1 A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. 2 The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness. 3 The LORD is watching everywhere, keeping his eye on both the evil and the good. 4 Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. 5 Only a fool despises a parent's discipline; whoever learns from correction is wise. 6 There is treasure in the house of the godly, but the earnings of the wicked bring trouble. 7 The lips of the wise give good advice; the heart of a fool has none to give. 8 The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but he delights in the prayers of the upright. 9 The LORD detests the way of the wicked, but he loves those who pursue godliness. 10 Whoever abandons the right path will be severely disciplined; whoever hates correction will die. 11 Even Death and Destruction hold no secrets from the LORD. How much more does he know the human heart! 12 Mockers hate to be corrected, so they stay away from the wise. 13 A glad heart makes a happy face; a broken heart crushes the spirit. 14 A wise person is hungry for knowledge, while the fool feeds on trash. 15 For the despondent, every day brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast. 16 Better to have little, with fear for the LORD, than to have great treasure and inner turmoil. 17 A bowl of vegetables with someone you love is better than steak with someone you hate. 18 A hot-tempered person starts fights; a cool-tempered person stops them. 19 A lazy person's way is blocked with briers, but the path of the upright is an open highway. 20 Sensible children bring joy to their father; foolish children despise their mother. 21 Foolishness brings joy to those with no sense; a sensible person stays on the right path. 22 Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success. 23 Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time! 24 The path of life leads upward for the wise; they leave the grave behind. 25 The LORD tears down the house of the proud, but he protects the property of widows. 26 The LORD detests evil plans, but he delights in pure words. 27 Greed brings grief to the whole family, but those who hate bribes will live. 28 The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words. 29 The LORD is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayers of the righteous. 30 A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news makes for good health. 31 If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise. 32 If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding. 33 Fear of the LORD teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor.
1 A gentle response defuses anger, but a sharp tongue kindles a temper-fire. 2 Knowledge flows like spring water from the wise; fools are leaky faucets, dripping nonsense. 3 GOD doesn't miss a thing--he's alert to good and evil alike. 4 Kind words heal and help; cutting words wound and maim. 5 Moral dropouts won't listen to their elders; welcoming correction is a mark of good sense. 6 The lives of God-loyal people flourish; a misspent life is soon bankrupt. 7 Perceptive words spread knowledge; fools are hollow--there's nothing to them. 8 GOD can't stand pious poses, but he delights in genuine prayers. 9 A life frittered away disgusts GOD; he loves those who run straight for the finish line. 10 It's a school of hard knocks for those who leave God's path, a dead-end street for those who hate God's rules. 11 Even hell holds no secrets from GOD- do you think he can't read human hearts? 12 Know-it--alls don't like being told what to do; they avoid the company of wise men and women. 13 A cheerful heart brings a smile to your face; a sad heart makes it hard to get through the day. 14 An intelligent person is always eager to take in more truth; fools feed on fast-food fads and fancies. 15 A miserable heart means a miserable life; a cheerful heart fills the day with song. 16 A simple life in the Fear-of-GOD is better than a rich life with a ton of headaches. 17 Better a bread crust shared in love than a slab of prime rib served in hate. 18 Hot tempers start fights; a calm, cool spirit keeps the peace. 19 The path of lazy people is overgrown with briers; the diligent walk down a smooth road. 20 Intelligent children make their parents proud; lazy students embarrass their parents. 21 The empty-headed treat life as a plaything; the perceptive grasp its meaning and make a go of it. 22 Refuse good advice and watch your plans fail; take good counsel and watch them succeed. 23 Congenial conversation--what a pleasure! The right word at the right time--beautiful! 24 Life ascends to the heights for the thoughtful--it's a clean about-face from descent into hell. 25 GOD smashes the pretensions of the arrogant; he stands with those who have no standing. 26 GOD can't stand evil scheming, but he puts words of grace and beauty on display. 27 A greedy and grasping person destroys community; those who refuse to exploit live and let live. 28 Prayerful answers come from God-loyal people; the wicked are sewers of abuse. 29 GOD keeps his distance from the wicked; he closely attends to the prayers of God-loyal people. 30 A twinkle in the eye means joy in the heart, and good news makes you feel fit as a fiddle. 31 Listen to good advice if you want to live well, an honored guest among wise men and women. 32 An undisciplined, self-willed life is puny; an obedient, God-willed life is spacious. 33 Fear-of-GOD is a school in skilled living--first you learn humility, then you experience glory.
1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. 2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. 3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. 4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit. 5 A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent. 6 In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble. 7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not 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 unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness. 10 Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die. 11 Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men? 12 A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise. 13 A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. 14 The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness. 15 All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast. 16 Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith. 17 Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith. 18 A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife. 19 The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain. 20 A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother. 21 Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly. 22 Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established. 23 A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it! 24 The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath. 25 The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow. 26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words. 27 He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live. 28 The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things. 29 The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous. 30 The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat. 31 The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise. 32 He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding. 33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.
