Proverbs 11:18-31

18The wicked man earns deceptive wages, But he who sows righteousness and lives his life with integrity will have a true reward [that is both permanent and satisfying].

19He who is steadfast in righteousness attains life, But he who pursues evil attains his own death.

20The perverse in heart are repulsive and shamefully vile to the Lord, But those who are blameless and above reproach in their walk are His delight!

21Assuredly, the evil man will not go unpunished, But the descendants of the righteous will be freed.

22As a ring of gold in a swine’s snout, So is a beautiful woman who is without discretion [her lack of character mocks her beauty].

23The desire of the righteous brings only good, But the expectation of the wicked brings wrath.

24There is the one who [generously] scatters [abroad], and yet increases all the more; And there is the one who withholds what is justly due, but it results only in want and poverty.

25The generous man [is a source of blessing and] shall be prosperous and enriched, And he who waters will himself be watered [reaping the generosity he has sown].

26The people curse him who holds back grain [when the public needs it], But a blessing [from God and man] is upon the head of him who sells it.

27He who diligently seeks good seeks favor and grace, But he who seeks evil, evil will come to him.

28He who leans on and trusts in and is confident in his riches will fall, But the righteous [who trust in God’s provision] will flourish like a green leaf.

29He who troubles (mismanages) his own house will inherit the wind (nothing), And the foolish will be a servant to the wise-hearted.

30The fruit of the [consistently] righteous is a tree of life, And he who is wise captures and wins souls [for God—he gathers them for eternity].

31If the righteous will be rewarded on the earth [with godly blessings], How much more [will] the wicked and the sinner [be repaid with punishment]!