20 Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers,a x

and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.y

21 The wise in heart are called discerning,

and gracious words promote instruction.b z

22 Prudence is a fountain of life to the prudent,a

but folly brings punishment to fools.

23 The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent,b

and their lips promote instruction.c c

24 Gracious words are a honeycomb,d

sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.e

25 There is a way that appears to be right,f

but in the end it leads to death.g

26 The appetite of laborers works for them;

their hunger drives them on.

27 A scoundrelh plots evil,

and on their lips it is like a scorching fire.i

28 A perverse person stirs up conflict,j

and a gossip separates close friends.k

29 A violent person entices their neighbor

and leads them down a path that is not good.l

30 Whoever winksm with their eye is plotting perversity;

whoever purses their lips is bent on evil.