Proverbs 15:22-29b

²²They that honour not councils put off deliberation; but counsel abides in the hearts of counsellors.

²³A bad man will by no means attend to counsel; neither will he say anything seasonable, or good for the common weal.

²⁴The thoughts of the wise are ways of life, that he may turn aside and escape from hell.

²⁵The Lord pulls down the houses of scorners; but he establishes the border of the widow.

²⁶An unrighteous thought is abomination to the Lord; but the sayings of the pure are held in honour.

²⁷A receiver of bribes destroys himself; but he that hates the receiving of bribes is safe.

^27aBy alms and by faithful dealings sins are purged away; but by the fear of the Lord every one departs from evil.

²⁸The hearts of the righteous meditate faithfulness; but the mouth of the ungodly answers evil things.

^28aThe ways of righteous men are acceptable with the Lord; and through them even enemies become friends.

²⁹God is far from the ungodly; but he hearkens to the prayers of the righteous.

^29aBetter are small receipts with righteousness, than abundant fruits with unrighteousness.

^29bLet the heart of a man think justly, that his steps may be rightly ordered of God.