16 A person who wanders from the way of understanding
Will (A)rest in the assembly of the [a]dead.
17 One who (B)loves pleasure will become a poor person;
One who loves wine and oil will not become rich.
18 The wicked is a (C)ransom for the righteous,
And the (D)treacherous is in the place of the upright.
19 (E)It is better to live in a desert land
Than with a contentious and irritating woman.
20 There is precious (F)treasure and oil in the home of the wise,
But a foolish person (G)swallows it up.
21 One who (H)pursues righteousness and loyalty
Finds life, righteousness, and honor.
22 A (I)wise person scales the city of the mighty
And brings down the [b]stronghold in which they trust.
23 One who (J)guards his mouth and his tongue,
Guards his soul from troubles.
24 “Proud,” “Arrogant,” “(K)Scoffer,” are his names,
One who acts with (L)insolent pride.
25 The (M)desire of the [c]lazy one puts him to death,
For his hands refuse to work;
26 All day long he [d]is craving,
While the righteous (N)gives and does not hold back.
27 The (O)sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination,
How much more when he brings it with evil intent!
28 A (P)false witness will perish,
But a person who listens will speak forever.
29 A wicked person [e](Q)displays a bold face,
But as for the (R)upright, he makes his way sure.
30 There is (S)no wisdom, no understanding,
And no [f]plan against the Lord.
31 The (T)horse is prepared for the day of battle,
But the (U)victory belongs to the Lord.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 21:16 Lit departed spirits
  2. Proverbs 21:22 Lit strength of trust
  3. Proverbs 21:25 Lit idle
  4. Proverbs 21:26 Lit desires desire
  5. Proverbs 21:29 Lit makes firm with his face
  6. Proverbs 21:30 Or advice

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