Proverbs 21:14-31

English Standard Version

^14 (A)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
    ^(B)but terror to evildoers.
¹⁶ One who wanders from the way of good sense
    ^(C)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 (D)The wicked is a ^(E)ransom for the righteous,
    and the traitor for the upright.
¹⁹ It is ^(F)better to live in a desert land
    than with a quarrelsome and fretful woman.
^20 (G)Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man's dwelling,
    but a foolish man ^(H)devours it.
²¹ Whoever ^(I)pursues righteousness and kindness
    will find ^(J)life, righteousness, and honor.
^22 (K)A wise man scales the city of the mighty
    and brings down the stronghold in which they trust.
^23 (L)Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue
    ^(M)keeps himself out of ^(N)trouble.
^24 (O)“Scoffer” is the name of the arrogant, haughty man
    who acts with arrogant pride.
²⁵ The desire of ^(P)the sluggard kills him,
    for his hands refuse to labor.
²⁶ All day long he craves and craves,
    but the righteous ^(Q)gives and does not hold back.
^27 (R)The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination;
    how much more ^(S)when he brings it with evil intent.
^28 (T)A false witness will perish,
    but the word of a man who hears will endure.
²⁹ A wicked man puts on a bold face,
    but the upright ^(U)gives thought to^[b] his ways.
^30 (V)No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel
    can avail against the Lord.
^31 (W)The horse is made ready for the day of battle,
    but ^(X)the victory belongs to the Lord.