18. The wicked is a ransom for the righteous and the faithless for the upright.
19. It is better to live in a desert land than with a quarrelsome, worrisome wife.
20. Precious treasure and oil are in a wise person’s dwelling, but a foolish person devours all he has.
21. Whoever pursues righteousness and mercy finds life, prosperity and honor.
22. A wise person scales the city of warriors and brings down the stronghold in which they trust.
23. Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul out of troubles.
24. A proud and haughty man —Mocker is his name— acts with overbearing pride.
25. A slacker’s craving will kill him, because his hands refuse to work.
26. All day long he craves greedily, yet the righteous one gives and does not hold back.
27. The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination— how much more when he brings it with evil intent?