1A gentle answer turns away anger,
but a harsh word stirs up wrath.
2The tongue of the wise makes knowledge attractive,
but the mouth of fools blurts out foolishness.
3The eyes of the Lord are everywhere,
observing the wicked and the good.
4The tongue that heals is a tree of life,
but a devious tongue breaks the spirit.
5A fool despises his father’s discipline,
but a person who accepts correction is sensible.
6The house of the righteous has great wealth,
but trouble accompanies the income of the wicked.
7The lips of the wise broadcast knowledge,
but not so the heart of fools.
8The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to the Lord,
but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
9The Lord detests the way of the wicked,
but he loves the one who pursues righteousness.
10Discipline is harsh for the one who leaves the path;
the one who hates correction will die.
11Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the Lord —
how much more, human hearts.
12A mocker doesn’t love one who corrects him;
he will not consult the wise.
13A joyful heart makes a face cheerful,
but a sad heart produces a broken spirit.
14A discerning mind seeks knowledge,
but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.
15All the days of the oppressed are miserable,
but a cheerful heart has a continual feast.
16Better a little with the fear of the Lord
than great treasure with turmoil.
17Better a meal of vegetables where there is love
than a fattened ox with hatred.
18A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict,
but one slow to anger calms strife.
19A slacker’s way is like a thorny hedge,
but the path of the upright is a highway.
20A wise son brings joy to his father,
but a foolish man despises his mother.
21Foolishness brings joy to one without sense,
but a person with understanding walks a straight path.
22Plans fail when there is no counsel,
but with many advisers they succeed.
23A person takes joy in giving an answer;
and a timely word — how good that is!
24For the prudent the path of life leads upward,
so that he may avoid going down to Sheol.
25The Lord tears apart the house of the proud,
but he protects the widow’s territory.
26The Lord detests the plans of the one who is evil,
but pleasant words are pure.
27The one who profits dishonestly troubles his household,
but the one who hates bribes will live.
28The mind of the righteous person thinks before answering,
but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil things.
29The Lord is far from the wicked,
but he hears the prayer of the righteous.
30Bright eyes cheer the heart;
good news strengthens the bones.
31One who listens to life-giving rebukes
will be at home among the wise.
32Anyone who ignores discipline despises himself,
but whoever listens to correction acquires good sense.
33The fear of the Lord is what wisdom teaches,
and humility comes before honor.