11 Blessings from the honest people living in a city will make it great, but the things evil people say can destroy it.
12 Stupid people say bad things about their neighbors. Wise people know to be quiet.
13 People who tell secrets about others cannot be trusted. Those who can be trusted keep quiet.
14 A nation without wise leaders will fall. Many good advisors make a nation safe.
15 You will be sorry if you promise to pay a stranger’s debt. Refuse to make such promises and you will be safe.
16 A kind and gentle woman gains respect, but violent men gain only wealth.
17 People who are kind will be rewarded for their kindness, but cruel people will be rewarded with trouble.