22Without consultation, plans are frustrated,
         But with many counselors they succeed.

23A man has joy in an apt answer,
         And how delightful is a timely word!

24The path of life leads upward for the wise
         That he may keep away from Sheol below.

25The LORD will tear down the house of the proud,
         But He will establish the boundary of the widow.

26Evil plans are an abomination to the LORD,
         But pleasant words are pure.

27He who profits illicitly troubles his own house,
         But he who hates bribes will live.

28The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer,
         But the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.

29The LORD is far from the wicked,
         But He hears the prayer of the righteous.

30Bright eyes gladden the heart;
         Good news puts fat on the bones.

31He whose ear listens to the life-giving reproof
         Will dwell among the wise.

32He who neglects discipline despises himself,
         But he who listens to reproof acquires understanding.

33The fear of the LORD is the instruction for wisdom,
         And before honor comes humility.

NASB ©1995