12-13 There’s a way of life that looks harmless enough;look again—it leads straight to hell.Sure, those people appear to be having a good time,but all that laughter will end in heartbreak.
14 A mean person gets paid back in meanness,a gracious person in grace.
15 The gullible believe anything they’re told;the prudent sift and weigh every word.
16 The wise watch their steps and avoid evil;fools are headstrong and reckless.
17 The hotheaded do things they’ll later regret;the coldhearted get the cold shoulder.
18 Foolish dreamers live in a world of illusion;wise realists plant their feet on the ground.
19 Eventually, evil will pay tribute to good;the wicked will respect God-loyal people.