A gentle answer turns away anger,
but a harsh word stirs up wrath.

Better a little with the fear of the Lord
than great treasure with turmoil.

Better a meal of vegetables where there is love
than a fattened ox with hatred.

A hot-tempered man stirs up conflict,
but a man slow to anger calms strife.

Foolishness brings joy to one without sense,
but a man with understanding walks a straight path.

A man takes joy in giving an answer;
and a timely word—how good that is!

The fear of the Lord is what wisdom teaches,
and humility comes before honor.

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The mind of the righteous person thinks before answering,
but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil things.

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

The Lord is far from the wicked,
but He hears the prayer of the righteous.

For the discerning the path of life leads upward,
so that he may avoid going down to Sheol.

A slacker’s way is like a thorny hedge,
but the path of the upright is a highway.

The one who profits dishonestly troubles his household,
but the one who hates bribes will live.

The Lord detests the plans of an evil man,
but pleasant words are pure.

One who listens to life-giving rebukes
will be at home among the wise.

Plans fail when there is no counsel,
but with many advisers they succeed.

The eyes of the Lord are everywhere,
observing the wicked and the good.

The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to the Lord,
but the prayer of the upright is His delight.

Bright eyes cheer the heart;
good news strengthens the bones.

All the days of the oppressed are miserable,
but a cheerful heart has a continual feast.

A joyful heart makes a face cheerful,
but a sad heart produces a broken spirit.

The tongue that heals is a tree of life,
but a devious tongue breaks the spirit.

The tongue of the wise makes knowledge attractive,
but the mouth of fools blurts out foolishness.

A fool despises his father’s discipline,
but a person who accepts correction is sensible.

Anyone who ignores discipline despises himself,
but whoever listens to correction acquires good sense.

The Lord destroys the house of the proud,
but He protects the widow’s territory.

Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the Lord—
how much more, human hearts.

A discerning mind seeks knowledge,
but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.

A mocker doesn’t love one who corrects him;
he will not consult the wise.

The Lord detests the way of the wicked,
but He loves the one who pursues righteousness.

Discipline is harsh for the one who leaves the path;
the one who hates correction will die.

The house of the righteous has great wealth,
but trouble accompanies the income of the wicked.

The lips of the wise broadcast knowledge,
but not so the heart of fools.