¹⁸ She is a tree of life^(A) to those who take hold of her;
    those who hold her fast will be blessed.^(B)

³² “Now then, my children, listen^(A) to me;
    blessed are^(B) those who keep my ways.^(C)
33 Listen to my instruction and be wise;
    do not disregard it.
³⁴ Blessed are those who listen^(D) to me,
    watching daily at my doors,
    waiting at my doorway.
³⁵ For those who find me^(E) find life^(F)
    and receive favor from the Lord.^(G)
36 But those who fail to find me harm themselves;^(H)
    all who hate me love death.”^(I)

²⁸ The prospect of the righteous is joy,
    but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing.^(A)

²⁵ Anxiety weighs down the heart,^(A)
    but a kind word cheers it up.

¹³ A happy heart makes the face cheerful,^(A)
    but heartache crushes the spirit.^(B)

¹⁵ All the days of the oppressed are wretched,
    but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.^(A)

³⁰ Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart,
    and good news gives health to the bones.^(A)

²⁰ Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers,^[a](A)
    and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.^(B)

²² A cheerful heart is good medicine,
    but a crushed^(A) spirit dries up the bones.^(B)