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

2 The tongue of the wise presents knowledge well, but the mouth of fools pours out folly.

3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, watching the evil and the good.

4 A healing tongue is a tree of life, but perversity in it breaks the spirit.

5 A fool despises his father’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction becomes prudent.

6 In the house of the righteous is much treasure, but trouble is in the income of the wicked.

7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but the heart of fools does not do so.

8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is his delight.

9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but he loves the one who pursues righteousness.

10 Severe discipline awaits the one who forsakes the path;

11 Sheol and Abaddon lie before the LORD;

12 A scoffer does not love the one who corrects him;

13 A joyful heart brightens the face, but sorrow of heart breaks the spirit.

14 The heart of the discerning seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on folly.

15 All the days of the afflicted are hard, but a cheerful heart has a continual feast.

16 Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure with turmoil.

17 Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened ox with hatred.

18 A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but one who is slow to anger quiets a quarrel.

19 The way of a sluggard is like a hedge of thorns, 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 lacks sense, but a person of understanding walks straight.

22 Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they are established.

23 A man has joy in the answer of his mouth, and a word in its season—how good it is!

24 The path of life leads upward for the prudent, so that he may turn away from Sheol below.

25 The LORD tears down the house of the proud, but he makes the widow’s boundary secure.

26 Evil plans are an abomination to the LORD, but pleasant words are pure.

27 Whoever pursues unjust gain troubles his household, but whoever hates bribes will live.

28 The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.

29 The LORD is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.

30 The light of the eyes gladdens the heart, and good news nourishes the bones.

31 Whoever listens to life-giving correction will dwell among the wise.

32 Whoever disregards discipline despises his own life, but whoever listens to correction gains understanding.

33 The fear of the LORD is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor.