1 A soft answer turneth away wrath; but a grievous word stirreth up anger. 2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright; but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. 3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch upon the evil and the good. 4 A soothing tongue is a tree of life; but perverseness therein is a wound to the spirit. 5 A fool despiseth his father's correction; but he that regardeth reproof is prudent. 6 In the house of the righteous is much treasure; but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble. 7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge; but the heart of the foolish is not stedfast. 8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD; but the prayer of the upright is His delight. 9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD; but He loveth him that followeth after righteousness. 10 There is grievous correction for him that forsaketh the way; and he that hateth reproof shall die. 11 The nether-world and Destruction are before the LORD; how much more then the hearts of the children of men! 12 A scorner loveth not to be reproved; he will not go unto the wise. 13 A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance; but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken. 14 The heart of him that hath discernment seeketh knowledge; but the mouth of fools feedeth on folly. 15 All the days of the poor are evil; but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast. 16 Better is little with the fear of the LORD, than great treasure and turmoil therewith. 17 Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith. 18 A wrathful man stirreth up discord; but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife. 19 The way of the sluggard is as though hedged by thorns; but the path of the upright is even. 20 A wise son maketh a glad father; but a foolish man despiseth his mother. 21 Folly is joy to him that lacketh understanding; but a man of discernment walketh straightforwards. 22 For want of counsel purposes are frustrated; but in the multitude of counsellors they are established. 23 A man hath joy in the answer of his mouth; and a word in due season, how good is it! 24 The path of life goeth upward for the wise, that he may depart from the nether-world beneath. 25 The LORD will pluck up the house of the proud; but He will establish the border of the widow. 26 The thoughts of wickedness are an abomination to the LORD; but words of pleasantness are pure. 27 He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live. 28 The heart of the righteous studieth to answer; but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things. 29 The LORD is far from the wicked; but He heareth the prayer of the righteous. 30 The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart; and a good report maketh the bones fat. 31 The ear that hearkeneth to the reproof of life abideth among the wise. 32 He that refuseth correction despiseth his own soul; but he that hearkeneth to reproof getteth understanding. 33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour goeth humility. | |