19Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed

than to share plunder with the proud.

20Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers,

and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord.

21The wise in heart are called discerning,

and pleasant words promote instruction.^a

22Understanding is a fountain of life to those who have it,

but folly brings punishment to fools.

23A wise man’s heart guides his mouth,

and his lips promote instruction.^b

24Pleasant words are a honeycomb,

sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

25There is a way that seems right to a man,

but in the end it leads to death.

26The laborer’s appetite works for him;

his hunger drives him on.

27A scoundrel plots evil,

and his speech is like a scorching fire.

28A perverse man stirs up dissension,

and a gossip separates close friends.

29A violent man entices his neighbor

and leads him down a path that is not good.

30He who winks with his eye is plotting perversity;

he who purses his lips is bent on evil.

31Gray hair is a crown of splendor;

it is attained by a righteous life.

32Better a patient man than a warrior,

a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.

33The lot is cast into the lap,

but its every decision is from the Lord.