"Improving With Age" Answers:

1. diligent - B: Hard-working; painstakingly careful; as,
"...the soul of the diligent is richly supplied" (Proverbs
13:4). Latin diligere (to esteem, choose).

2. prudence - A: Cautious good judgment; as, "...that
prudence may be given to the simple, knowledge and discre-
tion to the youth" (1:4). Latin prudentia (foresight).

3. devious - D: Deceitful; shifty; as, "He who walks in
unrightness fears the Lord, but he who is devious in his
ways despises him" (14:2). Latin devius (off the road).

4. garland - B: Wreath of flowers used as decoration or as
a symbol of honor; as, "[Your father's instruction and
mother's teaching] a fair garland for your head" (1:9). Old
French garlande.

5. cistern - C: Tank for collecting rainwater; as, "Drink
water from your own cistern" (5:15). Latin cisterna (under-
ground reservoir).

6. sluggard - D: Lazy person; loafer; idler; as, "Go to the
ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise" (6:6).
Middle English slogarde.

7. vexation - A: Annoyance; irritation; as, "The vexation of
a fool is known at once, but the prudent man ignores an
insult" (12:16). Latin vexatio.

8. lattice - D: Shutter, trellis of crossed strips; as, "For
at the window of my house I have looked out through my
lattice" (7:6). Old French lattis.

9. vapor - C: Mist or fog; as, "The getting of treasures by
a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death"
(21:6). Latin.

10. countenance - B: Facial expression showing one's feel-
ings; as, "A glad heart makes a cheerful countenance" (15:
13). Old French contenance (conduct).

11. repute - A: Reputation; as, "...do not disclose another's
secret; lest he who hears you bring shame upon you, and your
ill repute have no end" (25:10). Latin reputare (to think
over).

12. provocation - B: Something that incites or angers; as,
"A stone is heavy, and sand is weighty, but a fool's provo-
cation is heavier than both" (27:3). Latin provocare (to
call forth).

13. abhor - A: To detest; regard with disgust or horror; as,
"He who says to the wicked, 'You are innocent,' will be...
abhorred by nations" (24:24). Latin abhorrere (to shrink
from).

14. meddle - B: To interfere needlessly in others' affairs;
as, "He who meddles in a quarrel not his own is like one who
takes a passing dog by the ears" (26:17). Old French medler
(to mix).

15. importune - D: To beg with persistent urgency; as,
"...you have come into your neighbor's power: go, hasten,
and importune your neighbor" (6:3). Latin importunus
(unsuitable).

16. crucible - C: Heat-resistant container in which materials
are melted; also, a severe test; as, "The crucible is for
silver...and a man is judged by his praise (27:21). Medieval
Latin crucibulum (night lamp).

17. reproof - B: Expression of disapproval; rebuke; as,
"Give heed to my reproof" (1:23). Old French reprouver.

18. envoy - A: Messenger; government representative of a
diplomatic mission; as, "...a faithful envoy brings healing"
(13:17). Old French (a sending).

19. surety - D: Guarantee; person responsible for another;
as, "Be not one of those who give pledges, who become
surety for debts" (22:26). Latin securus (sure; free from fears).

20. exalt - C: To glorify; praise; lift up; as, "Righteous-
ness exalts a nation: (14:34). Latin exaltare (to lift up).