¹⁸ The wicked earn no real gain,
    but those who sow righteousness get a true reward.^(A)
19 Whoever is steadfast in righteousness will live,
    but whoever pursues evil will die.
²⁰ Crooked minds are an abomination to the Lord,
    but those of blameless ways are his delight.^(B)
21 Be assured, the wicked will not go unpunished,
    but those who are righteous will escape.^(C)

²³ The desire of the righteous ends only in good,
    the expectation of the wicked in wrath.