15 aGood understanding produces favor,

But the way of the treacherous is hard.

16 Every aprudent man acts with knowledge,

But a fool 1displays folly.

17 A wicked messenger falls into adversity,

But aa faithful envoy brings healing.

18 Poverty and shame will come to him who aneglects 1discipline,

But he who regards reproof will be honored.

19 Desire realized is sweet to the soul,

But it is an abomination to fools to turn away from evil.

20 aHe who walks with wise men will be wise,

But the companion of fools will suffer harm.

21 aAdversity pursues sinners,

But the brighteous will be rewarded with prosperity.

22 A good man aleaves an inheritance to his 1children’s children,

And the bwealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.

23 aAbundant food is in the fallow ground of the poor,

But 1it is swept away by injustice.

24 He who awithholds his 1rod hates his son,

But he who loves him 2bdisciplines him diligently.

25 The arighteous 1has enough to satisfy his appetite,

But the stomach of the bwicked is in need.