Proverbs

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. ²⁰They who are willfully contrary in heart are extremely disgusting and shamefully vile in the eyes of the Lord, but such as are blameless and wholehearted in their ways are His delight!