19  The way of a sluggard is like a hedge of thorns,

but the path of the upright is a level highway.

20  ^uA wise son makes a glad father,

but a foolish man despises his mother.

21  Folly is a joy to him who lacks sense,

but a man of ^vunderstanding walks straight ahead.

22  ^wWithout counsel plans fail,

but with many advisers they succeed.

23  To make an apt answer is a joy to a man,

and ^xa word in season, how good it is!

24  The path of life leads upward for the prudent,

that he may turn away from Sheol beneath.

25  The Lord tears down the house of the proud

but maintains the widow’s boundaries.

26  The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord,

but ^ygracious words are pure.

27  Whoever is ^zgreedy for unjust gain ^atroubles his own household,

but he who hates ^bbribes will live.

28  The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer,

but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.

29  The Lord is far from the wicked,

but he hears the prayer of the righteous.

30  The light of the eyes rejoices the heart,

and ^cgood news refreshes¹ the bones.

31  The ear that listens to life-giving reproof

will dwell among the wise.

32  Whoever ^dignores ^einstruction despises himself,

but he who listens to reproof ^fgains intelligence.

33  ^gThe fear of the Lord is ^hinstruction in wisdom,

and ⁱhumility comes before honor.