How to Live Wisely

1A gentle response diverts anger,

but a harsh statement incites fury.

2The wise speak, presentinga knowledge appropriately,

but fools spout foolishness.

3The eyes of the LORD are in every place,

observing both the evil and the good.

4A gentle statementb is a tree of life,

but perverted speech shatters the spirit.

5A fool rejects his father’s instructions,

but anyone who respectsc reproof acts sensibly.

6The righteous house is itselfd a great treasure,

but within the revenue of the wicked calamity is at work.

7What the wise have to say disseminatese knowledge,

but it’s not in the heart of fools to do so.

8The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to the LORD,

but the prayer of the upright is his delight.

9The lifestyle of the wicked is detestable to the LORD,

but he loves those who ardently pursue righteousness.

10Severe punishment awaits anyone who wanders off the path—

anyone who despises reproof will die.

11Since Sheolf and Abaddong lie open in the LORD’s presence,

how much more the hearts of human beings!

12The arrogant mocker never loves the one who corrects him;

he will not inquire ofh the wise.

13A happy heart enlightens the face,

but a sad heart reflects a broken spirit.

14A discerning mind seeks knowledge,

but the mouth of fools feeds on stupidity.

15The entire lifei of the afflicted seems disastrous,

but a good heart feasts continuously.

On Contentment and Other Good Things of Life

16Better is a little accompanied by fear of the LORD

than abundant wealth with turmoil.

17A vegetarian mealj served with love is better

than a big, thick steakk with a plateful ofl animosity.

18The quickly angered man stirs up contention,

but anyone who controls his temper calms a dispute.

19The lifestyle of the lazy is like a thorny hedge,

but the path taken by the upright is an open highway.

20A wise son makes a father glad,

but a foolish man despises his mother.

21Stupidity is the delight of the senseless,

but an understanding man walks uprightly.

22Plans fail without advice,

but with many counselors they are confirmed.

23An appropriate answer brings joy to a person,

and a well-timed word is a good thing.

24The way of life leads upward for the wise

so he may avoid Sheolm below.

25The house of the proud the LORD will demolish,

but he will protect the widow’s boundary line.

26To the LORD evil plans are detestable,

but pleasant words are pure.

27Those who are greedy for unjust gain bring trouble into their homes,

but the person who hates bribes will live.

28The mind of the righteous thinks before speaking,

but the wicked person spews out evil.

29The LORD is far away from the wicked,

but he hears the prayers of the righteous.

30Bright eyesn encourage the heart;

good news nourishes the body.o

31Whoever listens to a life-giving rebuke

will be at home among the wise.

32Whoever ignores instruction hates himself,

but anyone who heeds reproof gains understanding.p

33The fear of the LORD teaches wisdom,

and humility precedes honor.