[1] A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.
[2] The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness.
[3] The Lord is watching everywhere, keeping his eye on both the evil and the good.
[4] Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.
[5] Only a fool despises a parent’s discipline; whoever learns from correction is wise.
[6] There is treasure in the house of the godly, but the earnings of the wicked bring trouble.
[7] The lips of the wise give good advice; the heart of a fool has none to give.
[8] The Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but he delights in the prayers of the upright.
[9] The Lord detests the way of the wicked, but he loves those who pursue godliness.
[10] Whoever abandons the right path will be severely disciplined; whoever hates correction will die.
[11] Even Death and Destruction hold no secrets from the Lord. How much more does he know the human heart!
[12] Mockers hate to be corrected, so they stay away from the wise.
[13] A glad heart makes a happy face; a broken heart crushes the spirit.
[14] A wise person is hungry for knowledge, while the fool feeds on trash.
[15] For the despondent, every day brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast.
[16] Better to have little, with fear for the Lord, than to have great treasure and inner turmoil.
[17] A bowl of vegetables with someone you love is better than steak with someone you hate.
[18] A hot-tempered person starts fights; a cool-tempered person stops them.
[19] A lazy person’s way is blocked with briers, but the path of the upright is an open highway.
[20] Sensible children bring joy to their father; foolish children despise their mother.
[21] Foolishness brings joy to those with no sense; a sensible person stays on the right path.
[22] Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success.
[23] Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!
[24] The path of life leads upward for the wise; they leave the grave behind.
[25] The Lord tears down the house of the proud, but he protects the property of widows.
[26] The Lord detests evil plans, but he delights in pure words.
[27] Greed brings grief to the whole family, but those who hate bribes will live.
[28] The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words.
[29] The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayers of the righteous.
[30] A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news makes for good health.
[31] If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise.
[32] If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding.
[33] Fear of the Lord teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor.