Proverbs 11:12-22

12A person who despises a neighbor has no sense, but a person who has understanding keeps quiet.

13Whoever gossips gives away secrets, but whoever is trustworthy in spirit can keep a secret.

14A nation will fall when there is no direction, but with many advisers there is victory.

15Whoever guarantees a stranger’s loan will get into trouble, but whoever hates the closing of a deal remains secure.

16A gracious woman wins respect, but ruthless men gain riches.

17A merciful person helps himself, but a cruel person hurts himself.

18A wicked person earns dishonest wages, but whoever spreads righteousness earns honest pay.

19As righteousness leads to life, so whoever pursues evil finds his own death.

20Devious people are disgusting to the Lord, but he is delighted with those whose ways are innocent.

21Certainly, an evil person will not go unpunished, but the descendants of righteous people will escape.

22⌞Like⌟ a gold ring in a pig’s snout, ⌞so⌟ is a beautiful woman who lacks good taste.