18Reckless words pierce like a sword,

but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

19Truthful lips endure forever,

but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.

20There is deceit in the hearts of those who plot evil,

but joy for those who promote peace.

21No harm befalls the righteous,

but the wicked have their fill of trouble.

22The Lord detests lying lips,

but he delights in men who are truthful.

23A prudent man keeps his knowledge to himself,

but the heart of fools blurts out folly.

24Diligent hands will rule,

but laziness ends in slave labor.

25An anxious heart weighs a man down,

but a kind word cheers him up.

26A righteous man is cautious in friendship,^a

but the way of the wicked leads them astray.

27The lazy man does not roast^b his game,

but the diligent man prizes his possessions.

28In the way of righteousness there is life;

along that path is immortality.