13. Whoever despises the word and counsel [of God] brings destruction upon himself, but he who [reverently] fears and respects the commandment [of God] is rewarded.
14. The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, that one may avoid the snares of death.
15. Good understanding wins favor, but the way of the transgressor is hard [like the barren, dry soil or the impassable swamp].
16. Every prudent man deals with knowledge, but a [self-confident] fool exposes and flaunts his folly.
17. A wicked messenger falls into evil, but a faithful ambassador brings healing.
18. Poverty and shame come to him who refuses instruction and correction, but he who heeds reproof is honored.
19. Satisfied desire is sweet to a person; therefore it is hateful and exceedingly offensive to [self-confident] fools to give up evil [upon which they have set their hearts].
20. He who walks [as a companion] with wise men is wise, but he who associates with [self-confident] fools is [a fool himself and] shall smart for it. [Isa. 32:6.]
21. Evil pursues sinners, but the consistently upright and in right standing with God is recompensed with good.
22. A good man leaves an inheritance [of moral stability and goodness] to his children's children, and the wealth of the sinner [finds its way eventually] into the hands of the righteous, for whom it was laid up.
23. Much food is in the tilled land of the poor, but there are those who are destroyed because of injustice.
24. He who spares his rod [of discipline] hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines diligently and punishes him early. [Prov. 19:18; 22:15; 23:13; 29:15, 17.]
25. The [uncompromisingly] righteous eats to his own satisfaction, but the stomach of the wicked is in want.