13 A wise son heeds his father’s instruction,
    but a mocker does not respond to rebukes.^(A)

⁵ A fool spurns a parent’s discipline,
    but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.^(A)

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

A wise son brings joy to his father,^(C)
    but a foolish son brings grief to his mother.

⁷ Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults;
    whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse.^(A)
8 Do not rebuke mockers^(B) or they will hate you;
    rebuke the wise and they will love you.^(C)

¹⁰ Listen, my son,^(M) accept what I say,
    and the years of your life will be many.^(N)
11 I instruct^(O) you in the way of wisdom
    and lead you along straight paths.^(P)
12 When you walk, your steps will not be hampered;
    when you run, you will not stumble.^(Q)
13 Hold on to instruction, do not let it go;
    guard it well, for it is your life.^(R)
14 Do not set foot on the path of the wicked
    or walk in the way of evildoers.^(S)

¹⁴ Therefore hear the word of the Lord,^(A) you scoffers^(B)
    who rule this people in Jerusalem.
¹⁵ You boast, “We have entered into a covenant with death,^(C)
    with the realm of the dead we have made an agreement.
When an overwhelming scourge sweeps by,^(D)
    it cannot touch us,
for we have made a lie^(E) our refuge
    and falsehood^[a] our hiding place.^(F)”

⁶ The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none,
    but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.^(A)

²⁰ My son,^(A) pay attention to what I say;
    turn your ear to my words.^(B)
21 Do not let them out of your sight,^(C)
    keep them within your heart;
²² for they are life to those who find them
    and health to one’s whole body.^(D)