¹⁸ Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her;
    happy are those who hold her tightly.

³² “And so, my children,^[a] listen to me,
    for all who follow my ways are joyful.
³³ Listen to my instruction and be wise.
    Don’t ignore it.
³⁴ Joyful are those who listen to me,
    watching for me daily at my gates,
    waiting for me outside my home!
³⁵ For whoever finds me finds life
    and receives favor from the Lord.
³⁶ But those who miss me injure themselves.
    All who hate me love death.”

²⁸ The hopes of the godly result in happiness,
    but the expectations of the wicked come to nothing.

²⁵ Worry weighs a person down;
    an encouraging word cheers a person up.

¹³ A glad heart makes a happy face;
    a broken heart crushes the spirit.

¹⁵ For the despondent, every day brings trouble;
    for the happy heart, life is a continual feast.

³⁰ A cheerful look brings joy to the heart;
    good news makes for good health.

²⁰ Those who listen to instruction will prosper;
    those who trust the Lord will be joyful.

²² A cheerful heart is good medicine,
    but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.

²⁵ So give your father and mother joy!
    May she who gave you birth be happy.