Proverbs 21:17-26

Whoever loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and perfume will never be rich. Wicked people will suffer instead of good people, and those who cannot be trusted will suffer instead of those who do right. It is better to live alone in the desert than with a quarreling and complaining wife. Wise people’s houses are full of the best foods and olive oil, but fools waste everything they have. Whoever tries to live right and be loyal finds life, success, and honor. A wise person can defeat a city full of warriors and tear down the defenses they trust in. Those who are careful about what they say keep themselves out of trouble. People who act with stubborn pride are called “proud,” “bragger,” and “mocker.” Lazy people’s desire for sleep will kill them, because they refuse to work. All day long they wish for more, but good people give without holding back.