24  The path of life leads upward ^pfor the prudent,

that he may turn away from Sheol beneath.

25  The Lord tears down the house of ^qthe proud

but ^rmaintains ^sthe widow’s boundaries.

26  ^tThe thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord,

but ^ugracious words are pure.

27  Whoever is ^vgreedy for unjust gain ^wtroubles his own household,

but he who hates ^xbribes will live.

28  The heart of the righteous ^yponders how to answer,

but ^zthe mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.

29  The Lord is ^afar from the wicked,

but he ^bhears the prayer of the righteous.

30  ^cThe light of the eyes rejoices the heart,

and ^dgood news refreshes¹ the bones.

31  ^eThe ear that listens to ^flife-giving reproof

will dwell among the wise.

32  Whoever ^gignores instruction ^hdespises himself,

but he who listens to reproof ⁱgains intelligence.