(A)The getting of treasures by a lying tongue
    is a (B)fleeting (C)vapor and a (D)snare of death.[a]
The violence of the wicked will (E)sweep them away,
    because they refuse to do what is just.
The way of the guilty (F)is crooked,
    but the conduct of the pure is upright.
It is (G)better to live in a corner of the housetop
    than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife.
10 The soul of the wicked desires evil;
    his neighbor finds no mercy in his eyes.
11 When (H)a scoffer is punished, the simple becomes wise;
    when a wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge.
12 The Righteous One (I)observes the house of the wicked;
    he throws the wicked down to ruin.
13 (J)Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor
    will himself call out and not be answered.
14 (K)A gift in secret averts anger,
    and a concealed bribe,[b] strong wrath.
15 When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous
    (L)but terror to evildoers.
16 One who wanders from the way of good sense
    (M)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.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 21:6 Some Hebrew manuscripts, Septuagint, Latin; most Hebrew manuscripts vapor for those who seek death
  2. Proverbs 21:14 Hebrew a bribe in the bosom

A fortune made by a lying tongue
    is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare.[a](A)

The violence of the wicked will drag them away,(B)
    for they refuse to do what is right.

The way of the guilty is devious,(C)
    but the conduct of the innocent is upright.

Better to live on a corner of the roof
    than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.(D)

10 The wicked crave evil;
    their neighbors get no mercy from them.

11 When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom;
    by paying attention to the wise they get knowledge.(E)

12 The Righteous One[b] takes note of the house of the wicked
    and brings the wicked to ruin.(F)

13 Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor
    will also cry out(G) and not be answered.(H)

14 A gift given in secret soothes anger,
    and a bribe concealed in the cloak pacifies great wrath.(I)

15 When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous
    but terror to evildoers.(J)

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

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

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 21:6 Some Hebrew manuscripts, Septuagint and Vulgate; most Hebrew manuscripts vapor for those who seek death
  2. Proverbs 21:12 Or The righteous person