21 Foolishness brings joy to one without sense,

but a person with understanding walks a straight path.q

22 Plans fail when there is no counsel,

but with many advisers they succeed.r

23 A person takes joy in giving an answer;A

and a timely word—how good that is!s

24 For the prudent the path of life leads upward,

so that he may avoid going down to Sheol.

25 The Lord tears apart the house of the proud,

but he protects the widow’s territory.t

26 The Lord detests the plans of the one who is evil,

but pleasant words are pure.u

27 The one who profits dishonestlyv troubles his household,

but the one who hates bribes will live.w

28 The mind of the righteous person thinks before answering,x

but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil things.y

29 The Lord is far from the wicked,z

but he hears the prayer of the righteous.aa

30 Bright eyes cheer the heart;

good news strengthensB the bones.ab

31 One whoC listens to life-giving rebukesac

will be at home among the wise.

32 Anyone who ignores discipline despises himself,ad

but whoever listens to correction acquires good sense.A,a

33 The fear of the Lord is what wisdom teaches,

and humility comes before honor.b