27Scoundrels create trouble;

their words are a destructive blaze.

28A troublemaker plants seeds of strife;

gossip separates the best of friends.

29Violent people mislead their companions,

leading them down a harmful path.

30With narrowed eyes, people plot evil;

with a smirk, they plan their mischief.

31Gray hair is a crown of glory;

it is gained by living a godly life.

32Better to be patient than powerful;

better to have self-control than to conquer a city.

33We may throw the dice,^a

but the Lord determines how they fall.