Proverbs 21:16-31

New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition

¹⁶ Whoever wanders from the way of understanding
    will rest in the assembly of the dead.
¹⁷ Whoever loves pleasure will suffer want;
    whoever loves wine and oil will not be rich.
¹⁸ The wicked is a ransom for the righteous,
    and the faithless for the upright.
¹⁹ It is better to live in a desert land
    than with a contentious and fretful wife.
²⁰ Precious treasure remains^[a] in the house of the wise,
    but the fool devours it.
²¹ Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness
    will find life^[b] and honor.
²² One wise person went up against a city of warriors
    and brought down the stronghold in which they trusted.
²³ To watch over mouth and tongue
    is to keep out of trouble.
²⁴ The proud, haughty person, named “Scoffer,”
    acts with arrogant pride.
²⁵ The craving of the lazy person is fatal,
    for lazy hands refuse to labor.
²⁶ All day long the wicked covet,^[c]
    but the righteous give and do not hold back.
²⁷ The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination;
    how much more when brought with evil intent.
²⁸ A false witness will perish,
    but a good listener will testify successfully.
²⁹ The wicked put on a bold face,
    but the upright give thought to^[d] their ways.
³⁰ No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel,
    can avail against the Lord.
³¹ The horse is made ready for the day of battle,
    but the victory belongs to the Lord.