1 A soft answer turneth back fury, And a grievous word raiseth up anger.

2 T he tongue of the wise maketh knowledge good, And the mouth of fools uttereth folly.

3 I n every place are the eyes of Jehovah, Watching the evil and the good.

4 A healed tongue a tree of life, And perverseness in it -- a breach in the spirit.

5 A fool despiseth the instruction of his father, And whoso is regarding reproof is prudent.

6 t he house of the righteous abundant strength, And in the increase of the wicked -- trouble.

7 T he lips of the wise scatter knowledge, And the heart of fools not right.

8 T he sacrifice of the wicked an abomination to Jehovah, And the prayer of the upright His delight.

9 A n abomination to Jehovah the way of the wicked, And whoso is pursuing righteousness He loveth.

10 C hastisement grievous to him who is forsaking the path, Whoso is hating reproof dieth.

11 S heol and destruction before Jehovah, Surely also the hearts of the sons of men.

12 A scorner loveth not his reprover, Unto the wise he goeth not.

13 A joyful heart maketh glad the face, And by grief of heart is the spirit smitten.

14 T he heart of the intelligent seeketh knowledge, And the mouth of fools enjoyeth folly.

15 A ll the days of the afflicted evil, And gladness of heart a perpetual banquet.

16 B etter a little with the fear of Jehovah, Than much treasure, and tumult with it.

17 B etter an allowance of green herbs and love there, Than a fatted ox, and hatred with it.

18 A man of fury stirreth up contention, And the slow to anger appeaseth strife.

19 T he way of the slothful as a hedge of briers, And the path of the upright is raised up.

20 A wise son rejoiceth a father. And a foolish man is despising his mother.

21 F olly is joy to one lacking heart, And a man of intelligence directeth going.

22 W ithout counsel the making void of purposes, And in a multitude of counsellors it is established.

23 J oy to a man in the answer of his mouth, And a word in its season -- how good!

24 A path of life on high for the wise, To turn aside from Sheol beneath.

25 T he house of the proud Jehovah pulleth down, And He setteth up the border of the widow.

26 A n abomination to Jehovah thoughts of wickedness, And pure sayings of pleasantness.

27 A dishonest gainer is troubling his house, And whoso is hating gifts liveth.

28 T he heart of the righteous meditateth to answer, And the mouth of the wicked uttereth evil things.

29 F ar Jehovah from the wicked, And the prayer of the righteous He heareth.

30 T he light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart, A good report maketh fat the bone.

31 A n ear that is hearing the reproof of life Doth lodge among the wise.

32 W hoso is refusing instruction is despising his soul, And whoso is hearing reproof Is getting understanding.

33 T he fear of Jehovah the instruction of wisdom, And before honour humility!