Proverbs 21:18-31

New King James Version

¹⁸ The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous,
And the unfaithful for the upright.

¹⁹ Better to dwell ^[a]in the wilderness,
Than with a contentious and angry woman.

^20 (A)There is desirable treasure,
And oil in the dwelling of the wise,
But a foolish man squanders it.

^21 (B)He who follows righteousness and mercy
Finds life, righteousness, and honor.

²² A ^(C)wise man ^[b]scales the city of the mighty,
And brings down the trusted stronghold.

^23 (D)Whoever guards his mouth and tongue
Keeps his soul from troubles.

²⁴ A proud and haughty man—“Scoffer” is his name;
He acts with arrogant pride.

²⁵ The ^(E)desire of the lazy man kills him,
For his hands refuse to labor.
²⁶ He covets greedily all day long,
But the righteous ^(F)gives and does not spare.

^27 (G)The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination;
How much more when he brings it with wicked intent!

²⁸ A false witness shall perish,
But the man who hears him will speak endlessly.

²⁹ A wicked man hardens his face,
But as for the upright, he ^[c]establishes his way.

^30 (H)There is no wisdom or understanding
Or counsel against the Lord.

³¹ The horse is prepared for the day of battle,
But ^(I)deliverance is of the Lord.