15 A asoft answer turns away wrath,

But ba harsh word stirs up anger.

2 The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly,

cBut the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.

3 dThe eyes of the Lord are in every place,

Keeping watch on the evil and the good.

4 A 1wholesome tongue is a tree of life,

But perverseness in it breaks the spirit.

5 eA fool despises his father’s instruction,

fBut he who 2receives correction is prudent.

6 In the house of the righteous there is much treasure,

But in the revenue of the wicked is trouble.

7 The lips of the wise 3disperse knowledge,

But the heart of the fool does not do so.

8 gThe sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord,

But the prayer of the upright is His delight.

9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord,

But He loves him who hfollows righteousness.

10 iHarsh discipline is for him who forsakes the way,

And jhe who hates correction will die.

11 kHell 4and 5Destruction are before the Lord;

So how much more lthe hearts of the sons of men.

12 mA scoffer does not love one who corrects him,

Nor will he go to the wise.

13 nA merry heart makes a cheerful 6countenance,

But oby sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.

14 The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge,

But the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.

15 All the days of the afflicted are evil,

pBut he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast.

16 qBetter is a little with the fear of the Lord,

Than great treasure with trouble.

17 rBetter is a dinner of 7herbs where love is,

Than a fatted calf with hatred.