Proverbs 21:16-31

Christian Standard Bible

¹⁶ The person who strays from the way of prudence
will come to rest in the assembly of the departed spirits.^(A)

¹⁷ The one who loves pleasure will become poor;
whoever loves wine and oil will not get rich.^(B)

¹⁸ The wicked are a ransom for the righteous,
and the treacherous, for^[a] the upright.^(C)

¹⁹ Better to live in a wilderness
than with a nagging and hot-tempered wife.^(D)

²⁰ Precious treasure and oil are in the dwelling of a wise person,
but a fool consumes them.^[b](E)

²¹ The one who pursues righteousness and faithful love
will find life, righteousness, and honor.^(F)

²² A wise person went up against a city of warriors
and brought down its secure fortress.^(G)

²³ The one who guards his mouth and tongue
keeps himself out of trouble.^(H)

²⁴ The arrogant and proud person, named “Mocker,”
acts with excessive arrogance.^(I)

²⁵ A slacker’s craving will kill him
because his hands refuse to work.^(J)
26 He is filled with craving^[c] all day long,
but the righteous give and don’t hold back.^(K)

²⁷ The sacrifice of a wicked person is detestable—
how much more so
when he brings it with ulterior motives!^(L)

²⁸ A lying witness will perish,^(M)
but the one who listens will speak successfully.

²⁹ A wicked person puts on a bold face,^(N)
but the upright one considers his way.

³⁰ No wisdom, no understanding, and no counsel
will prevail against the Lord.^(O)

³¹ A horse is prepared for the day of battle,^(P)
but victory comes from the Lord.^(Q)