Proverbs 21:12

God sees evil people. He watches their evil actions. He knows their evil thoughts. God will punish them.

v13 Perhaps a man does not listen to the cries of poor people.

Then nobody will listen to him, when he too cries for help.

v14 A secret gift takes away a man’s anger.

A bribe (secret gift) in the pocket causes an angry man to be calm.

v15 When a judge is fair, good men are happy.

But evil men are afraid.

v16 Sometimes a person decides not to be wise.

He is like a traveller who wanders to his death.

v17 The person who loves luxury will become poor.

The person who loves wine and oil will never be rich.

v18 Wicked people must pay, instead of good people.

People who do evil things must pay, instead of honest people.