²⁰ A wise son brings joy to his father,^(A)
    but a foolish man despises his mother.

²¹ Folly brings joy to one who has no sense,^(B)
    but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course.

²² Plans fail for lack of counsel,^(C)
    but with many advisers^(D) they succeed.^(E)

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

²⁴ The path of life leads upward for the prudent
    to keep them from going down to the realm of the dead.