1A soft answer turneth away wrath; But harsh words stir up anger.

2The tongue of the wise maketh knowledge pleasing; But the mouth of fools poureth forth folly.

3The eyes of the LORD are in every place; They behold the evil and the good.

4A mild tongue is a tree of life; But perverseness therein is a wound in the spirit.

5The fool despiseth the correction of his father; But he that regardeth reproof is prudent.

6In the house of the righteous is much wealth; But in the revenues of the wicked there is trouble.

7The lips of the wise spread abroad knowledge; But the heart of the foolish is not sound.

8The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD; But the prayer of the righteous is his delight.

9The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD; But him who followeth after righteousness he loveth.

10Sore chastisement shall be to him that forsaketh the way; He that hateth reproof shall die.

11The underworld, yea, the region of death, is before the LORD; How much more the hearts of the sons of men!

12The scoffer loveth not his reprover; He will not resort to the wise.

13A joyous heart maketh a bright countenance; But by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.

14The heart of the man of understanding seeketh knowledge; But the mouth of fools feedeth on folly.

15The days of the afflicted are all evil; But he that hath a cheerful heart hath a continual feast.

16Better is a little, with the fear of the LORD, Than much treasure, and trouble therewith.

17Better is a dinner of herbs, where there is love, Than a fatted ox, and hatred therewith.

18The passionate man stirreth up strife; But he who is slow to anger appeaseth strife.

19The way of the slothful is as a hedge of thorns; But the way of the righteous is a highway.

20A wise son maketh a glad father; But a foolish man despiseth his mother.

21Folly is joy to him who lacketh wisdom; But the man of understanding walketh uprightly.

22Without counsel, plans come to nought; But with a multitude of counsellors they are established.

23A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth; And a word in due season, how good it is!

24The path of life is upward for the wise, So that he turneth away from the underworld beneath.

25The LORD destroyeth the house of the proud; But he will establish the border of the widow.

26Evil devices are an abomination to the LORD; But pleasant words are pure.

27He who is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; But he who hateth bribes shall live.

28The heart of the righteous meditateth on his answer; But the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.

29The LORD is far from the wicked: But he heareth the prayer of the righteous.

30The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart, And good tidings make the bones fat.

31The ear that hearkeneth to the reproof of life Shall dwell among the wise.

32He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own life; But he that hearkeneth to rebuke getteth understanding.

33The fear of the LORD guideth to wisdom, And before honor is humility.