1A SOFT answer turneth away wrath: but a grievous word stirreth up anger.

2The tongue of the wise uttereth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out folly.

3The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch upon the evil and the good.

4A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breaking of the spirit.

5A fool despiseth his father’s correction: but he that regardeth reproof getteth prudence.

6In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.

7The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.

8The sacrifice of 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 loveth him that followeth after righteousness.

10There is grievous correction for him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.

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

12A scorner loveth not to be reproved: he will not go unto the wise.

13A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken.

14The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on folly.

15All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a cheerful heart hath a continual feast.

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

17Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.

18A wrathful man stirreth up contention: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.

19The way of the sluggard is as an hedge of thorns: but the path of the upright is made an highway.

20A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.

21Folly is joy to him that is void of wisdom: but a man of understanding maketh straight his going.

22Where there is no counsel, purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.

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

24To the wise the way of life goeth upward, that he may depart from Sheol beneath.

25The LORD will root up 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 that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house: but he that hateth gifts shall live.

28The heart of the righteous studieth to 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 abide among the wise.

32He that refuseth correction despiseth his own soul: but he that hearkeneth to reproof getteth understanding.

33The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour goeth humility.