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?
28. A false witness will perish, but the word of a man who hears attentively will endure and go unchallenged.
29. A wicked man puts on the bold, unfeeling face [of guilt], but as for the upright, he considers, directs, and establishes his way [with the confidence of integrity].
30. There is no [human] wisdom or understanding or counsel [that can prevail] against the Lord.
31. The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but deliverance and victory are of the Lord.