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

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

²⁶ The Lord detests the thoughts^(E) of the wicked,^(F)
    but gracious words are pure^(G) in his sight.

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