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.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 21:29 Or establishes

16 Whoever strays from the path of prudence
    comes to rest in the company of the dead.(A)

17 Whoever loves pleasure will become poor;
    whoever loves wine and olive oil will never be rich.(B)

18 The wicked become a ransom(C) for the righteous,
    and the unfaithful for the upright.

19 Better to live in a desert
    than with a quarrelsome and nagging wife.(D)

20 The wise store up choice food and olive oil,
    but fools gulp theirs down.

21 Whoever pursues righteousness and love
    finds life, prosperity[a](E) and honor.(F)

22 One who is wise can go up against the city of the mighty(G)
    and pull down the stronghold in which they trust.

23 Those who guard their mouths(H) and their tongues
    keep themselves from calamity.(I)

24 The proud and arrogant person(J)—“Mocker” is his name—
    behaves with insolent fury.

25 The craving of a sluggard will be the death of him,(K)
    because his hands refuse to work.
26 All day long he craves for more,
    but the righteous(L) give without sparing.(M)

27 The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable(N)
    how much more so when brought with evil intent!(O)

28 A false witness(P) will perish,(Q)
    but a careful listener will testify successfully.

29 The wicked put up a bold front,
    but the upright give thought to their ways.(R)

30 There is no wisdom,(S) no insight, no plan
    that can succeed against the Lord.(T)

31 The horse is made ready for the day of battle,
    but victory rests with the Lord.(U)

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 21:21 Or righteousness