7. The violence of the wicked sweeps them away,because they refuse to do what is just.
8. The guilty walk a crooked path;the innocent travel a straight road.
9. It’s better to live alone in the corner of an atticthan with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home.
10. Evil people desire evil;their neighbors get no mercy from them.
11. If you punish a mocker, the simpleminded become wise;if you instruct the wise, they will be all the wiser.
12. The Righteous One knows what is going on in the homes of the wicked;he will bring disaster on them.
13. Those who shut their ears to the cries of the poorwill be ignored in their own time of need.
14. A secret gift calms anger;a bribe under the table pacifies fury.
15. Justice is a joy to the godly,but it terrifies evildoers.
16. The person who strays from common sensewill end up in the company of the dead.
17. Those who love pleasure become poor;those who love wine and luxury will never be rich.
18. The wicked are punished in place of the godly,and traitors in place of the honest.
19. It’s better to live alone in the desertthan with a quarrelsome, complaining wife.
20. The wise have wealth and luxury,but fools spend whatever they get.
21. Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing lovewill find life, righteousness, and honor.
22. The wise conquer the city of the strongand level the fortress in which they trust.
23. Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut,and you will stay out of trouble.