Proverbs 11:12-26

Mean-spirited slander is heartless; quiet discretion accompanies good sense. A gadabout gossip can’t be trusted with a secret, but someone of integrity won’t violate a confidence. Without good direction, people lose their way; the more wise counsel you follow, the better your chances. Whoever makes deals with strangers is sure to get burned; if you keep a cool head, you’ll avoid rash bargains. A woman of gentle grace gets respect, but men of rough violence grab for loot. When you’re kind to others, you help yourself; when you’re cruel to others, you hurt yourself. Bad work gets paid with a bad check; good work gets solid pay. Take your stand with God’s loyal community and live, or chase after phantoms of evil and die. GOD can’t stand deceivers, but oh how he relishes integrity. Count on this: The wicked won’t get off scot-free, and God’s loyal people will triumph. Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful face on an empty head. The desires of good people lead straight to the best, but wicked ambition ends in angry frustration. The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller. The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped. Curses on those who drive a hard bargain! Blessings on all who play fair and square!