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1 A FALSE balance is an abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight. 2 When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom. 3 The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of the treacherous shall destroy them. 4 Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death. 5 The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness. 6 The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but they that deal treacherously shall be taken in their own mischief. 7 When a wicked man dieth his expectation shall perish: and the hope of iniquity perisheth. 8 The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead. 9 With his mouth the godless man destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the righteous be delivered. 10 When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting. 11 By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked. 12 He that despiseth his neighbour is void of wisdom: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace. 13 He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter. 14 Where no wise guidance is, the people falleth: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety. 15 He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: but he that hateth suretiship is sure. 16 A gracious woman retaineth honour: and violent men retain riches. 17 The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh. 18 The wicked earneth deceitful wages: but he that soweth righteousness hath a sure reward. 19 He that is stedfast in righteousness shall attain unto life: and he that pursueth evil doeth it to his own death. 20 They that are perverse in heart are an abomination to the LORD: but such as are perfect in their way are his delight. 21 Though hand join in hand, the evil man shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered. 22 As a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion. 23 The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath. 24 There is that scattereth, and increaseth yet more; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth only to want. 25 The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. 26 He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it. 27 He that diligently seeketh good seeketh favour: but he that searcheth after mischief, it shall come unto him. 28 He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as the green leaf. 29 He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the foolish shall be servant to the wise of heart. 30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that is wise winneth souls. 31 Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: how much more the wicked and the sinner!