1A soft answer turneth away wrath;

But a grievous word stirreth 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,

Keeping watch upon the evil and the good.

4A soothing tongue is a tree of life;

But perverseness therein is a wound to the spirit.

5A fool despiseth his father’s correction;

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.

7The lips of the wise disperse knowledge;

But the heart of the foolish is not stedfast.

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 to the Lord;

But He loveth him that followeth after righteousness.

10There is grievous correction for him that forsaketh the way;

And he that hateth reproof shall die.

11The nether-world and Destruction are before the Lord;

How much more then the hearts of the children of men!

12A scorner loveth not to be reproved;

He will not go unto the wise.

13A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance;

But by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken.

14The heart of him that hath discernment seeketh knowledge;

But the mouth of fools feedeth on folly.

15All the days of the poor are evil;

But he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.

16Better is little with the fear of the Lord,

Than great treasure and turmoil therewith.

17Better is a dinner of herbs where love is,

Than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.

18A wrathful man stirreth up discord;

But he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.

19The way of the sluggard is as though hedged by thorns;

But the path of the upright is even.

20A wise son maketh a glad father;

But a foolish man despiseth his mother.

21Folly is joy to him that lacketh understanding;

But a man of discernment walketh straightforwards.

22For want of counsel purposes are frustrated;

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!

24The path of life goeth upward for the wise,

that he may depart from the nether-world beneath.

25The Lord will pluck up the house of the proud;

But He will establish the border of the widow.

26The thoughts of wickedness are an abomination to the Lord;

But words of pleasantness are pure.

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 hearkeneth to the reproof of life abideth among the wise.

32He that refuseth correction despiseth his own soul;

But he that hearkeneth to reproof getteth understanding.

33The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom;

And before honour goeth humility.