is without discretion.§§ 23  The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath. 24  There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. 25  The liberal 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 blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it. 27  He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him. 28  He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch. 29  He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart. 30  The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.††† 31  Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.