²⁰ My son,^(A) pay attention to what I say;
    turn your ear to my words.^(B)
21 Do not let them out of your sight,^(C)
    keep them within your heart;

²³ Above all else, guard^(A) your heart,
    for everything you do flows from it.^(B)

²⁰ The tongue of the righteous is choice silver,
    but the heart of the wicked is of little value.

²⁰ Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil,
    but those who promote peace have joy.^(A)

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)

16 To humans belong the plans of the heart,
    but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue.^(A)

² All a person’s ways seem pure to them,^(B)
    but motives are weighed^(C) by the Lord.^(D)

⁵ The Lord detests all the proud of heart.^(A)
    Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.^(B)