1A gentle answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.

2The tongue of wise people compliments knowledge,
but the mouth of fools pours out folly.

3The eyes of Yahweh are everywhere,
keeping watch over the evil and the good.

4A healing tongue is a tree of life,
but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.

5A fool has contempt for his father's instruction,
but he who learns from correction is prudent.

6In the house of the righteous person there is great treasure,
but the earnings of the wicked person give him trouble.

7The lips of wise people scatter knowledge about,
but not so the hearts of fools.

8Yahweh hates the sacrifices of wicked people,
but the prayer of upright people is his delight.

9Yahweh hates the way of wicked people,
but he loves the one who pursues what is right.

10Harsh discipline awaits anyone who forsakes the way
and he who hates correction will die.

11Sheol and destruction are open before Yahweh;
how much more the hearts of the sons of mankind?

12The mocker resents correction;
he will not go to the wise.

13A joyful heart makes the face cheerful,
but heartache crushes the spirit.

14The heart of the discerning seeks knowledge,
but the mouth of fools feeds on folly.

15All the days of oppressed people are miserable,
but a cheerful heart has an unending feast.

16Better is little with the fear of Yahweh
than great treasure with confusion.

17Better is a meal with vegetables where there is love
than a fatted calf served with hatred.

18An angry man stirs up arguments,
but a person who is slow to anger quiets a quarrel.

19The path of the sluggard is like a place with a hedge of thorns,
but the path of the upright is a built-up highway.

20A wise son brings joy to his father,
but a foolish person despises his mother.

21Folly delights a person who lacks sense,
but the one who has understanding walks a straight path.

22Plans go wrong where there is no advice,
but with numerous advisors they succeed.

23A person finds joy when he gives a pertinent reply;
how good is a timely word!

24The path of life leads upward for prudent people,
that they may turn away from Sheol beneath.

25Yahweh tears down the house of the proud,
but he protects the property of the widow.

26Yahweh hates the thoughts of wicked people,
but the words of kindness are pure.

27The robber brings trouble to his family,
but the one who hates bribes will live.

28The heart of the righteous person ponders before it answers,
but the mouth of wicked people pours out all its evil.

29Yahweh is far away from wicked people,
but he hears the prayer of righteous people.

30The light of the eyes brings joy to the heart
and good news is health to the body.

31If you pay attention when someone corrects how you live,
you will remain among wise people.

32The one who rejects discipline despises himself,
but he who listens to correction gains understanding.

33The fear of Yahweh teaches wisdom
and humility comes before honor.