Daily Bread: Friday, Dec 08, 2023

¹⁸ A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict,^(A)
    but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.^(B)

¹⁹ The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns,^(C)
    but the path of the upright is a highway.

²⁰ A wise son brings joy to his father,^(D)
    but a foolish man despises his mother.

²¹ Folly brings joy to one who has no sense,^(E)
    but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course.

²² Plans fail for lack of counsel,^(F)
    but with many advisers^(G) they succeed.^(H)

²³ A person finds joy in giving an apt reply^(I)—
    and how good is a timely word!^(J)

²⁴ The path of life leads upward for the prudent
    to keep them from going down to the realm of the dead.

²⁵ The Lord tears down the house of the proud,^(K)
    but he sets the widow’s boundary stones in place.^(L)

²⁶ The Lord detests the thoughts^(M) of the wicked,^(N)
    but gracious words are pure^(O) in his sight.

²⁷ The greedy bring ruin to their households,
    but the one who hates bribes will live.^(P)

²⁸ The heart of the righteous weighs its answers,^(Q)
    but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.^(R)

²⁹ The Lord is far from the wicked,
    but he hears the prayer of the righteous.^(S)

³⁰ Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart,
    and good news gives health to the bones.^(T)

³¹ Whoever heeds life-giving correction
    will be at home among the wise.^(U)

³² Those who disregard discipline despise themselves,^(V)
    but the one who heeds correction gains understanding.^(W)

³³ Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord,^(X)
    and humility comes before honor.^(Y)