1. A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

2. The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. {poureth: Heb. belcheth, or, bubbleth}

3. The eyes of the LORD {are} in every place, beholding the evil and the good.

4. A wholesome tongue {is} a tree of life: but perverseness therein {is} a breach in the spirit. {A wholesome...: Heb. The healing of the tongue}

5. A fool despiseth his father's instruction: 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 {doeth} not so.

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 unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.

10. Correction {is} grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: {and} he that hateth reproof shall die. {Correction: or, Instruction}

11. Hell and destruction {are} before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?

12. A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.

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

14. The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.

15. All the days of the afflicted {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 trouble therewith.

17. Better {is} a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.

18. A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but {he that is} slow to anger appeaseth strife.

19. The way of the slothful {man is} as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous {is} made plain. {is made...: Heb. is raised up as a causey}

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

21. Folly {is} joy to {him that is} destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly. {destitute...: Heb. void of heart}

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

23. A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word {spoken} in due season, how good {is it}! {due...: Heb. his season}

24. The way of life {is} above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.

25. The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.

26. The thoughts of the wicked {are} an abomination to the LORD: but {the words} of the pure {are} pleasant words. {pleasant...: Heb. words of pleasantness}

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 heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.

32. He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding. {instruction: or, correction} {heareth: or, obeyeth} {getteth...: Heb. possesseth an heart}

33. The fear of the LORD {is} the instruction of wisdom; and before honour {is} humility.