^21 (A)Folly is a joy to him who lacks sense,
    but a man of understanding ^(B)walks straight ahead.

²³ Doing wrong is ^(A)like a joke to a fool,
    but ^(B)wisdom is pleasure to a man of understanding.

¹⁸ Like a madman who throws ^(A)firebrands, arrows, and death
¹⁹ is the man who deceives his neighbor
    and says, “I am only joking!”

^16 (A)One who is wise is cautious^[a] and ^(B)turns away from evil,
    but a fool is reckless and careless.

^9 (A)Fools mock at the guilt offering,
    but the upright enjoy acceptance.^[a]

¹² Whoever ^(A)belittles his neighbor lacks sense,
    but a man of understanding remains silent.

^10 (A)The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
    all those who practice it have ^(B)a good understanding.
    His ^(C)praise endures forever!