Proverbs 21:12-27

English Standard Version

¹² The Righteous One ^(A)observes the house of the wicked;
    he throws the wicked down to ruin.
^13 (B)Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor
    will himself call out and not be answered.
^14 (C)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
    ^(D)but terror to evildoers.
¹⁶ One who wanders from the way of good sense
    ^(E)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 (F)The wicked is a ^(G)ransom for the righteous,
    and the traitor for the upright.
¹⁹ It is ^(H)better to live in a desert land
    than with a quarrelsome and fretful woman.
^20 (I)Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man's dwelling,
    but a foolish man ^(J)devours it.
²¹ Whoever ^(K)pursues righteousness and kindness
    will find ^(L)life, righteousness, and honor.
^22 (M)A wise man scales the city of the mighty
    and brings down the stronghold in which they trust.
^23 (N)Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue
    ^(O)keeps himself out of ^(P)trouble.
^24 (Q)“Scoffer” is the name of the arrogant, haughty man
    who acts with arrogant pride.
²⁵ The desire of ^(R)the sluggard kills him,
    for his hands refuse to labor.
²⁶ All day long he craves and craves,
    but the righteous ^(S)gives and does not hold back.
^27 (T)The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination;
    how much more ^(U)when he brings it with evil intent.