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 calms is like a tree of life.
But a tongue that tells lies produces a broken spirit.
5 A foolish person turns their back on their parent’s correction.
But anyone who accepts correction shows understanding.
6 The houses of those who do what is right hold great wealth.
But those who do what is wrong earn only ruin.
7 The lips of wise people spread knowledge.
But the hearts of foolish people are not honest.
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 human hearts certainly lie open to him!
12 People who make fun of others don’t like to be corrected.
So they stay away from wise people.
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 few vegetables where there is love
are better than the finest meat where there is hatred.
18 A person with a bad temper stirs up conflict.
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 person 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 place of the dead.
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 he considers kind words to be pure.
27 Those who always want more bring ruin to their households.
But a person who refuses to be paid to lie 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 The cheerful look of a messenger brings joy to your heart.
And good news gives health to your body.
31 Whoever listens to a warning that gives life
will be at home among those who are wise.
32 Those who turn away from correction hate themselves.
But anyone who accepts correction gains understanding.
33 Wisdom teaches you to have respect for the LORD.
So don’t be proud if you want to be honored.
(NIRV) Holy Bible, New International Reader’s Version®, NIrV® Copyright © 1995, 1996, 1998, 2014 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Click here for more copyright information.