A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath

1A soft answer turneth away fury; but a grievous word stirreth up anger.

2The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright; but the mouth of the foolish poureth out folly.

3The eyes of Jehovah are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.

4Gentleness of tongue is a tree of life; but crookedness therein is a breaking of the spirit.

5A fool despiseth his father's instruction; but he that regardeth reproof becometh prudent.

6In the house of a righteous [man] is much treasure; but in the revenue of a wicked [man] is disturbance.

7The lips of the wise disperse knowledge, but not so the heart of the foolish.

8The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to Jehovah; but the prayer of the upright is his delight.

9The way of a wicked [man] is an abomination to Jehovah; but him that pursueth righteousness he loveth.

10Grievous correction is for him that forsaketh the path; he that hateth reproof shall die.

11Sheol and destruction are before Jehovah; how much more then the hearts of the children of men!

12A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him; he will not go unto the wise.

13A joyful heart maketh a cheerful countenance; but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken.

14The heart of an intelligent [man] seeketh knowledge; but the mouth of the foolish feedeth on folly.

15All the days of the afflicted are evil; but a cheerful heart is a continual feast.

16Better is little with the fear of Jehovah than great store and disquietude therewith.

17Better is a meal of herbs where love is, than a fatted ox and hatred therewith.

18A furious man stirreth up contention; but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.

19The way of the sluggard is as a hedge of thorns; but the path of the upright is made plain.

20A wise son maketh a glad father; but a foolish man despiseth his mother.

21Folly is joy to him that is void of sense; but a man of understanding regulateth his walk.

22Without counsel purposes are disappointed; but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.

23A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth; and a word in its season, how good is it!

24The path of life is upwards for the wise, that he may depart from Sheol beneath.

25Jehovah plucketh up the house of the proud; but he establisheth the boundary of the widow.

26The thoughts of the evil [man] are an abomination to Jehovah; but pure words are pleasant.

27He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.

28The heart of a righteous [man] studieth to answer; but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.

29Jehovah is far from the wicked; but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.

30That which enlighteneth the eyes rejoiceth the heart; good tidings make the bones fat.

31The ear that heareth the reproof of life shall abide among the wise.

32He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul; but he that heareth reproof getteth sense.

33The fear of Jehovah is the discipline of wisdom, and before honour [goeth] humility.