16When you forsake the ways of wisdom,you will wander into the realm of dark spirits.17To love pleasure for pleasure’s sakewill introduce you to poverty.Indulging in a life of luxurywill never make you wealthy.18The wicked bring on themselvesthe very suffering they planned for others,for their treachery comes back to haunt them.19It’s better to live in a hut in the wildernessthan with a crabby, scolding spouse!20In wisdom’s house you’ll find delightful treasuresand the oil of the Holy Spirit.But the stupid squander what they’ve been given.21The lovers of God who chase after righteousnesswill find all their dreams come true:an abundant life drenched with favorand a fountain that overflows with satisfaction.22A warrior filled with wisdom ascends into the high placeand releases breakthrough,bringing down the strongholds of the mighty23Watch your words and be careful what you say,and you’ll be surprised by how few troubles you’ll have.24An arrogant man is inflated with pride—nothing but a snooty scoffer in love with his own opinion.Mr. Mocker is his name!25-26Taking the easy way out is the habit of a lazy man,and it will be his downfall.All day long he thinks about all the things that he craves,for he hasn’t learned the secret that the generous man has learned:extravagant giving never leads to poverty.27To bring an offering to God with an ulterior motive is detestable,for it amounts to nothing but hypocrisy.28No one believes a notorious liar,but the guarded words of an honest man stand the test of time.29The wicked are shameless and stubborn,but the lovers of God have a holy confidence.30All your brilliant wisdom and clever insightwill be of no help at all if the Lord is against you.31You can do your best to prepare for the battle,but ultimate victory comes from the Lord God.
Scripture quoted by permission. The passage above is taken from The Passion Translation®. Copyright © 2017, 2018, 2020 by Passion & Fire Ministries, Inc. All rights reserved. ThePassionTranslation.com.