The effects of obedience and disobedience (17).
v.17 Whoever follows Wisdom’s instruction is on the path to life. But whoever rejects it will lead others astray (from the path to life). Learning from your mistakes is a key to gaining wisdom. The fool refuses to learn from the constructive criticism of his teachers.
The effects of righteous and wicked speech (18-21).
v.18-19 The fool multiplies his words, (concealing his hatred with) lies, and utters slander; but, whoever restrains his lips is prudent. Speech should follow reflection about the impact of your words (15:28).
v.20-21 The tongue of the righteous is as valuable as silver and nourishes many (edifies/builds up). But the heart of the wicked (and his speech) is of little worth and he dies for lack of sense (or character).
The expectation and hope of the righteous and wicked contrasted (22-32).
See also Ps 37.
v.22-23 The blessing of the Lord brings wealth without painful toil. Doing wrong brings pleasure to a fool; but wisdom pleasure to a man of understanding.
v.24-26 What the wicked man dreads will come upon him; but to the righteous, his desire will be granted to him (Ps 37:4). The wicked cannot weather trouble (their way ends in ruin); but the righteous have a firm foundation (they are on way of the Lord).
v.27-30 Contrasting expectations for the righteous and wicked. The righteous has days added to his life and his expectation is joy. The wicked have shortened years and their hope perishes.
v.31-32 The words of the righteous bring forth wisdom and life; the wicked speak perversity and end in death.
Pray that your words will bring forth life, for yourself and others, like the righteous person described in this poem. Good people use few, well-chosen words. The wicked say things that are worthless and perverse.