¹¹ 
By the blessing [of the influence] of the upright the city is exalted,
But by the mouth of the wicked it is torn down.

³⁰ 
The fruit of the [consistently] righteous is a tree of life,
And he who is wise captures and wins souls [for God—he gathers them for eternity].^(A)
31 
If the righteous will be rewarded on the earth [with godly blessings],
How much more [will] the wicked and the sinner [be repaid with punishment]!

²¹ 
Adversity pursues sinners,
But the [consistently] upright will be rewarded with prosperity.

² 
He who walks in uprightness [reverently] fears the Lord [and obeys and worships Him with profound respect],
But he who is devious in his ways despises Him.

⁸ 
The sacrifice of the wicked is hateful and exceedingly offensive to the Lord,
But the prayer of the upright is His delight!^(A)

¹⁹ 
The way of the lazy is like a hedge of thorns [it pricks, lacerates, and entangles him],
But the way [of life] of the upright is smooth and open like a highway.

²⁹ 
The Lord is far from the wicked [and distances Himself from them],
But He hears the prayer of the [consistently] righteous [that is, those with spiritual integrity and moral courage].

¹³ 
Righteous lips are the delight of kings,
And he who speaks right is loved.