⁹ The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord,
    but he loves him ^(A)who pursues righteousness.
¹⁰ There is ^(B)severe discipline for him who forsakes the way;
    ^(C)whoever hates reproof will die.
¹¹ Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the Lord;
    how much more ^(D)the hearts of the children of man!
^12 (E)A scoffer ^(F)does not like to be reproved;
    he will not go to the wise.
^13 (G)A glad heart makes a cheerful face,
    but by ^(H)sorrow of heart the spirit is ^(I)crushed.
^14 (J)The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge,
    but the mouths of fools feed on folly.
¹⁵ All the days of the afflicted are evil,
    but ^(K)the cheerful of heart has a continual feast.
^16 (L)Better is a little with the fear of the Lord
    than great treasure and trouble with it.
^17 (M)Better is a dinner of herbs where love is
    than ^(N)a fattened ox and hatred with it.
^18 (O)A hot-tempered man ^(P)stirs up strife,
    but he who is ^(Q)slow to anger quiets contention.
¹⁹ The way of ^(R)a sluggard is like a hedge of ^(S)thorns,
    but the path of the upright is ^(T)a level highway.
^20 (U)A wise son makes a glad father,
    but a foolish man despises his mother.
^21 (V)Folly is a joy to him who lacks sense,
    but a man of understanding ^(W)walks straight ahead.