New King James Version

Proverbs 21:10-25 New King James Version (NKJV)

10. The soul of the wicked desires evil;His neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.

11. When the scoffer is punished, the simple is made wise;But when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.

12. The righteous God wisely considers the house of the wicked,Overthrowing the wicked for their wickedness.

13. Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poorWill also cry himself and not be heard.

14. A gift in secret pacifies anger,And a bribe behind the back, strong wrath.

15. It is a joy for the just to do justice,But destruction will come to the workers of iniquity.

16. A man who wanders from the way of understandingWill rest in the assembly of the dead.

17. He who loves pleasure will be a poor man;He who loves wine and oil will not be rich.

18. The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous,And the unfaithful for the upright.

19. Better to dwell in the wilderness,Than with a contentious and angry woman.

20. There is desirable treasure,And oil in the dwelling of the wise,But a foolish man squanders it.

21. He who follows righteousness and mercyFinds life, righteousness, and honor.

22. A wise man scales the city of the mighty,And brings down the trusted stronghold.

23. Whoever guards his mouth and tongueKeeps his soul from troubles.

24. A proud and haughty man— “Scoffer” is his name;He acts with arrogant pride.

25. The desire of the lazy man kills him,For his hands refuse to labor.