9. Adonai detests the way of the wicked, but loves those who pursue righteousness.
10. Stern correction awaits one who forsakes the way. One who hates reproof will die.
11. Sheol and Abaddon are before Adonai— how much more the hearts of people!
12. A mocker dislikes one who corrects him; he will not go to the wise.
13. A joyful heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.
14. A discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on folly.
15. All the days of the afflicted are bad, but a cheerful heart has a continual feast.
16. Better is little with the fear of Adonai than great wealth with turmoil.
17. Better a meal of vegetables where there is love, than a fattened ox where there is hatred.
18. A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but one who is slow to anger calms a quarrel.
19. The way of the slacker is a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway.
20. A wise child brings joy to his father, but a foolish person despises his mother.
21. Folly is joy to one who lacks sense, but one with discernment walks straight.
22. Plans fail when there is no counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.
23. A person has joy in an appropriate answer— how good is a timely word.
24. The path of life leads upward for the wise to keep him from going down to Sheol.
25. Adonai tears down a proud man’s house, but He maintains the widow’s boundary.
26. Evil thoughts are an abomination to Adonai, but pleasant words are pure.