[17] The highway of the upright avoids evil; those who guard their ways preserve their lives. [18] Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. [19] Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud. [20] Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD. [21] The wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction. [22] Prudence is a fountain of life to the prudent, but folly brings punishment to fools. [23] The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent, and their lips promote instruction. [24] Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. [25] There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death. [26] The appetite of laborers works for them; their hunger drives them on. [27] A scoundrel plots evil, and on their lips it is like a scorching fire. [28] A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends. [29] A violent person entices their neighbor and leads them down a path that is not good. [30] Whoever winks with their eye is plotting perversity; whoever purses their lips is bent on evil. [31] Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness. [32] Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city. [33] The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.
