12Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
         But desire fulfilled is a tree of life.

13The one who despises the word will be in debt to it,
         But the one who fears the commandment will be rewarded.

14The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,
         To turn aside from the snares of death.

15Good understanding produces favor,
         But the way of the treacherous is hard.

16Every prudent man acts with knowledge,
         But a fool displays folly.

17A wicked messenger falls into adversity,
         But a faithful envoy brings healing.

18Poverty and shame will come to him who neglects discipline,
         But he who regards reproof will be honored.

19Desire realized is sweet to the soul,
         But it is an abomination to fools to turn away from evil.

20He who walks with wise men will be wise,
         But the companion of fools will suffer harm.

21Adversity pursues sinners,
         But the righteous will be rewarded with prosperity.

22A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children,
         And the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.

23Abundant food is in the fallow ground of the poor,
         But it is swept away by injustice.

24He who withholds his rod hates his son,
         But he who loves him disciplines him diligently.

25The righteous has enough to satisfy his appetite,
         But the stomach of the wicked is in need.

NASB ©1995