15 A gentle answer turns anger away.
    But mean words stir up anger.

² The tongues of wise people use knowledge well.
    But the mouths of foolish people pour out foolish words.

³ The eyes of the Lord are everywhere.
    They watch those who are evil and those who are good.

⁴ A tongue that calms is like a tree of life.
    But a tongue that tells lies produces a broken spirit.

⁵ A foolish person turns their back on their parent’s correction.
    But anyone who accepts correction shows understanding.

⁶ The houses of those who do what is right hold great wealth.
    But those who do what is wrong earn only ruin.

⁷ The lips of wise people spread knowledge.
    But the hearts of foolish people are not honest.

⁸ The Lord hates the sacrifice of sinful people.
    But the prayers of honest people please him.

⁹ The Lord hates how sinners live.
    But he loves those who run after what is right.

¹⁰ Hard training is in store for anyone who leaves the right path.
    A person who hates to be corrected will die.

¹¹ Death and the Grave lie open in front of the Lord.
    So human hearts certainly lie open to him!

¹² People who make fun of others don’t like to be corrected.
    So they stay away from wise people.

¹³ A happy heart makes a face look cheerful.
    But a sad heart produces a broken spirit.

¹⁴ A heart that understands what is right looks for knowledge.
    But the mouths of foolish people feed on what is foolish.

¹⁵ All the days of those who are crushed are filled with pain and suffering.
    But a cheerful heart enjoys a good time that never ends.

¹⁶ It is better to have respect for the Lord and have little
    than to be rich and have trouble.

¹⁷ A few vegetables where there is love
    are better than the finest meat where there is hatred.

¹⁸ A person with a bad temper stirs up conflict.
    But a person who is patient calms things down.

¹⁹ The way of people who don’t want to work is blocked with thorns.
    But the path of honest people is a wide road.

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

²¹ A person who has no sense enjoys doing foolish things.
    But a person who has understanding walks straight ahead.

²² Plans fail without good advice.
    But they succeed when there are many advisers.

²³ Joy is found in giving the right answer.
    And how good is a word spoken at the right time!

²⁴ The path of life leads up for those who are wise.
    It keeps them from going down to the place of the dead.

²⁵ The Lord tears down the proud person’s house.
    But he keeps the widow’s property safe.

²⁶ The Lord hates the thoughts of sinful people.
    But he considers kind words to be pure.

²⁷ Those who always want more bring ruin to their households.
    But a person who refuses to be paid to lie will live.

²⁸ The hearts of those who do right think about how they will answer.
    But the mouths of those who do wrong pour out evil.

²⁹ The Lord is far away from those who do wrong.
    But he hears the prayers of those who do right.

³⁰ The cheerful look of a messenger brings joy to your heart.
    And good news gives health to your body.

³¹ Whoever listens to a warning that gives life
    will be at home among those who are wise.

³² Those who turn away from correction hate themselves.
    But anyone who accepts correction gains understanding.

³³ Wisdom teaches you to have respect for the Lord.
    So don’t be proud if you want to be honored.