9. With his mouth the godless man destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge and superior discernment shall the righteous be delivered.
10. When it goes well with the [uncompromisingly] righteous, the city rejoices, but when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy.
11. By the blessing of the influence of the upright and God's favor [because of them] the city is exalted, but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.
12. He who belittles and despises his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding keeps silent.
13. He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy and faithful in spirit keeps the matter hidden.
14. Where no wise guidance is, the people fall, but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.
15. He who becomes security for an outsider shall smart for it, but he who hates suretyship is secure [from its penalties].
16. A 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.
17. The 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.
18. The 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.]
19. He 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.