[1] A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. [2] The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. [3] The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good. [4] The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit. [5] A fool spurns a parent’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence. [6] The house of the righteous contains great treasure, but the income of the wicked brings ruin. [7] The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but the hearts of fools are not upright. [8] The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him. [9] The LORD detests the way of the wicked, but he loves those who pursue righteousness. [10] Stern discipline awaits anyone who leaves the path; the one who hates correction will die. [11] Death and Destruction lie open before the Lord—how much more do human hearts! [12] Mockers resent correction, so they avoid the wise. [13] A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit. [14] The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly. [15] All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast. [16] Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great wealth with turmoil. [17] Better a small serving of vegetables with love than a fattened calf with hatred.
