16The wages of the righteous is life,
         The income of the wicked, punishment.

17He is on the path of life who heeds instruction,
         But he who ignores reproof goes astray.

18He who conceals hatred has lying lips,
         And he who spreads slander is a fool.

19When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable,
         But he who restrains his lips is wise.

20The tongue of the righteous is as choice silver,
         The heart of the wicked is worth little.

21The lips of the righteous feed many,
         But fools die for lack of understanding.

22It is the blessing of the LORD that makes rich,
         And He adds no sorrow to it.

23Doing wickedness is like sport to a fool,
         And so is wisdom to a man of understanding.

24What the wicked fears will come upon him,
         But the desire of the righteous will be granted.

25When the whirlwind passes, the wicked is no more,
         But the righteous has an everlasting foundation.

26Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes,
         So is the lazy one to those who send him.

27The fear of the LORD prolongs life,
         But the years of the wicked will be shortened.

28The hope of the righteous is gladness,
         But the expectation of the wicked perishes.

29The way of the LORD is a stronghold to the upright,
         But ruin to the workers of iniquity.

30The righteous will never be shaken,
         But the wicked will not dwell in the land.

31The mouth of the righteous flows with wisdom,
         But the perverted tongue will be cut out.

32The lips of the righteous bring forth what is acceptable,
         But the mouth of the wicked what is perverted.

NASB ©1995