1A soft answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger. 2The wise makes good use of knowledge when talking, but the mouth of fools spouts out foolishness. 3The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, observing both evil and good. 4A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but perverse speech crushes the spirit. 5A fool despises his parent's teaching, but he that heeds instruction is prudent. 6In the house of the righteous is much treasure, but the earnings of the wicked is trouble. 7The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but the heart of the fool has none to offer. 8The LORD detests offerings from the wicked; but the prayer of the upright is His delight. 9The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD; but He loves those who seek His righteousness. 10Correction is grievous to him that forsakes the path of righteousness; and he that rejects discipline shall die. 11Even hell and destruction are before the LORD; how much more, then, does He know the hearts of men! 12A scoffer despises those that correct him; neither will he accept the advice of the wise. 13A merry heart makes a cheerful face, but heartache crushes the spirit. 14The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool hungers for foolishness. 15For the despondent, each day brings trouble; but for those with a cheerful outlook, each day is a continual feast. 16Better is little with the reverence for the LORD, than great wealth with turmoil. 17Better is a small serving of vegetables where love is, than a thick steak dinner with someone you dislike. 18An angry man stirs up strife, but an even-tempered person calms strife. 19The way of a lazy person is blocked by thorns, but the path of the righteous is made smooth. 20A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother. 21Folly is joy to him who has no sense, but a man of understanding stays on the right path. 22Without wise counsel, plans go awry; but with the many advisors they succeed. 23A person enjoys giving a good answer; and how good is a timely word! 24The path of life leads upward to the wise, that he may avoid the grave. 25The LORD will destroy the house of the proud, but He will establish and protect the property of widows. 26The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD, but kind words of the pure are His delight. 27The greedy gain trouble for his own house, but he that detests bribes shall live. 28The heart of the righteous weighs his answer; but the mouth of the wicked gushes with evil things. 29The LORD is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous. 30A cheerful look gladdens the heart, and good news makes for good health. 31Those who heed constructive criticism will feel at home among the wise. 32Those who reject discipline despise their own soul, but he who heeds correction gains understanding. 33The fear of the LORD leads to wisdom; and humility must precede honor.