19 A man of great wrath will suffer punishment;

For if you rescue him, you will have to do it again.

20 Listen to counsel and receive instruction,

That you may be wise uin your latter days.

21 There are many plans in a man’s heart,

vNevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand.

22 What is desired in a man is 6kindness,

And a poor man is better than a liar.

23 wThe fear of the Lord leads to life,

And he who has it will abide in satisfaction;

He will not be visited with evil.

24 xA lazy man buries his hand in the 7bowl,

And will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.

25 Strike a scoffer, and the simple ywill become wary;

zRebuke one who has understanding, and he will discern knowledge.

26 He who mistreats his father and chases away his mother

Is aa son who causes shame and brings reproach.

27 Cease listening to instruction, my son,

And you will stray from the words of knowledge.

28 A 8disreputable witness scorns justice,

And bthe mouth of the wicked devours iniquity.

29 Judgments are prepared for scoffers,

cAnd beatings for the backs of fools.