5 The thinking of principled people makes for justice;the plots of degenerates corrupt.
6 The words of the wicked kill;the speech of the upright saves.
7 Wicked people fall to pieces—there’s nothing to them;the homes of good people hold together.
8 A person who talks sense is honored;airheads are held in contempt.
9 Better to be ordinary and work for a livingthan act important and starve in the process.
10 Good people are good to their animals;the “good-hearted” bad people kick and abuse them.
11 The one who stays on the job has food on the table;the witless chase whims and fancies.