17Stolen bread tastes sweet,

but it turns to gravel in the mouth.

18Plans succeed through good counsel;

don’t go to war without wise advice.

19A gossip goes around telling secrets,

so don’t hang around with chatterers.

20If you insult your father or mother,

your light will be snuffed out in total darkness.

21An inheritance obtained too early in life

is not a blessing in the end.

22Don’t say, “I will get even for this wrong.”

Wait for the Lord to handle the matter.

23The Lord detests double standards;

he is not pleased by dishonest scales.

24The Lord directs our steps,

so why try to understand everything along the way?

25Don’t trap yourself by making a rash promise to God

and only later counting the cost.

26A wise king scatters the wicked like wheat,

then runs his threshing wheel over them.

27The Lord’s light penetrates the human spirit,*

exposing every hidden motive.

28Unfailing love and faithfulness protect the king;

his throne is made secure through love.

29The glory of the young is their strength;

the gray hair of experience is the splendor of the old.

30Physical punishment cleanses away evil;*

such discipline purifies the heart.