Proverbs

A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath

¹A SOFT answer turneth away wrath: but a grievous word stirreth up anger. ²The tongue of the wise uttereth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out folly. ³The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch upon the evil and the good. ⁴A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breaking of the spirit. ⁵A fool despiseth his father's correction: but he that regardeth reproof getteth prudence. ⁶In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble. ⁷The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so. ⁸The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight. ⁹The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness. ¹⁰There is grievous correction for him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die. ¹¹Sheol and Abaddon are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men! ¹²A scorner loveth not to be reproved: he will not go unto the wise. ¹³A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken. ¹⁴The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on folly. ¹⁵All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a cheerful heart hath a continual feast. ¹⁶Better is little with the fear of the LORD, than great treasure and trouble therewith. ¹⁷Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith. ¹⁸A wrathful man stirreth up contention: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife. ¹⁹The way of the sluggard is as an hedge of thorns: but the path of the upright is made an highway. ²⁰A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother. ²¹Folly is joy to him that is void of wisdom: but a man of understanding maketh straight his going. ²²Where there is no counsel, purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established. ²³A man hath joy in the answer of his mouth: and a word in due season, how good is it! ²⁴To the wise the way of life goeth upward, that he may depart from Sheol beneath. ²⁵The LORD will root up the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow. ²⁶Evil devices are an abomination to the LORD: but pleasant words are pure. ²⁷He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house: but he that hateth gifts shall live. ²⁸The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things. ²⁹The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous. ³⁰The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and good tidings make the bones fat. ³¹The ear that hearkeneth to the reproof of life shall abide among the wise. ³²He that refuseth correction despiseth his own soul: but he that hearkeneth to reproof getteth understanding. ³³The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour goeth humility.