1A kind answer soothes anger; while a cutting word increases wrath.
2The tongue of the wise speaks knowledge, but the mouth of fools spreads stupidity.
3The eyes of Yahweh are everywhere, watching the good and the evil.
4The pacifying tongue is a tree of life, while the viper’s tongue destroys the heart.
5Paternal correction is scorned by the fool, but the one who listens shows discretion.
6Abundance resides in the house of the virtuous, but disgrace descends on the profits of the wicked.
7The lips of the wise sow knowledge whereas the fool’s thoughts are not safe.
8Yahweh detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but listens to the prayer of the honest man.
9Yahweh abhors the conduct of the wicked but loves him who seeks virtue.
10Correct severely him who strays from the way; whoever hates being rebuked will die.
11Yahweh sees into hell and the abyss; how much more into the hearts of the sons of men!
12The mocker does not like being reprimanded; he does not go to the wise.
13A glad heart brightens the face, a sad one weighs down the spirit.
14A discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on stupidity.
15Every day is evil to the afflicted one; while the happy heart is always feasting.
16Better to have little but fear the Lord than to have a fortune accompanied by anxiety.
17Better to have vegetables where there is love than to have a fattened ox with nothing but hatred.
18The hotheaded man provokes disputes, while the one slow to anger reconciles differences.
19The way of the lazy is strewn with thorns, but the path of hard workers is a spacious road.
20The wise child is his father’s joy, but the foolish despises his mother.
21Foolishness appeals to the man with no sense but the discerning man goes on his way.
22Plans fall through for lack of deliberation; a multitude of counselors ensures success.
23Happy is he who knows how to answer. Welcome indeed is the apt word!
24To the discerning man, the way of life leads upward; he will be saved from the place of darkness below.
25Yahweh tears down the house of the proud, but he strengthens the widow’s boundaries.
26Yahweh detests corrupt designs but words of goodness are pleasing to him.
27He who craves dishonest gain brings trouble on his house; he who accepts no tempting bribes will live.
28The man of upright heart thinks before he speaks, the mouth of the wicked pours out evil.
29Yahweh stays far away from the wicked but hears the prayer of the virtuous.
30A kind look delights the heart, good news revives one’s strength.
31The ear which listens to helpful correction is found among the wise.
32He who ignores correction despises himself, he who heeds the reprimand acquires discernment.
33The fear of Yahweh is a school of wisdom; humility precedes praise.
