15 A gentle answer will calm a person’s anger.
    But an unkind answer will cause more anger.

² Wise people use knowledge when they speak.
    But fools speak only foolishness.

³ The Lord’s eyes see everything that happens.
    He watches both evil and good people.

⁴ As a tree gives us fruit, healing words give us life.
    But evil words crush the spirit.

⁵ A foolish person rejects his father’s correction.
    But anyone who accepts correction is wise.

⁶ There is much wealth in the houses of good people.
    But evil people are paid only with trouble.

⁷ With their words wise people spread knowledge.
    But there is no knowledge in the thoughts of the foolish.

⁸ The Lord hates the sacrifice that the wicked person offers.
    But he is pleased with an honest person’s prayer.

⁹ The Lord hates what evil people do.
    But he loves those who do what is right.

¹⁰ The person who quits doing what is right will really be punished.
    The one who hates to be corrected will die.

¹¹ The Lord knows what is happening where the dead people are.
    So he can surely know what living people are thinking.

¹² A person who laughs at wisdom does not like to be corrected.
    He will not ask advice from the wise.

¹³ Happiness makes a person smile.
    But sadness breaks a person’s spirit.

¹⁴ Smart people want more knowledge.
    But a foolish person just wants more foolishness.

¹⁵ Every day is hard for those who suffer.
    But a happy heart makes it like a continual feast.

¹⁶ It is better to be poor and respect the Lord
    than to be wealthy and have much trouble.

¹⁷ It is better to eat vegetables with those who love you
    than to eat meat with those who hate you.

¹⁸ A person who quickly gets angry causes trouble.
    But a person who controls his temper stops a quarrel.

¹⁹ A lazy person’s life is as difficult as walking through a patch of thorns.
    But an honest person’s life is as easy as walking down a smooth highway.

²⁰ A wise son makes his father happy.
    But a foolish person hates his mother.

²¹ A man without wisdom enjoys being foolish.
    But a man with understanding does what is right.

²² Plans fail without good advice.
    But plans succeed when you get advice from many others.

²³ People enjoy giving good answers!
    Saying the right word at the right time is so pleasing!

²⁴ A wise person does things that will make his life better.
    He avoids whatever would cause his death.

²⁵ The Lord will tear down the proud person’s house.
    But he will protect the property of a widow.

²⁶ The Lord hates evil thoughts.
    But he is pleased with kind words.

²⁷ A greedy person brings trouble to his family.
    But the person who can’t be paid to do wrong will live.

²⁸ Good people think before they answer.
    But the wicked simply give evil answers.

²⁹ The Lord does not listen to the wicked.
    But he hears the prayers of those who do right.

³⁰ Good news makes you feel better.
    Your happiness will show in your eyes.

³¹ A wise person pays attention to correction
    that will improve his life.

³² A person who refuses correction hates himself.
    But a person who accepts correction gains understanding.

³³ Respect for the Lord will teach you wisdom.
    If you want to be honored, you must not be proud.