Proverbs 21:16-31

English Standard Version

¹⁶ One who wanders from the way of good sense
    ^(A)will rest in the assembly of the dead.
¹⁷ Whoever loves pleasure will be a poor man;
    he who loves wine and oil will not be rich.
^18 (B)The wicked is a ^(C)ransom for the righteous,
    and the traitor for the upright.
¹⁹ It is ^(D)better to live in a desert land
    than with a quarrelsome and fretful woman.
^20 (E)Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man's dwelling,
    but a foolish man ^(F)devours it.
²¹ Whoever ^(G)pursues righteousness and kindness
    will find ^(H)life, righteousness, and honor.
^22 (I)A wise man scales the city of the mighty
    and brings down the stronghold in which they trust.
^23 (J)Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue
    ^(K)keeps himself out of ^(L)trouble.
^24 (M)“Scoffer” is the name of the arrogant, haughty man
    who acts with arrogant pride.
²⁵ The desire of ^(N)the sluggard kills him,
    for his hands refuse to labor.
²⁶ All day long he craves and craves,
    but the righteous ^(O)gives and does not hold back.
^27 (P)The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination;
    how much more ^(Q)when he brings it with evil intent.
^28 (R)A false witness will perish,
    but the word of a man who hears will endure.
²⁹ A wicked man puts on a bold face,
    but the upright ^(S)gives thought to^[a] his ways.
^30 (T)No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel
    can avail against the Lord.
^31 (U)The horse is made ready for the day of battle,
    but ^(V)the victory belongs to the Lord.