¹⁹ The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns,^(A)
    but the path of the upright is a highway.

²⁰ A wise son brings joy to his father,^(B)
    but a foolish man despises his mother.

²¹ Folly brings joy to one who has no sense,^(C)
    but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course.

²² Plans fail for lack of counsel,^(D)
    but with many advisers^(E) they succeed.^(F)

²³ A person finds joy in giving an apt reply^(G)—
    and how good is a timely word!^(H)

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,^(I)
    but he sets the widow’s boundary stones in place.^(J)

²⁶ The Lord detests the thoughts^(K) of the wicked,^(L)
    but gracious words are pure^(M) in his sight.

²⁷ The greedy bring ruin to their households,
    but the one who hates bribes will live.^(N)