15  The simple believes everything,

but the prudent ^ggives thought to his steps.

16  ^hOne who is wise is cautious¹ and turns away from evil,

but a fool is reckless and careless.

17  A man of quick temper acts foolishly,

and ⁱa man of evil devices is hated.

18  The ^jsimple inherit folly,

but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

19  The evil bow down before the good,

the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

20  ^kThe poor is disliked even by his neighbor,

^lbut the rich has many friends.

21  ^mWhoever despises his neighbor is a sinner,

but ⁿblessed is he who is generous to the poor.

22  Do they not go astray who ^odevise evil?

Those who devise good meet^{2 p}steadfast love and faithfulness.

23  ^qIn all toil there is profit,

but mere talk tends only to poverty.

24  The crown of the wise is their wealth,

but the folly of fools brings folly.

25  A truthful witness saves lives,

but one who breathes out lies is deceitful.