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.