^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 the fool gushes folly.

^3. The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.

^4. The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.

^5. A fool spurns his father's discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.

^6. The house of the righteous contains great treasure, but the income of the wicked brings them trouble.

^7. The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools.

^8. The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him.

^9. The LORD detests the way of the wicked but he loves those who pursue righteousness.

^10. Stern discipline awaits him who leaves the path; he who hates correction will die.

^11. Death and Destruction [1] lie open before the LORD-- how much more the hearts of men!

^12. A mocker resents correction; he will not consult the wise.

^13. A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.

^14. The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.

^15. All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.

^16. Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great wealth with turmoil.

^17. Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred.

^18. A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel.

^19. The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway.

^20. A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother.

^21. Folly delights a man who lacks judgment, but a man of understanding keeps a straight course.

^22. Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.

^23. A man finds joy in giving an apt reply-- and how good is a timely word!

^24. The path of life leads upward for the wise to keep him from going down to the grave. [2]

^25. The LORD tears down the proud man's house but he keeps the widow's boundaries intact.

^26. The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked, but those of the pure are pleasing to him.

^27. A greedy man brings trouble to his family, but he who hates bribes will live.

^28. The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.

^29. The LORD is far from the wicked but he hears the prayer of the righteous.

^30. A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.

^31. He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise.

^32. He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding.

^33. The fear of the LORD teaches a man wisdom, [3] and humility comes before honor.