11 When (A)a scoffer is punished, the simple becomes wise;
    when a wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge.
12 The Righteous One (B)observes the house of the wicked;
    he throws the wicked down to ruin.
13 (C)Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor
    will himself call out and not be answered.
14 (D)A gift in secret averts anger,
    and a concealed bribe,[a] strong wrath.
15 When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous
    (E)but terror to evildoers.
16 One who wanders from the way of good sense
    (F)will rest in the assembly of the dead.
17 Whoever loves pleasure will be a poor man;
    he who loves wine and oil will not be rich.
18 (G)The wicked is a (H)ransom for the righteous,
    and the traitor for the upright.
19 It is (I)better to live in a desert land
    than with a quarrelsome and fretful woman.
20 (J)Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man's dwelling,
    but a foolish man (K)devours it.
21 Whoever (L)pursues righteousness and kindness
    will find (M)life, righteousness, and honor.
22 (N)A wise man scales the city of the mighty
    and brings down the stronghold in which they trust.
23 (O)Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue
    (P)keeps himself out of (Q)trouble.
24 (R)“Scoffer” is the name of the arrogant, haughty man
    who acts with arrogant pride.
25 The desire of (S)the sluggard kills him,
    for his hands refuse to labor.
26 All day long he craves and craves,
    but the righteous (T)gives and does not hold back.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 21:14 Hebrew a bribe in the bosom

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