[1] A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
[2] The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of fools gush out folly.
[3] Yahweh’s eyes are everywhere, keeping watch on the evil and the good.
[4] A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but deceit in it crushes the spirit.
[5] A fool despises his father’s correction, but he who heeds reproof shows prudence.
[6] In the house of the righteous is much treasure, but the income of the wicked brings trouble.
[7] The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so with the heart of fools.
[8] The sacrifice made by the wicked is an abomination to Yahweh, but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
[9] The way of the wicked is an abomination to Yahweh, but he loves him who follows after righteousness.
[10] There is stern discipline for one who forsakes the way: whoever hates reproof shall die.
[11] Sheol and Abaddon are before Yahweh— how much more then the hearts of the children of men!
[12] A scoffer doesn’t love to be reproved; he will not go to the wise.
[13] A glad heart makes a cheerful face; but an aching heart breaks the spirit.
[14] The heart of one who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly.
[15] All the days of the afflicted are wretched, but one who has a cheerful heart enjoys a continual feast.
[16] Better is little, with the fear of Yahweh, than great treasure with trouble.
[17] Better is a dinner of herbs, where love is, than a fattened calf with hatred.
[18] A wrathful man stirs up contention, but one who is slow to anger appeases strife.
[19] The way of the sluggard is like a thorn patch, but the path of the upright is a highway.
[20] A wise son makes a father glad, but a foolish man despises his mother.
[21] Folly is joy to one who is void of wisdom, but a man of understanding keeps his way straight.
[22] Where there is no counsel, plans fail; but in a multitude of counselors they are established.
[23] Joy comes to a man with the reply of his mouth. How good is a word at the right time!
[24] The path of life leads upward for the wise, to keep him from going downward to Sheol.
[25] Yahweh will uproot the house of the proud, but he will keep the widow’s borders intact.
[26] Yahweh detests the thoughts of the wicked, but the thoughts of the pure are pleasing.
[27] He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, but he who hates bribes will live.
[28] The heart of the righteous weighs answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes out evil.
[29] Yahweh is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.
[30] The light of the eyes rejoices the heart. Good news gives health to the bones.
[31] The ear that listens to reproof lives, and will be at home among the wise.
[32] He who refuses correction despises his own soul, but he who listens to reproof gets understanding.
[33] The fear of Yahweh teaches wisdom. Before honor is humility.