17 Whoever loves pleasure will be a poor man;
    he who loves wine and oil will not be rich.
18 (A)The wicked is a (B)ransom for the righteous,
    and the traitor for the upright.
19 It is (C)better to live in a desert land
    than with a quarrelsome and fretful woman.
20 (D)Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man's dwelling,
    but a foolish man (E)devours it.
21 Whoever (F)pursues righteousness and kindness
    will find (G)life, righteousness, and honor.
22 (H)A wise man scales the city of the mighty
    and brings down the stronghold in which they trust.
23 (I)Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue
    (J)keeps himself out of (K)trouble.
24 (L)“Scoffer” is the name of the arrogant, haughty man
    who acts with arrogant pride.
25 The desire of (M)the sluggard kills him,
    for his hands refuse to labor.
26 All day long he craves and craves,
    but the righteous (N)gives and does not hold back.
27 (O)The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination;
    how much more (P)when he brings it with evil intent.
28 (Q)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 (R)gives thought to[a] his ways.
30 (S)No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel
    can avail against the Lord.
31 (T)The horse is made ready for the day of battle,
    but (U)the victory belongs to the Lord.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 21:29 Or establishes

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