Proverbs 11:14

Ordinary people need advice. Church leaders need advice. The leaders of cities need advice (verses 10-11). Even entire nations need advice.

Good and bad words affect the lives of ordinary people. But good and bad words can also affect whole nations.

The wise person is not afraid to ask for advice. Sometimes, we need to ask many advisers before we receive the best advice.

v15 Do not promise to pay someone else’s debt, if they do not pay it. You yourself will suffer.

If you do not promise, then you are safe.

v16 A kind woman benefits from her kindness, because people respect her.

Cruel men get only one benefit: wealth.

v17 A kind man benefits himself.

A cruel man brings troubles upon himself.

v18 An evil man does not get benefits that last.

The person whose behaviour is right gets a certain reward.

v19 If a man is really good, then he will live.

But an evil man will die.

v20 God hates evil men.

He loves good men.

v21 Be sure about this! Evil people will receive their punishment.

Good people will go free.