²¹ Foolishness brings joy to those with no sense;
    a sensible person stays on the right path.

²³ Doing wrong is fun for a fool,
    but living wisely brings pleasure to the sensible.

¹⁸ Just as damaging
    as a madman shooting a deadly weapon
¹⁹ is someone who lies to a friend
    and then says, “I was only joking.”

¹⁶ The wise are cautious^[a] and avoid danger;
    fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence.

⁹ Fools make fun of guilt,
    but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation.

¹² It is foolish to belittle one’s neighbor;
    a sensible person keeps quiet.

¹⁰ Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom.
    All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom.

Praise him forever!

²⁸ And this is what he says to all humanity:
‘The fear of the Lord is true wisdom;
    to forsake evil is real understanding.’”