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20 Precious treasure remains[a] in the house of the wise,
    but the fool devours it.(A)
21 Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness
    will find life[b] and honor.(B)
22 One wise person went up against a city of warriors
    and brought down the stronghold in which they trusted.(C)
23 To watch over mouth and tongue
    is to keep out of trouble.(D)
24 The proud, haughty person, named Scoffer,
    acts with arrogant pride.(E)
25 The craving of the lazy person is fatal,
    for lazy hands refuse to labor.(F)
26 All day long the wicked covet,[c]
    but the righteous give and do not hold back.(G)
27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination;
    how much more when brought with evil intent.(H)
28 A false witness will perish,
    but a good listener will testify successfully.
29 The wicked put on a bold face,
    but the upright give thought to[d] their ways.(I)
30 No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel
    can avail against the Lord.(J)
31 The horse is made ready for the day of battle,
    but the victory belongs to the Lord.(K)

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Footnotes

  1. 21.20 Gk: Heb and oil
  2. 21.21 Gk: Heb life and righteousness
  3. 21.26 Gk: Heb all day long one covets covetously
  4. 21.29 Or establish

20 The wise store up choice food and olive oil,
    but fools gulp theirs down.

21 Whoever pursues righteousness and love
    finds life, prosperity[a](A) and honor.(B)

22 One who is wise can go up against the city of the mighty(C)
    and pull down the stronghold in which they trust.

23 Those who guard their mouths(D) and their tongues
    keep themselves from calamity.(E)

24 The proud and arrogant person(F)—“Mocker” is his name—
    behaves with insolent fury.

25 The craving of a sluggard will be the death of him,(G)
    because his hands refuse to work.
26 All day long he craves for more,
    but the righteous(H) give without sparing.(I)

27 The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable(J)
    how much more so when brought with evil intent!(K)

28 A false witness(L) will perish,(M)
    but a careful listener will testify successfully.

29 The wicked put up a bold front,
    but the upright give thought to their ways.(N)

30 There is no wisdom,(O) no insight, no plan
    that can succeed against the Lord.(P)

31 The horse is made ready for the day of battle,
    but victory rests with the Lord.(Q)

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 21:21 Or righteousness