14. A gift in secret pacifies anger,and a concealed bribe strong wrath.
15. It is joy to the just to do justice,but destruction will come to the workers of iniquity.
16. The man who wanders out of the way of understandingwill remain in the congregation 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 will be a ransom for the righteous,and the transgressor for the upright.
19. It is better to dwell in the wildernessthan with a contentious and angry woman.
20. There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise,but a foolish man squanders it.
21. He who follows after righteousness and mercyfinds life, righteousness, and honor.
22. A wise man scales the city of the mighty,and casts down the strength of its confidence.
23. Whoever guards his mouth and his tonguekeeps his soul from trouble.
24. Proud and haughty—scorner is his name,who deals in proud wrath.
25. The desire of the slothful kills him,for his hands refuse to labor.
26. He covets greedily all the day long,but the righteous gives and does not spare.
27. The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination;how much more when he brings it with a wicked intent!
28. A false witness will perish,but a man who listens will speak forever.