Verse 1
A gentle response turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath.
Verse 2
The tongue of the wise treats knowledge correctly, but the mouth of the fool spouts out folly.
Verse 3
The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on those who are evil and those who are good.
Verse 4
Speech that heals is like a life-giving tree, but a perverse speech breaks the spirit.
Verse 5
A fool rejects his father’s discipline, but whoever heeds reproof shows good sense.
Verse 6
In the house of the righteous is abundant wealth, but the income of the wicked will be ruined.
Verse 7
The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but not so the heart of fools.
Verse 8
The LORD abhors the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him.
Verse 9
The LORD abhors the way of the wicked, but he will love those who pursue righteousness.
Verse 10
Severe discipline is for the one who abandons the way; the one who hates reproof will die.
Verse 11
Death and Destruction are before the LORD– how much more the hearts of humans!
Verse 12
The scorner will not love one who corrects him; he will not go to the wise.
Verse 13
A joyful heart makes the face cheerful, but by a painful heart the spirit is broken.
Verse 14
The discerning mind seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on folly.
Verse 15
All the days of the afflicted are bad, but one with a cheerful heart has a continual feast.
Verse 16
Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great wealth and turmoil with it.
Verse 17
Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened ox where there is hatred.
Verse 18
A quick-tempered person stirs up dissension, but one who is slow to anger calms a quarrel.
Verse 19
The way of the sluggard is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is like a highway.
Verse 20
A wise child brings joy to his father, but a foolish person despises his mother.
Verse 21
Folly is a joy to one who lacks sense, but one who has understanding follows an upright course.
Verse 22
Plans fail when there is no counsel, but with abundant advisers they are established.
Verse 23
A person has joy in giving an appropriate answer, and a word at the right time– how good it is!
Verse 24
The path of life is upward for the wise person, to keep him from going downward to Sheol.
Verse 25
The LORD tears down the house of the proud, but he maintains the boundaries of the widow.
Verse 26
The LORD abhors the plans of the wicked, but pleasant words are pure.
Verse 27
The one who is greedy for gain troubles his household, but whoever hates bribes will live.
Verse 28
The heart of the righteous considers how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.
Verse 29
The LORD is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.
Verse 30
A bright look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the body.
Verse 31
The person who hears the reproof that leads to life is at home among the wise.
Verse 32
The one who refuses correction despises himself, but whoever listens to reproof acquires understanding.
Verse 33
The fear of the LORD provides wise instruction, and before honor comes humility.