1A soft answer turneth away wrath : but grievous words stir up anger . 2The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright : but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness . 3The eyes of the LORD are in every place , beholding the evil and the good .
The Eyes of the Lord
4A wholesome tongue is a tree of life : but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit . 5A fool despiseth his father’s instruction : but he that regardeth reproof is prudent . 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 the LORD : but the prayer of the upright is his delight . 9The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD : but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness .
The Importance of Discipline
10Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way : and he that hateth reproof shall die . 11Hell and destruction are before the LORD : how much more then the hearts of the children of men ? 12A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise .
Joy and Sorrow
13A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance : but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken . 14The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge : but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness . 15All the days of the afflicted are evil : but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast .
The Path of Life
16Better is little with the fear of the LORD 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 strife : but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife . 19The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns : but the way of the righteous is made plain . 20A wise son maketh a glad father : but a foolish man despiseth his mother . 21Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom : but a man of understanding walketh uprightly . 22Without counsel purposes are disappointed : but in the multitude of counsellors they are established . 23A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth : and a word spoken in due season , how good is it ! 24The way of life is above to the wise , that he may depart from hell beneath . 25The LORD will destroy the house of the proud : but he will establish the border of the widow . 26The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD : but the words of the pure are pleasant words . 27He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house ; but he that hateth gifts shall live . 28The heart of the righteous studieth to answer : but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things . 29The LORD is far from the wicked : but he heareth the prayer of the righteous . 30The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart : and a good report maketh the bones fat . 31The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise . 32He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul : but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding . 33The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom ; and before honour is humility .