20Get all the advice and instruction you can,

so you will be wise the rest of your life.

21You can make many plans,

but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.

22Loyalty makes a person attractive.

It is better to be poor than dishonest.

23Fear of the Lord leads to life,

bringing security and protection from harm.

24Lazy people take food in their hand

but don’t even lift it to their mouth.

25If you punish a mocker, the simpleminded will learn a lesson;

if you correct the wise, they will be all the wiser.

26Children who mistreat their father or chase away their mother

are an embarrassment and a public disgrace.

27If you stop listening to instruction, my child,

you will turn your back on knowledge.

28A corrupt witness makes a mockery of justice;

the mouth of the wicked gulps down evil.

29Punishment is made for mockers,

and the backs of fools are made to be beaten.