Proverbs 21:8-31

21:8 The way of the guilty person is devious,

but as for the pure, his way is upright.

21:9 It is better to live on a corner of the housetop

than in a house in company with a quarrelsome wife.

21:10 The appetite of the wicked desires evil;

his neighbor is shown no favor in his eyes.

21:11 When a scorner is punished, the naive becomes wise;

when a wise person is instructed, he gains knowledge.

21:12 The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked;

he overthrows the wicked to their ruin.

21:13 The one who shuts his ears to the cry of the poor,

he too will cry out and will not be answered.

21:14 A gift given in secret subdues anger,

and a bribe given secretly subdues strong wrath.

21:15 Doing justice brings joy to the righteous

and terror to those who do evil.

21:16 The one who wanders from the way of wisdom

will end up in the company of the departed.

21:17 The one who loves pleasure will be a poor person;

whoever loves wine and anointing oil will not be rich.

21:18 The wicked become a ransom for the righteous,

and the faithless are taken in the place of the upright.

21:19 It is better to live in a desert land

than with a quarrelsome and easily-provoked woman.

21:20 There is desirable treasure and olive oil in the dwelling of the wise,

but a foolish person devours all he has.

21:21 The one who pursues righteousness and love

finds life, bounty, and honor.

21:22 The wise person can scale the city of the mighty

and bring down the stronghold in which they trust.

21:23 The one who guards his mouth and his tongue

keeps his life from troubles.

21:24 A proud and arrogant person, whose name is “Scoffer,”

acts with overbearing pride.

21:25 What the sluggard desires will kill him,

for his hands refuse to work.

21:26 All day long he craves greedily,

but the righteous gives and does not hold back.

21:27 The wicked person’s sacrifice is an abomination;

how much more when he brings it with evil intent!

21:28 A lying witness will perish,

but the one who reports accurately speaks forever.

21:29 A wicked person shows boldness with his face,

but as for the upright, he discerns his ways.

21:30 There is no wisdom and there is no understanding,

and there is no counsel against the Lord.

21:31 A horse is prepared for the day of battle,

but the victory is from the Lord.