1 A gentle answer {rakh: calm response} turns away wrath {khemah: intense anger}, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
2 The tongue of the wise {chakhamim: learned individuals} uses knowledge well, but the mouth of fools pours out folly {ivvelet: senselessness}.
3 In every place, the eyes of the LORD {YHWH, Omniscient Watcher} are watching the evil ones {ra’im: wrongdoers} and the good ones.
4 Healing of the tongue {lashon: speech} is a tree of life, but perverseness in it is a break in the spirit {ruach: inner being}.
5 A fool {ewil: morally deficient person} despises his father’s instruction, but whoever keeps reproof {tokhachat: stern admonishment} is prudent.
6 In the house of the righteous {tsaddiq: just person} there is great wealth {hosen: enduring treasure}, but the income of the wicked is troubled.
7 The lips of the wise {chakamim: skilled in living} will disperse knowledge, but the heart of fools {kesilim: morally dull} does not do so.
8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD {YHWH, Moral Judge}, but the prayer of the upright is His delight {retzono: that which pleases}.
9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD {YHWH, Moral Judge}, but He loves the one who pursues righteousness {tsedaqah: covenant faithfulness}.
10 Discipline is grievous {ra: harsh, painful} to one who forsakes the way, and whoever hates reproof will die {yamut: lethal outcome}.
11 Sheol and Abaddon are before the LORD {YHWH, Omniscient Judge}; how much more the hearts {libbot: innermost thoughts} of the children of men.
12 The mocker {lets: contemptuous critic} does not love one who rebukes him; he will not go to the wise {chachamim: those skilled in understanding}.
13 A joyful heart makes the countenance {panim: outward appearance} cheerful, but sorrow of heart breaks the spirit {ruach: inner vitality}.
14 The heart of one with understanding {navon: perceptive insight} seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on folly {ivvelet: senseless conduct}.
15 All the days of the afflicted {ani: impoverished and distressed} are evil, but one with a good heart {lev: inner mind and will} enjoys a continual feast.
16 Better is a little with the fear of the LORD {YHWH, Revered Sovereign} than abundant treasure accompanied by trouble {mehumah: commotion, unrest}.
17 Better is a meal of vegetables {yarak: garden produce} where love is, than a fattened ox with hatred {sinah: intense aversion}.
18 A man of wrath {chemah: intense anger} stirs up strife {madon: bitter dispute}, but one who is slow to anger calms a quarrel.
19 The way of the sluggard is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright {yesharim: those who walk in integrity} is well-leveled {selulah: made smooth}.
20 A wise son {ben: male child in family} makes a father glad, but a foolish man despises {bozeh: holds in contempt} his mother.
21 Folly is joy to one who lacks heart {lev: mind, inner reason}, but a man of understanding {tevunah: wisdom in action} makes his way straight.
22 Plans are frustrated when there is no counsel {sod: thoughtful guidance}, but in the multitude of counselors they are established {takum: firmly made to stand}.
23 Joy comes to a man by the answer {ma’aneh: exact response} of his mouth, and a word in its time {be’ito: proper occasion}, how good it is!
24 The path of life leads upward for the discerning {maskil: prudent one}, in order that he may turn aside from Sheol {sheol: grave realm} below.
25 The LORD {YHWH, Just Judge} will tear down the house of the proud {ge’im: haughty ones}, but He will establish the boundary of the widow.
26 The thoughts of evil are an abomination to the LORD {YHWH, Moral Judge}; but the words of the pure {tehorim: clean, undefiled} are pleasant words.
27 Whoever unjustly gains profit {batza: violent profit} troubles his own house, but he who hates gifts {matanot: corrupt offerings} will live.
28 The heart of the righteous {tsaddiq: one who pursues justice} meditates to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil {ra'ot: destructive deeds}.
29 The LORD {YHWH, Prayer Hearer} keeps Himself distant from the wicked, but He listens to the prayer of the righteous {tsaddiqim: those living justly}.
30 The light of the eyes brings joy to the heart {lev: emotional center}, and a good report invigorates the bones {atzem: core vitality}.
31 An ear that listens to the reproof {tokhachat: corrective admonition} of life abides among the wise {chachamim: discerning individuals}.
32 He who rejects instruction despises his own soul {nafesh: inner life}, but he who heeds correction {tokhachat: admonition} gains understanding.
33 The fear of the LORD {YHWH, Wisdom Giver} is the instruction of wisdom {chokhmah: godly skill}, and before honor comes humility.