Proverbs

¹³He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy and faithful in spirit keeps the matter hidden. ¹⁴Where no wise guidance is, the people fall, but in the multitude of counselors there is safety. ¹⁵He who becomes security for an outsider shall smart for it, but he who hates suretyship is secure [from its penalties]. ¹⁶A gracious and good woman wins honor [for her husband], and violent men win riches but a woman who hates righteousness is a throne of dishonor for him. ¹⁷The merciful, kind, and generous man benefits himself [for his deeds return to bless him], but he who is cruel and callous [to the wants of others] brings on himself retribution. ¹⁸The wicked man earns deceitful wages, but he who sows righteousness (moral and spiritual rectitude in every area and relation) shall have a sure reward [permanent and satisfying]. [Hos. 10:12; Gal. 6:8, 9; James 3:18.] ¹⁹He who is steadfast in righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God) attains to life, but he who pursues evil does it to his own death.