18 The wicked man does deceptive work,
But ^ahe who sows righteousness will have a sure reward. ‡

19 As righteousness leads to ^alife,
So he who pursues evil pursues it to his own ^bdeath. ‡

21 ^aThough they join¹ forces, the wicked will not go unpunished;
But ^bthe posterity of the righteous will be delivered. ‡

22 As a ring of gold in a swine’s snout,
So is a lovely woman who lacks¹ discretion. ‡