Proverbs 21:18
The wicked become a ransom for the righteous, and the unfaithful for the upright.
In context
15 When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers. 16 Whoever strays from the path of prudence comes to rest in the company of the dead.
17 Whoever loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and olive oil will never be rich. 18 The wicked become a ransom for the righteous, and the unfaithful for the upright. 19 Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and nagging wife. 20 The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.
21 Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.
Compare in other versions
- KJV King James Version
— Proverbs 21:18 in the KJV
The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, And the transgressor for the upright.
- ESV English Standard Version
— Proverbs 21:18 in the ESV
The wicked is a ransom for the righteous, and the traitor for the upright.