14  ^rA gift in secret averts anger,

and a concealed bribe,¹ strong wrath.

15  When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous

^sbut terror to evildoers.

16  One who wanders from the way of good sense

will rest in the assembly of the dead.

17  ^tWhoever loves pleasure will be a poor man;

he who loves wine and oil will not be rich.

18  The wicked is a ransom for the righteous,

and the traitor for the upright.

19  ^uIt is better to live in a desert land

than with a quarrelsome and fretful woman.

20  Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling,

but a foolish man devours it.

21  Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness

will find ^vlife, righteousness, and honor.

22  A wise man scales the city of the mighty

and brings down the stronghold in which they trust.

23  Whoever ^wkeeps his mouth and his tongue

keeps himself out of trouble.

24  “Scoffer” is the name of the arrogant, haughty man

who acts with arrogant pride.

25  ^xThe desire of the sluggard kills him,

for his hands refuse to labor.

26  All day long he craves and craves,

but the righteous ^ygives and does not hold back.

27  ^zThe sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination;

how much more when he brings it with evil intent.

28  A ^afalse 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 ^bgives thought to² his ways.

30  No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel

can avail against the Lord.

31  ^cThe horse is made ready for the day of battle,

^dbut the victory belongs to the Lord.