15 A gentle answer turns fury away,

^ but a hurtful reply makes people angrier.

2 A wise person’s tongue advances knowledge,

^ but the mouth of fools pours out nonsense.

3 Yahweh’s eyes are everywhere—

→ watchiing both good and evil people.

4 A soothing tongue is a tree of life,

^ but perversity crushes the spirit.

5 Fools reject discipline from their father,

^ but sensible people accept correction.

6 There’s great wealth in the home of a person who does what’s right,

^ but the income of a wicked person will just be trouble.

7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge,

^ but it’s not so for the minds of fools.

8 The sacrifices of wicked people are hated by Yahweh,

^ but he delights in the prayer of a godly person.

9 Yahweh detests what wicked people do,

^ but he loves those who strive to do what’s right.

10 Severe discipline is coming for those who abandon the right path,

≈ and those who hate correction will die.

11 The grave and place of destruction aren’t hidden from Yahweh,

→ so how much more the thoughts and values of humankind.

12 Mockers never love the one who corrects them,

→ and they never approach the wise.

13 Inner happiness makes a face glad,

^ but a spirit is crushed by a broken heart.

14 A discerning mind wants knowledge,

^ but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.

15 Every day is bad for those who are suffering,

^ but cheerful people have a continual feast.

16 It’s better to have a little along with respect for Yahweh,

^ than having great wealth, and then turmoil with it.

17 It’s better to have a meal of vegetables where there’s love,

^ than to have roast meat where there’s hate.

18 Quick-tempered people stir up trouble,

^ but a patient person calms a quarrel.

19 The path of a slacker is like a hedge of thorns,

^ but the road for godly people is a level highway.

20 A wise child brings happiness to their father,

^ but a foolish person despises their mother.

21 Foolishness brings happiness to those who lack morals,

^ but an understanding person makes sensible decisions.

22 Plans go wrong where no one gets advice,

^ but they get implemented where there’s many advisers.

23 A person is always pleased to give the right answer,

≈ and the right thing said at the right time is so good.

24 Life’s path is upward for the wise person,

→ to prevent them going down to the grave.

25 Yahweh tears down the houses of the proud,

^ but he’ll protect a widow’s boundary.

26 Evil plans are hated by Yahweh,

^ but kind messages are pure.

27 The person who makes unjust gains, brings troubles on their own home,

^ but the one who hates bribes will live.

28 The person who does what’s right, thinks carefully before answering,

^ but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil.

29 Yahweh is far from the wicked,

^ but he hears the prayer of those who do what’s right.

30 A bright look makes others glad.

≈ Good news makes your bones healthy.

31 The ear that listens to correction lives—

→ it will remain among the wise people.

32 Someone who ignores discipline, despises themself,

^ but anyone who listens to correction strengthens their values.

33 Wise instructions lead to striving to obey Yahweh,

≈ and humility leads to honour.