19He who loves a quarrel loves sin;

he who builds a high gate invites destruction.

20A man of perverse heart does not prosper;

he whose tongue is deceitful falls into trouble.

21To have a fool for a son brings grief;

there is no joy for the father of a fool.

22A cheerful heart is good medicine,

but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

23A wicked man accepts a bribe in secret

to pervert the course of justice.

24A discerning man keeps wisdom in view,

but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth.

25A foolish son brings grief to his father

and bitterness to the one who bore him.

26It is not good to punish an innocent man,

or to flog officials for their integrity.

27A man of knowledge uses words with restraint,

and a man of understanding is even-tempered.

28Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent,

and discerning if he holds his tongue.