19. It is better to dwell in a desert land than with a contentious woman and with vexation.
20. There are precious treasures and oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a self-confident and foolish man swallows it up and wastes it.
21. He who earnestly seeks after and craves righteousness, mercy, and loving-kindness will find life in addition to righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God) and honor. [Prov. 15:9; Matt. 5:6.]
22. A wise man scales the city walls of the mighty and brings down the stronghold in which they trust.
23. He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from troubles. [Prov. 12:13; 13:3; 18:21; James 3:2.]
24. The proud and haughty man–Scoffer is his name–deals and acts with overbearing pride.
25. The desire of the slothful kills him, for his hands refuse to labor.
26. He covets greedily all the day long, but the [uncompromisingly] righteous gives and does not withhold. [II Cor. 9:6-10.]
27. The sacrifice of the wicked is exceedingly disgusting and abhorrent [to the Lord]–how much more when he brings it with evil intention?