| 1 A kind answer soothes anger; while a cutting word increases wrath. | |
| 2 The tongue of the wise speaks knowledge, but the mouth of fools spreads stupidity. | |
| 3 The eyes of Yahweh are everywhere, watching the good and the evil. | |
| 4 The pacifying tongue is a tree of life, while the viper’s tongue destroys the heart. | |
| 5 Paternal correction is scorned by the fool, but the one who listens shows discretion. | |
| 6 Abundance resides in the house of the virtuous, but disgrace descends on the profits of the wicked. | |
| 7 The lips of the wise sow knowledge whereas the fool’s thoughts are not safe. | |
| 8 Yahweh detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but listens to the prayer of the honest man. | |
| 9 Yahweh abhors the conduct of the wicked but loves him who seeks virtue. | |
| 10 Correct severely him who strays from the way; whoever hates being rebuked will die. | |
| 11 Yahweh sees into hell and the abyss; how much more into the hearts of the sons of men! | |
| 12 The mocker does not like being reprimanded; he does not go to the wise. | |
| 13 A glad heart brightens the face, a sad one weighs down the spirit. | |
| 14 A discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on stupidity. | |
| 15 Every day is evil to the afflicted one; while the happy heart is always feasting. | |
| 16 Better to have little but fear the Lord than to have a fortune accompanied by anxiety. | |
| 17 Better to have vegetables where there is love than to have a fattened ox with nothing but hatred. | |
| 18 The hotheaded man provokes disputes, while the one slow to anger reconciles differences. | |
| 19 The way of the lazy is strewn with thorns, but the path of hard workers is a spacious road. | |
| 20 The wise child is his father’s joy, but the foolish despises his mother. | |
| 21 Foolishness appeals to the man with no sense but the discerning man goes on his way. | |
| 22 Plans fall through for lack of deliberation; a multitude of counselors ensures success. | |
| 23 Happy is he who knows how to answer. Welcome indeed is the apt word! | |
| 24 To the discerning man, the way of life leads upward; he will be saved from the place of darkness below. | |
| 25 Yahweh tears down the house of the proud, but he strengthens the widow’s boundaries. | |
| 26 Yahweh detests corrupt designs but words of goodness are pleasing to him. | |
| 27 He who craves dishonest gain brings trouble on his house; he who accepts no tempting bribes will live. | |
| 28 The man of upright heart thinks before he speaks, the mouth of the wicked pours out evil. | |
| 29 Yahweh stays far away from the wicked but hears the prayer of the virtuous. | |
| 30 A kind look delights the heart, good news revives one’s strength. | |
| 31 The ear which listens to helpful correction is found among the wise. | |
| 32 He who ignores correction despises himself, he who heeds the reprimand acquires discernment. | |
| 33 The fear of Yahweh is a school of wisdom; humility precedes praise. | |
