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

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

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

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

²⁶ The Lord detests the thoughts^(I) of the wicked,^(J)
    but gracious words are pure^(K) in his sight.