1 A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. 2 The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness. 3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, Keeping watch on the evil and the good. 4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, But perverseness in it breaks the spirit. 5 A fool despises his father's instruction, But he who receives correction is prudent. 6 In the house of the righteous there is much treasure, But in the revenue of the wicked is trouble. 7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge, But the heart of the fool 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 him who follows righteousness. 10 Harsh discipline is for him who forsakes the way, And he who hates correction will die. 11 Hell and Destruction are before the LORD; So how much more the hearts of the sons of men. 12 A scoffer does not love one who corrects him, Nor will he go to the wise. 13 A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, But by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. 14 The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, But the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness. 15 All the days of the afflicted are evil, But he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast. 16 Better is a little with the fear of the LORD, Than great treasure with trouble. 17 Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, Than a fatted calf with hatred. 18 A wrathful man stirs up strife, But he who is slow to anger allays contention. 19 The way of the lazy man is like a hedge of thorns, But the way 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 him who is destitute of discernment, But a man of understanding walks uprightly. 22 Without counsel, plans go awry, But in the multitude of counselors they are established. 23 A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, And a word spoken in due season, how good it is! 24 The way of life winds upward for the wise, That he may turn away from hell below. 25 The LORD will destroy the house of the proud, But He will establish the boundary of the widow. 26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD, But the words of the pure are pleasant. 27 He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, But he who hates bribes will live. 28 The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, But the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil. 29 The LORD is far from the wicked, But He hears the prayer of the righteous. 30 The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, And a good report makes the bones healthy. 31 The ear that hears the rebukes of life Will abide among the wise. 32 He who disdains instruction despises his own soul, But he who heeds rebuke gets understanding. 33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, And before honor is humility.
1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. 2 The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable, But the mouth of fools spouts folly. 3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, Watching the evil and the good. 4 A soothing tongue is a tree of life, But perversion in it crushes the spirit. 5 A fool rejects his father's discipline, But he who regards reproof is sensible. 6 Great wealth is in the house of the righteous, But trouble is in the income of the wicked. 7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge, But the hearts of fools are not 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 one who pursues righteousness. 10 Grievous punishment is for him who forsakes the way; He who hates reproof will die. 11 Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the LORD, How much more the hearts of men! 12 A scoffer does not love one who reproves him, He will not go to the wise. 13 A joyful heart makes a cheerful face, But when the heart is sad, the spirit is broken. 14 The mind of the intelligent seeks knowledge, But the mouth of fools feeds on folly. 15 All the days of the afflicted are bad, But a cheerful heart has a continual feast. 16 Better is a little with the fear of the LORD Than great treasure and turmoil with it. 17 Better is a dish of vegetables where love is Than a fattened ox served with hatred. 18 A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, But the slow to anger calms a dispute. 19 The way of the lazy is as 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 him who lacks sense, But a man of understanding walks straight. 22 Without consultation, plans are frustrated, But with many counselors they succeed. 23 A man has joy in an apt answer, And how delightful is a timely word! 24 The path of life leads upward for the wise That he may keep away from Sheol below. 25 The LORD will tear down the house of the proud, But He will establish the boundary of the widow. 26 Evil plans are an abomination to the LORD, But pleasant words are pure. 27 He who profits illicitly troubles his own house, But he who 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 Bright eyes gladden the heart; Good news puts fat on the bones. 31 He whose ear listens to the life-giving reproof Will dwell among the wise. 32 He who neglects discipline despises himself, But he who listens to reproof acquires understanding. 33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction for wisdom, And before honor comes humility.
