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

2The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools gush out folly.

3The LORD’s eyes are everywhere, keeping watch on the evil and the good.

4A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but deceit in it crushes the spirit.

5A fool despises his father’s correction, but he who heeds reproof shows prudence.

6In the house of the righteous is much treasure, but the income of the wicked brings trouble.

7The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so with the heart of fools.

8The sacrifice made by the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is his delight.

9The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but he loves him who follows after righteousness.

10There is stern discipline for one who forsakes the way. Whoever hates reproof shall die.

11Sheol ⁸and Abaddon are before the LORD— how much more then the hearts of the children of men!

12A scoffer doesn’t love to be reproved; he will not go to the wise.

13A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but an aching heart breaks the spirit.

14The heart of one who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly.

15All the days of the afflicted are wretched, but one who has a cheerful heart enjoys a continual feast.

16Better is little, with the fear of the LORD, than great treasure with trouble.

17Better is a dinner of herbs, where love is, than a fattened calf with hatred.

18A wrathful man stirs up contention, but one who is slow to anger appeases strife.

19The way of the sluggard is like a thorn patch, but the path of the upright is a highway.

20A wise son makes a father glad, but a foolish man despises his mother.

21Folly is joy to one who is void of wisdom, but a man of understanding keeps his way straight.

22Where there is no counsel, plans fail; but in a multitude of counsellors they are established.

23Joy comes to a man with the reply of his mouth. How good is a word at the right time!

24The path of life leads upward for the wise, to keep him from going downward to Sheol. ⁹

25The LORD will uproot the house of the proud, but he will keep the widow’s borders intact.

26The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked, but the thoughts of the pure are pleasing.

27He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, but he who hates bribes will live.

28The heart of the righteous weighs answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes out evil.

29The LORD is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.

30The light of the eyes rejoices the heart. Good news gives health to the bones.

31The ear that listens to reproof lives, and will be at home amongst the wise.

32He who refuses correction despises his own soul, but he who listens to reproof gets understanding.

33The fear of the LORD teaches wisdom. Before honour is humility.