1A gentle answer calms anger, but a harsh word stirs it up.
2The words of the wise spread knowledge, but the mouth of fools pour out foolishness.
3Yahweh's eyes are everywhere, watching both the evil and the good.
4A comforting tongue is like a tree of life, but dishonesty in it crushes the spirit.
5A fool rejects their father's correction, but whoever pays attention to criticism shows good judgment.
6There is much treasure in the home of the righteous, but the income of the wicked brings trouble.
7Wise people share knowledge, but fools do not.
8Yahweh hates the sacrifices offered by evil people, but he loves the prayers of those who do what is right.
9Yahweh hates the way evil people live, but he loves anyone who tries to live righteously.
10Anyone who leaves the right path will be severely disciplined; anyone who hates correction will die.
11Since Yahweh knows what happens in the grave and in the place of destruction, he certainly knows what is in the hearts of people!
12Someone who makes fun of others does not like to be corrected; they will not seek advice from wise people.
13A happy heart makes a face cheerful, but a sad heart breaks the spirit.
14An understanding person wants to learn, but a fool’s words show their foolishness.
15All the days are miserable for those who suffer, but a cheerful heart is like a continuous feast.
16It is better to have little with respect for Yahweh than to have great wealth and trouble.
17It is better to have a simple meal with love than a fancy dinner with hatred.
18An angry person starts arguments, but someone who is patient calms disagreements.
19The path of a lazy person is like a thorny bush, but the path of an honest person is a clear road.
20A wise son makes his father happy, but a foolish person disrespects his mother.
21A person who lacks wisdom enjoys foolishness, but a person with understanding stays on the right path.
22Plans fail when there is no advice, but they succeed when there are many advisors.
23A person feels joy when they can give a good answer. How good it is to say the right thing at the right time!
24For the wise, the path of life leads upward, keeping them from going down to the grave.
25Yahweh will tear down the homes of the proud, but he will protect the property of widows.
26Yahweh hates the thoughts of evil people, but he is pleased with the thoughts of pure people.
27Someone who is greedy for money brings trouble on their family, but anyone who refuses bribes will live.
28Good people think before they answer, but the wicked blurt out evil.
29Yahweh is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayers of those who do right.
30Bright eyes make the heart glad; good news brings health to the body.
31Anyone who listens to constructive criticism will live a full life and be counted among the wise.
32Whoever rejects correction despises themselves, but whoever listens to correction gains understanding.
33Respect for Yahweh teaches wisdom, and humility comes before honor.