1 A SOFT answer turns away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger. 2 The tongue of the wise utters knowledge rightly, but the mouth of the [self-confident] fool pours out folly. 3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch upon the evil and the good. 4 A gentle tongue [with its healing power] is a tree of life, but willful contrariness in it breaks down the spirit. 5 A fool despises his father's instruction and correction, but he who regards reproof acquires prudence. 6 In the house of the [uncompromisingly] righteous is great [priceless] treasure, but with the income of the wicked is trouble and vexation. 7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge [sifting it as chaff from the grain]; not so the minds and hearts of the self-confident and foolish. 8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination, hateful and exceedingly offensive to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is His delight! 9 The way of the wicked is an abomination, extremely disgusting and shamefully vile to the Lord, but He loves him who pursues righteousness (moral and spiritual rectitude in every area and relation). 10 There is severe discipline for him who forsakes God's way; and he who hates reproof will die [physically, morally, and spiritually]. 11 Sheol (the place of the dead) and Abaddon (the abyss, the final place of the accuser Satan) are both before the Lord--how much more, then, the hearts of the children of men? 12 A scorner has no love for one who rebukes him; neither will he go to the wise [for counsel]. 13 A glad heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken. 14 The mind of him who has understanding seeks knowledge and inquires after and craves it, but the mouth of the [self-confident] fool feeds on folly. 15 All the days of the desponding and afflicted are made evil [by anxious thoughts and forebodings], but he who has a glad heart has a continual feast [regardless of circumstances]. 16 Better is little with the reverent, worshipful fear of the Lord than great and rich treasure and trouble with it. 17 Better is a dinner of herbs where love is than a fatted ox and hatred with it. 18 A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger appeases contention. 19 The way of the sluggard is overgrown with thorns [it pricks, lacerates, and entangles him], but the way of the righteous is plain and raised like a highway. 20 A wise son makes a glad father, but a self-confident and foolish man despises his mother and puts her to shame. 21 Folly is pleasure to him who is without heart and sense, but a man of understanding walks uprightly [making straight his course]. 22 Where there is no counsel, purposes are frustrated, but with many counselors they are accomplished. 23 A man has joy in making an apt answer, and a word spoken at the right moment--how good it is! 24 The path of the wise leads upward to life, that he may avoid [the gloom] in the depths of Sheol (Hades, the place of the dead). 25 The Lord tears down the house of the proud, but He makes secure the boundaries of the [consecrated] widow. 26 The thoughts of the wicked are shamefully vile and exceedingly offensive to the Lord, but the words of the pure are pleasing words to Him. 27 He who is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own household, but he who hates bribes will live. 28 The mind of the [uncompromisingly] righteous studies 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 [consistently] righteous (the upright, in right standing with Him). 30 The light in the eyes [of him whose heart is joyful] rejoices the hearts of others, and good news nourishes the bones. 31 The ear that listens to the reproof [that leads to or gives] life will remain among the wise. 32 He who refuses and ignores instruction and correction despises himself, but he who heeds reproof gets understanding. 33 The reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord brings instruction in Wisdom, and humility comes before honor.
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 the fool gushes folly. 3 The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good. 4 The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. 5 A fool spurns his father's discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence. 6 The house of the righteous contains great treasure, but the income of the wicked brings them trouble. 7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools. 8 The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him. 9 The LORD detests the way of the wicked but he loves those who pursue righteousness. 10 Stern discipline awaits him who leaves the path; he who hates correction will die. 11 Death and Destruction lie open before the LORD - how much more the hearts of men! 12 A mocker resents correction; he will not consult the wise. 13 A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit. 14 The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly. 15 All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast. 16 Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great wealth with turmoil. 17 Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred. 18 A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel. 19 The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway. 20 A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother. 21 Folly delights a man who lacks judgment, but a man of understanding keeps a straight course. 22 Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. 23 A man finds joy in giving an apt reply- and how good is a timely word! 24 The path of life leads upward for the wise to keep him from going down to the grave. 25 The LORD tears down the proud man's house but he keeps the widow's boundaries intact. 26 The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked, but those of the pure are pleasing to him. 27 A greedy man brings trouble to his family, but he who hates bribes will live. 28 The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil. 29 The LORD is far from the wicked but he hears the prayer of the righteous. 30 A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones. 31 He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise. 32 He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding. 33 The fear of the LORD teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor.
1 A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. 2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly. 3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good. 4 A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit. 5 A fool despises his father's instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is prudent. 6 In the house of the righteous there is much treasure, but trouble befalls the income of the wicked. 7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools. 8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is acceptable to him. 9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but he loves him who pursues righteousness. 10 There is severe discipline for him who forsakes the way; whoever hates reproof will die. 11 Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the LORD; how much more the hearts of the children of man! 12 A scoffer does not like to be reproved; he will not go to the wise. 13 A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed. 14 The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly. 15 All the days of the afflicted are evil, but the cheerful of heart has a continual feast. 16 Better is a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble with it. 17 Better is a dinner of herbs where love is than a fattened ox and hatred with it. 18 A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention. 19 The way of a sluggard is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a level highway. 20 A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish man despises his mother. 21 Folly is a joy to him who lacks sense, but a man of understanding walks straight ahead. 22 Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed. 23 To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is! 24 The path of life leads upward for the prudent, that he may turn away from Sheol beneath. 25 The LORD tears down the house of the proud but maintains the widow's boundaries. 26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD, but gracious words are pure. 27 Whoever is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own household, but he who 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 rejoices the heart, and good news refreshes the bones. 31 The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. 32 Whoever ignores instruction despises himself, but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence. 33 The fear of the LORD is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor.