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.