7. When the wicked die,their hopes die with them.
8. Trouble goes right pastthe Lord's peopleand strikes the wicked.
9. Dishonest people use gossipto destroy their neighbours;good people are protectedby their own good sense.
10. When honest people prosperand the wicked disappear,the whole city celebrates.
11. When God blesses his people,their city prospers,but deceitful liarscan destroy a city.
12. It's stupid to say bad thingsabout your neighbours.If you are sensible,you will keep quiet.
13. A gossip tells everything,but a true friendwill keep a secret.
14. A city without wise leaderswill end up in ruin;a city with many wise leaderswill be kept safe.
15. It's a dangerous thingto guarantee paymentfor someone's debts.Don't do it!
16. A gracious womanwill be respected,but a man must work hardto get rich.
17. Kindness is rewarded—but if you are cruel,you hurt yourself.
18. Meanness gets you nowhere,but goodness is rewarded.
19. Always do the right thing,and you will live;keep on doing wrong,and you will die.
20. The Lord hates cunning people,but he likes everyonewho lives right.
21. You can be sure of this:all crooks will be punished,but God's people won't.
22. A beautiful womanwho acts foolishlyis like a gold ringon the snout of a pig.
23. Good people want what is best,but troublemakershope to stir up trouble.
24. Sometimes you can become richby being generousor poor by being greedy.
25. Generosity will be rewarded:give a cup of water,and you will receivea cup of water in return.