Proverbs 21:16-31

New International Version

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)