A gentle answerr turns away wrath,s

but a harsh word stirs up anger.

2 The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge,t

but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.u

3 The eyesv of the Lord are everywhere,w

keeping watch on the wicked and the good.x

4 The soothing tonguey is a tree of life,z

but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.a

5 A fool spurns a parent’s discipline,

but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.b

6 The house of the righteous contains great treasure,c

but the income of the wicked brings ruin.d

7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge,e

but the hearts of fools are not upright.

8 The Lord detests the sacrificef of the wicked,g

but the prayer of the upright pleases him.h

9 The Lord detests the way of the wicked,i

but he loves those who pursue righteousness.j

10 Stern discipline awaits anyone who leaves the path;

the one who hates correction will die.k

11 Death and Destructiona lie open before the Lordl—

how much more do human hearts!m

12 Mockers resent correction,n

so they avoid the wise.

13 A happy heart makes the face cheerful,o

but heartache crushes the spirit.p

14 The discerning heart seeks knowledge,q

but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.