1 A gentle answer turns anger away. But mean words stir up anger.
2 The tongues of wise people use knowledge well. But the mouths of foolish people pour out foolish words.
3 The eyes of the Lord are everywhere. They watch those who are evil and those who are good.
4 A tongue that brings healing is like a tree of life. But a tongue that tells lies produces a broken spirit.
5 A foolish person turns his back on how his father has trained him. But anyone who accepts being corrected shows understanding.
6 The houses of those who do what is right hold great wealth. But those who do what is wrong earn only trouble.
7 The lips of wise people spread knowledge. But that's not true of the hearts of foolish people.
8 The Lord hates the sacrifice of sinful people. But the prayers of honest people please him.
9 The Lord hates how sinners live. But he loves those who run after what is right.
10 Hard training is in store for anyone who leaves the right path. A person who hates to be corrected will die.
11 Death and the Grave lie open in front of the Lord. So the hearts of mere men certainly lie open to him!
12 Anyone who makes fun of others doesn't like to be corrected. He won't ask wise people for advice.
13 A happy heart makes a face look cheerful. But a sad heart produces a broken spirit.
14 A heart that understands what is right looks for knowledge. But the mouths of foolish people feed on what is foolish.
15 All the days of those who are crushed are filled with pain and suffering. But a cheerful heart enjoys a good time that never ends.
16 It is better to have respect for the Lord and have little than to be rich and have trouble.
17 A meal of vegetables where there is love is better than the finest meat where there is hatred.
18 A man who burns with anger stirs up fights. But a person who is patient calms things down.
19 The way of people who don't want to work is blocked with thorns. But the path of honest people is a wide road.
20 A wise son makes his father glad. But a foolish son hates his mother.
21 A person who has no sense enjoys doing foolish things. But a man who has understanding walks straight ahead.
22 Plans fail without good advice. But they succeed when there are many advisers.
23 Joy is found in giving the right answer. And how good is a word spoken at the right time!
24 The path of life leads up for those who are wise. It keeps them from going down to the grave.
25 The Lord tears down the proud person's house. But he keeps the widow's property safe.
26 The Lord hates the thoughts of sinful people. But the thoughts of pure people are pleasing to him.
27 Anyone who always wants more brings trouble to his family. But a person who refuses to be paid off will live.
28 The hearts of those who do right think about how they will answer. But the mouths of those who do wrong pour out evil.
29 The Lord is far away from those who do wrong. But he hears the prayers of those who do right.
30 A cheerful look brings joy to your heart. And good news gives health to your body.
31 If you listen to a warning, you will live. You will be at home among those who are wise.
32 Anyone who turns away from his training hates himself. But anyone who accepts being corrected gains understanding.