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

2 T he tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of fools gush out folly.

3 Y ahweh’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 I n the house of the righteous is much treasure, but the income of the wicked brings trouble.

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

8 T he sacrifice made by the wicked is an abomination to Yahweh, but the prayer of the upright is his delight.

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

10 T here is stern discipline for one who forsakes the way: whoever hates reproof shall die.

11 S heol 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 T he heart of one who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly.

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

16 B etter is little, with the fear of Yahweh, than great treasure with trouble.

17 B etter 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 T he 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 F olly is joy to one who is void of wisdom, but a man of understanding keeps his way straight.

22 W here there is no counsel, plans fail; but in a multitude of counselors they are established.

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

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

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

26 Y ahweh detests the thoughts of the wicked, but the thoughts of the pure are pleasing.

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

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

29 Y ahweh is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.

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

31 T he ear that listens to reproof lives, and will be at home among the wise.

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

33 T he fear of Yahweh teaches wisdom. Before honor is humility.