¹⁸ The way of the good person is like the light of dawn.
    It grows brighter and brighter until it is full daylight.
¹⁹ But the wicked are like those who stumble in the dark.
    They can’t even see what has hurt them.

²⁰ Whoever spends time with wise people will become wise.
    But whoever makes friends with fools will suffer.

⁷ Stay away from a foolish person.
    You won’t learn anything from him.

¹⁹ It is better not to be proud and to be with those who suffer
    than to share stolen property with proud people.

¹⁹ Gossips can’t keep secrets.
    So avoid people who talk too much.

⁵ The lives of evil people are like paths covered with thorns and traps.
    People who protect themselves don’t have such problems.

²⁴ Don’t make friends with someone who easily gets angry.
    Don’t spend time with someone who has a bad temper.
²⁵ If you do, you may learn to be like him.
    Then you will be in real danger.

⁶ Don’t eat the food of a selfish person.
    Don’t be greedy for his fine foods.
⁷ A selfish person is always worrying
    about how much the food costs.
He tells you, “Eat and drink.”
    But he doesn’t really mean it.
⁸ So you will feel like throwing up the little bit you have eaten.
    And you will have wasted your kind words.

24 Don’t envy evil people.
    Don’t try to be friends with them.
² In their minds they plan cruel things.
    And they always talk about making trouble.