Proverbs 11:1-15

A false balance and dishonest business practices are extremely offensive to the LORD, But an accurate scale is His delight. [Lev 19:35, 36; Prov 16:11] When pride comes [boiling up with an arrogant attitude of self-importance], then come dishonor and shame, But with the humble [the teachable who have been chiseled by trial and who have learned to walk humbly with God] there is wisdom and soundness of mind. The integrity and moral courage of the upright will guide them, But the crookedness of the treacherous will destroy them. Riches will not provide security in the day of wrath and judgment, But righteousness rescues from death. [Prov 10:2; Zeph 1:18] The righteousness of the blameless will smooth their way and keep it straight, But the wicked will fall by his own wickedness. The righteousness of the upright will rescue them, But the treacherous will be caught by their own greed. When the wicked man dies, his expectation will perish; And the hope of [godless] strong men perishes. The righteous is rescued from trouble, And the wicked takes his place. With his mouth the godless man destroys his neighbor, But through knowledge and discernment the righteous will be rescued. When it goes well for the righteous, the city rejoices, And when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy. By the blessing [of the influence] of the upright the city is exalted, But by the mouth of the wicked it is torn down. He who despises his neighbor lacks sense, But a man of understanding keeps silent. He who goes about as a gossip reveals secrets, But he who is trustworthy and faithful keeps a matter hidden. Where there is no [wise, intelligent] guidance, the people fall [and go off course like a ship without a helm], But in the abundance of [wise and godly] counselors there is victory. He who puts up security and guarantees a debt for an outsider will surely suffer [for his foolishness], But he who hates (declines) being a guarantor is secure [from its penalties].