¹⁶ Whoever wanders from the path of understanding
    will end up where the dead^[a] are gathered.

¹⁸ The wicked are ransom for the righteous,
    and the unfaithful for the upright.

²¹ Whoever pursues righteousness and gracious love
    finds life, righteousness, and honor.

²⁷ What the wicked person sacrifices is detestable—
    how much more when he offers it with vile motives!

⁸ Whoever sows wickedness reaps trouble,
    and the anger he uses for a weapon^[a] will be destroyed.

¹⁵ Don’t lie in wait like an outlaw
    to attack where the righteous live;
¹⁶ for though a righteous man falls seven times,
    he will rise again,
        but the wicked stumble into calamity.

³ A whip is for the horses,
    a bridle is for the donkey,
        a rod is for the back of fools.

²⁷ Whoever digs a pit will fall into it,
    and the stone will come back
        on whoever starts it rolling.

¹⁶ As the wicked grow powerful,^[a] transgression increases,
    but the righteous will observe their downfall.