21 Whoever pursues righteousness and love

finds life, prosperityc w and honor.x

22 One who is wise can go up against the city of the mightyy

and pull down the stronghold in which they trust.

23 Those who guard their mouthsz and their tongues

keep themselves from calamity.a

24 The proud and arrogant personb—“Mocker” is his name—

behaves with insolent fury.

25 The craving of a sluggard will be the death of him,c

because his hands refuse to work.

26 All day long he craves for more,

but the righteousd give without sparing.e

27 The sacrifice of the wicked is detestablef—

how much more so when brought with evil intent!g

28 A false witnessh will perish,i

but a careful listener will testify successfully.

29 The wicked put up a bold front,

but the upright give thought to their ways.j

30 There is no wisdom,k no insight, no plan

that can succeed against the Lord.l

31 The horse is made ready for the day of battle,

but victory rests with the Lord.m