Proverbs
Summary
Focuses on the contrasts between integrity and perverseness. It highlights the importance of honesty in business (the 'just weight'), the value of humble wisdom over pride, and the social impact of the righteous versus the wicked. Notable metaphors include the golden jewel in a swine's snout for beauty without discretion.
A false balance is an abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is His delight.
When pride comes, then comes shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.
The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.
Riches do not profit in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivers from death.
The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.
The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness.
When a wicked man dies, his expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust men perishes.
The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked comes in his place.
An hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.
When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting.
By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.
He that is void of wisdom despises his neighbour: but a man of understanding holds his peace.
A talebearer reveals secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit conceals the matter.
Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.
He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hates suretiship is sure.
A gracious woman retains honour: and strong men retain riches.
The merciful man does good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubles his own flesh.
The wicked works a deceitful work: but to him that sows righteousness shall be a sure reward.
As righteousness tends to life: so he that pursues evil pursues it to his own death.
They that are of a perverse heart are an abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are His delight.
Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.
As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman who is without discretion.
The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.
There is one who scatters and yet increases; and there is one who withholds more than is proper, but it tends to poverty.
The liberal soul shall be made rich: and he that waters shall be watered also himself.
He that withholds grain, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that sells it.
He that diligently seeks good procures favour: but he that seeks mischief, it shall come to him.
He that trusts in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.
He that troubles his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that wins souls is wise.
Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.