1A soft answer turneth away wrath ; But a grievous word stirreth up anger . 2The tongue of the wise uttereth knowledge aright ; But the mouth of fools poureth out folly. 3The eyes of Jehovah are in every place , Keeping watch upon the evil and the good .
The Eyes of the Lord
4A gentle tongue is a tree of life ; But perverseness therein is a breaking of the spirit . 5A fool despiseth his father’s correction ; But he that regardeth reproof getteth prudence. 6In the house of the righteous is much treasure ; But in the revenues of the wicked is trouble .
The Foolish and the Wise
7The lips of the wise disperse knowledge ; But the heart of the foolish doeth not so . 8The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to Jehovah ; But the prayer of the upright is his delight . 9The way of the wicked is an abomination to Jehovah ; But he loveth him that followeth after righteousness .
The Importance of Discipline
10There is grievous correction for him that forsaketh the way; And he that hateth reproof shall die . 11Sheol and Abaddon are before Jehovah ; How much more then the hearts of the children of men ! 12A scoffer loveth not to be reproved ; He will not go unto the wise .
Joy and Sorrow
13A glad heart maketh a cheerful countenance ; But by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken . 14The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge ; But the mouth of fools feedeth on folly. 15All the days of the afflicted are evil ; But he that is of a cheerful heart hath a continual feast .
The Path of Life
16Better is little , with the fear of Jehovah , Than great treasure and trouble therewith. 17Better is a dinner of herbs , where love is , Than a stalled ox and hatred therewith. 18A wrathful man stirreth up contention ; But he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife . 19The way of the sluggard is as a hedge of thorns ; But the path of the upright is made a highway . 20A wise son maketh a glad father ; But a foolish man despiseth his mother. 21Folly is joy to him that is void of wisdom ; But a man of understanding maketh straight his going . 22Where there is no counsel , purposes are disappointed ; But in the multitude of counsellors they are established . 23A man hath joy in the answer of his mouth ; And a word in due season , how good is it ! 24To the wise the way of life goeth upward , That he may depart from Sheol beneath . 25Jehovah will root up the house of the proud ; But he will establish the border of the widow. 26Evil devices are an abomination to Jehovah ; But pleasant words are pure . 27He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house ; But he that hateth bribes shall live . 28The heart of the righteous studieth to answer ; But the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things . 29Jehovah is far from the wicked ; But he heareth the prayer of the righteous . 30The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart ; And good tidings make the bones fat . 31The ear that hearkeneth to the reproof of life Shall abide among the wise . 32He that refuseth correction despiseth his own soul ; But he that hearkeneth to reproof getteth understanding . 33The fear of Jehovah is the instruction of wisdom ; And before honor goeth humility .