24The hand of the diligent will rule,
         But the slack hand will be put to forced labor.

25Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down,
         But a good word makes it glad.

26The righteous is a guide to his neighbor,
         But the way of the wicked leads them astray.

27A lazy man does not roast his prey,
         But the precious possession of a man is diligence.

28In the way of righteousness is life,
         And in its pathway there is no death.

NASB ©1995