151 A soft answer turneth away wrath; But a grievous word stirreth up anger.

2 The tongue of the wise uttereth knowledge aright; But the mouth of fools poureth out folly.

3 The eyes of Jehovah are in every place, Keeping watch upon the evil and the good.

4 A gentle tongue is a tree of life; But perverseness therein is a breaking of the spirit.

5 A fool despiseth his father's correction; But he that regardeth reproof getteth prudence.

6 In the house of the righteous is much treasure; But in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.

7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge; But the heart of the foolish [doeth] not so.

8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to Jehovah; But the prayer of the upright is his delight.

9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to Jehovah; But he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.

10 There is grievous correction for him that forsaketh the way; [And] he that hateth reproof shall die.

11 Sheol and Abaddon are before Jehovah: How much more then the hearts of the children of men!

12 A scoffer loveth not to be reproved; He will not go unto the wise.

13 A glad heart maketh a cheerful countenance; But by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken.

14 The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge; But the mouth of fools feedeth on folly.

15 All the days of the afflicted are evil; But he that is of a cheerful heart [hath] a continual feast.

16 Better is little, with the fear of Jehovah, Than great treasure and trouble therewith. 17 Better is a dinner of herbs, where love is, Than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.

18 A wrathful man stirreth up contention; But he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.

19 The way of the sluggard is as a hedge of thorns; But the path of the upright is made a highway.

20 A wise son maketh a glad father; But a foolish man despiseth his mother.

21 Folly is joy to him that is void of wisdom; But a man of understanding maketh straight his going.

22 Where there is no counsel, purposes are disappointed; But in the multitude of counsellors they are established.

23 A man hath joy in the answer of his mouth; And a word in due season, how good is it!

24 To the wise the way of life [goeth] upward, That he may depart from Sheol beneath.

25 Jehovah will root up the house of the proud; But he will establish the border of the widow.

26 Evil devices are an abomination to Jehovah; But pleasant words [are] pure.

27 He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; But he that hateth bribes shall live.

28 The heart of the righteous studieth to answer; But the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.

29 Jehovah is far from the wicked; But he heareth the prayer of the righteous.

30 The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart; [And] good tidings make the bones fat.

31 The ear that hearkeneth to the reproof of life Shall abide among the wise.

32 He that refuseth correction despiseth his own soul; But he that hearkeneth to reproof getteth understanding.

33 The fear of Jehovah is the instruction of wisdom; And before honor [goeth] humility.

Exhortations to Obedience

31 My son, forget not my law; But let thy heart keep my commandments: 2 For length of days, and years of life, And peace, will they add to thee. 3 Let not kindness and truth forsake thee: Bind them about thy neck; Write them upon the tablet of thy heart: 4 So shalt thou find favor and good understanding In the sight of God and man. 5 Trust in Jehovah with all thy heart, And lean not upon thine own understanding: 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, And he will direct thy paths.

7 Be not wise in thine own eyes; Fear Jehovah, and depart from evil: 8 It will be health to thy navel, And marrow to thy bones. 9 Honor Jehovah with thy substance, And with the first-fruits of all thine increase: 10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, And thy vats shall overflow with new wine. 11 My son, despise not the chastening of Jehovah; Neither be weary of his reproof: 12 For whom Jehovah loveth he reproveth; Even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.

13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, And the man that getteth understanding. 14 For the gaining of it is better than the gaining of silver, And the profit thereof than fine gold. 15 She is more precious than rubies: And none of the things thou canst desire are to be compared unto her. 16 Length of days is in her right hand; In her left hand are riches and honor. 17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, And all her paths are peace. 18 She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: And happy is every one that retaineth her. 19 Jehovah by wisdom founded the earth; By understanding he established the heavens. 20 By his knowledge the depths were broken up, And the skies drop down the dew.

21 My son, let them not depart from thine eyes; Keep sound wisdom and discretion: 22 So shall they be life unto thy soul, And grace to thy neck. 23 Then shalt thou walk in thy way securely, And thy foot shall not stumble. 24 When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: Yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet. 25 Be not afraid of sudden fear, Neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh: 26 For Jehovah will be thy confidence, And will keep thy foot from being taken.

27 Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, When it is in the power of thy hand to do it. 28 Say not unto thy neighbor, Go, and come again, And to-morrow I will give; When thou hast it by thee. 29 Devise not evil against thy neighbor, Seeing he dwelleth securely by thee. 30 Strive not with a man without cause, If he have done thee no harm. 31 Envy thou not the man of violence, And choose none of his ways. 32 For the perverse is an abomination to Jehovah; But his friendship is with the upright. 33 The curse of Jehovah is in the house of the wicked; But he blesseth the habitation of the righteous. 34 Surely he scoffeth at the scoffers; But he giveth grace unto the lowly. 35 The wise shall inherit glory; But shame shall be the promotion of fools.