23. A person finds joy in giving an apt reply— and how good is a timely word!
24. The path of life leads upward for the prudent to keep them from going down to the realm of the dead.
25. The Lord tears down the house of the proud, but he sets the widow’s boundary stones in place.
26. The Lord detests the thoughts of the wicked, but gracious words are pure in his sight.
27. The greedy bring ruin to their households, but the one who hates bribes will live.
28. The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.
29. The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.
30. Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.
31. Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise.
32. Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding.