[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 fools
gush out folly. [3] Yahweh`s eyes are everywhere, Keeping watch on the
evil and the good. [4] A gentle tongue is a tree of life, But deceit in
it crushes the spirit. [5] A fool despises his father`s correction, But
he who heeds reproof shows prudence. [6] In the house of the righteous is
much treasure, But the income of the wicked brings trouble. [7] The lips
of the wise spread knowledge; Not so with the heart of fools. [8] The
sacrifice made by the wicked is an abomination to Yahweh, But the prayer
of the upright is his delight. [9] The way of the wicked is an abomination
to Yahweh, But he loves him who follows after righteousness. [10] There
is stern discipline for one who forsakes the way: Whoever hates reproof
shall die. [11] Sheol and Abaddon are before Yahweh -- How much more
then the hearts of the children of men! [12] A scoffer doesn`t love to be
reproved; He will not go to the wise. [13] A glad heart makes a cheerful
face; But an aching heart breaks the spirit. [14] The heart of one who
has understanding seeks knowledge, But the mouths of fools feed on
folly. [15] All the days of the afflicted are wretched, But one who has
a cheerful heart enjoys a continual feast. [16] Better is little, with the
fear of Yahweh, Than great treasure with trouble. [17] Better is a
dinner of herbs, where love is, Than a fattened calf with hatred. [18] A
wrathful man stirs up contention, But one who is slow to anger appeases
strife. [19] The way of the sluggard is like a thorn patch, 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 is void of
wisdom, But a man of understanding keeps his way straight. [22] Where
there is no counsel, plans fail; But in a multitude of counselors they
are established. [23] Joy comes to a man with the reply of his mouth.
How good is a word at the right time! [24] The path of life leads upward
for the wise, To keep him from going downward to Sheol. [25] Yahweh will
uproot the house of the proud, But he will keep the widow`s borders
intact. [26] Yahweh detests the thoughts of the wicked, But the thoughts
of the pure are pleasing. [27] He who is greedy for gain troubles his own
house, But he who hates bribes will live. [28] The heart of the
righteous weighs answers, But the mouth of the wicked gushes out evil.
[29] Yahweh is far from the wicked, But he hears the prayer of the
righteous. [30] The light of the eyes rejoices the heart. Good news
gives health to the bones. [31] The ear that listens to the reproof lives,
And will be at home among the wise. [32] He who refuses correction
despises his own soul, But he who listens to reproof gets understanding.
[33] The fear of Yahweh teaches wisdom. Before honor is humility.
