New Living Translation

1 A gentle answer deflects anger,<br>but harsh words make tempers flare.<br> 2 The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing,<br>but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness.<br> 3 The LORD is watching everywhere,<br>keeping his eye on both the evil and the good.<br> 4 Gentle words are a tree of life;<br>a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.<br> 5 Only a fool despises a parent’s discipline;<br>whoever learns from correction is wise.<br> 6 There is treasure in the house of the godly,<br>but the earnings of the wicked bring trouble.<br> 7 The lips of the wise give good advice;<br>the heart of a fool has none to give.<br> 8 The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked,<br>but he delights in the prayers of the upright.<br> 9 The LORD detests the way of the wicked,<br>but he loves those who pursue godliness.<br> 10 Whoever abandons the right path will be severely disciplined;<br>whoever hates correction will die.<br> 11 Even Death and Destruction hold no secrets from the LORD.<br>How much more does he know the human heart!<br> 12 Mockers hate to be corrected,<br>so they stay away from the wise.<br> 13 A glad heart makes a happy face;<br>a broken heart crushes the spirit.<br> 14 A wise person is hungry for knowledge,<br>while the fool feeds on trash.<br> 15 For the despondent, every day brings trouble;<br>for the happy heart, life is a continual feast.<br> 16 Better to have little, with fear for the LORD,<br>than to have great treasure and inner turmoil.<br> 17 A bowl of vegetables with someone you love<br>is better than steak with someone you hate.<br> 18 A hot-tempered person starts fights;<br>a cool-tempered person stops them.<br> 19 A lazy person’s way is blocked with briers,<br>but the path of the upright is an open highway.<br> 20 Sensible children bring joy to their father;<br>foolish children despise their mother.<br> 21 Foolishness brings joy to those with no sense;<br>a sensible person stays on the right path.<br> 22 Plans go wrong for lack of advice;<br>many advisers bring success.<br> 23 Everyone enjoys a fitting reply;<br>it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!<br> 24 The path of life leads upward for the wise;<br>they leave the grave behind.<br> 25 The LORD tears down the house of the proud,<br>but he protects the property of widows.<br> 26 The LORD detests evil plans,<br>but he delights in pure words.<br> 27 Greed brings grief to the whole family,<br>but those who hate bribes will live.<br> 28 The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking;<br>the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words.<br> 29 The LORD is far from the wicked,<br>but he hears the prayers of the righteous.<br> 30 A cheerful look brings joy to the heart;<br>good news makes for good health.<br> 31 If you listen to constructive criticism,<br>you will be at home among the wise.<br> 32 If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself;<br>but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding.<br> 33 Fear of the LORD teaches wisdom;<br>humility precedes honor.<br>