PROVERBS CHAPTER 21.
V. 20. There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise, because he will carefully lay up and increase wealth; but a foolish man spendeth it up, he is a spendthrift and a waster.
V. 21. He that followeth after righteousness and mercy, eagerly desiring and practicing these virtues, findeth life, the true spiritual life whose source is in God, righteousness, such as is acceptable in the sight of God, and honor, as the Lord bestows upon His children, for they are valued highly in His eyes, no matter how despised they may be in this world.
V. 22. A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, for a wise man will find and suggest ways of taking even a strong fortress, defended by numerous and strong warriors, Eccl. 9, 14. 15, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof, the bulwarks upon which the defenders relied.
V. 23. Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue, that is, he who can control them properly, both in refraining from speech and in speaking at the right time and to some definite purpose, keepeth his soul from troubles; for a garrulous fool is always making difficulties for himself.