21
He who begets a scoffer does so to his sorrow, And the father of a fool has no joy.
22
A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones.
23
A wicked man accepts a bribe behind the back To pervert the ways of justice.
24
Wisdom is in the sight of him who has understanding, But the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.
25
A foolish son is a grief to his father, And bitterness to her who bore him.
26
Also, to punish the righteous is not good, Nor to strike princes for their uprightness.
27
He who has knowledge spares his words, And a man of understanding is of a calm spirit.
28
Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive.