A reading from the Book of Proverbs.

A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight.

When pride comes, then comes disgrace.

But with the humble is wisdom.

The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous

destroys them. Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers

from death. The righteousness of the blameless keeps his way straight, but the wicked

falls by his own wickedness.

The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the treacherous are taken captive

by their lust.

When the wicked dies, his hope will perish, and the expectation of wealth perishes too.

The righteous is delivered from trouble, and the wicked walks into it instead.

With his mouth the godless man would destroy his neighbor, but by knowledge the righteous

are delivered.

When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices,

and when the wicked perish, there are shouts of gladness. By the blessing of the upright,

a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked, it is overthrown. Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense,

but a man of understanding remains silent.

Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets,

but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.

Where there is no guidance, a people falls,

but in an abundance of counselors, there is safety.

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