9The Lord detests the way of the wicked

but he loves those who pursue righteousness.

10Stern discipline awaits him who leaves the path;

he who hates correction will die.

11Death and Destruction^a lie open before the Lord—

how much more the hearts of men!

12A mocker resents correction;

he will not consult the wise.

13A happy heart makes the face cheerful,

but heartache crushes the spirit.

14The discerning heart seeks knowledge,

but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.

15All the days of the oppressed are wretched,

but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.

16Better a little with the fear of the Lord

than great wealth with turmoil.

17Better a meal of vegetables where there is love

than a fattened calf with hatred.

18A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension,

but a patient man calms a quarrel.

19The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns,

but the path of the upright is a highway.

20A wise son brings joy to his father,

but a foolish man despises his mother.

21Folly delights a man who lacks judgment,

but a man of understanding keeps a straight course.

22Plans fail for lack of counsel,

but with many advisers they succeed.

23A man finds joy in giving an apt reply—

and how good is a timely word!

24The path of life leads upward for the wise

to keep him from going down to the grave.^b

25The Lord tears down the proud man’s house

but he keeps the widow’s boundaries intact.

26The Lord detests the thoughts of the wicked,

but those of the pure are pleasing to him.

27A greedy man brings trouble to his family,

but he who hates bribes will live.

28The heart of the righteous weighs its answers,

but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.

29The Lord is far from the wicked

but he hears the prayer of the righteous.

30A cheerful look brings joy to the heart,

and good news gives health to the bones.

31He who listens to a life-giving rebuke

will be at home among the wise.

32He who ignores discipline despises himself,

but whoever heeds correction gains understanding.

33The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom,^c

and humility comes before honor.