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14 For lack of guidance a people falls;
    security lies in many counselors.(A)
15 Harm will come to anyone going surety for another,(B)
    but whoever hates giving pledges is secure.[a]
16 A gracious woman gains esteem,
    and ruthless men gain wealth.[b]

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Footnotes

  1. 11:15 Proverbs is opposed to providing surety for another’s loan (see note on 6:1–5) and expresses this view throughout the book.
  2. 11:16 Wealth and esteem are good things in Proverbs, but the means for acquiring them are flawed. As precious gifts, they must be granted, not taken. The esteem of others that depends on beauty is as fleeting as beauty itself (cf. 31:30) and the wealth acquired by aggressive behavior lasts only as long as one has physical strength.