151 A soft answer turneth away fury; but a grievous word stirreth up anger.
2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright; but the mouth of the foolish poureth out folly.
3 The eyes of Jehovah are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.
4 Gentleness of tongue is a tree of life; but crookedness therein is a breaking of the spirit.
5 A fool despiseth his father's instruction; but he that regardeth reproof becometh prudent.
6 In the house of a righteous [man] is much treasure; but in the revenue of a wicked [man] is disturbance.
7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge, but not so the heart of the foolish.
8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to Jehovah; but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
9 The way of a wicked [man] is an abomination to Jehovah; but him that pursueth righteousness he loveth.
10 Grievous correction is for him that forsaketh the path; he that hateth reproof shall die.
11 Sheol and destruction are before Jehovah; how much more then the hearts of the children of men!
12 A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him; he will not go unto the wise.
13 A joyful heart maketh a cheerful countenance; but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken.
14 The heart of an intelligent [man] seeketh knowledge; but the mouth of the foolish feedeth on folly.
15 All the days of the afflicted are evil; but a cheerful heart is a continual feast.
16 Better is little with the fear of Jehovah than great store and disquietude therewith. 17 Better is a meal of herbs where love is, than a fatted ox and hatred therewith.
18 A furious 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 plain.
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 sense; but a man of understanding regulateth his walk.
22 Without counsel purposes are disappointed; but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.
23 A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth; and a word in its season, how good is it!
24 The path of life is upwards for the wise, that he may depart from Sheol beneath.
25 Jehovah plucketh up the house of the proud; but he establisheth the boundary of the widow.
26 The thoughts of the evil [man] are an abomination to Jehovah; but pure words are pleasant.
27 He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.
28 The heart of a righteous [man] 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 That which enlighteneth the eyes rejoiceth the heart; good tidings make the bones fat.
31 The ear that heareth the reproof of life shall abide among the wise.
32 He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul; but he that heareth reproof getteth sense.
33 The fear of Jehovah is the discipline of wisdom, and before honour [goeth] humility.
31 My son, forget not my teaching, and let thy heart observe my commandments; 2 for length of days, and years of life, and peace shall they add to thee. 3 Let not loving-kindness and truth forsake thee; bind them about thy neck, write them upon the tablet of thy heart: 4 and thou shalt find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. 5 Confide in Jehovah with all thy heart, and lean not unto thine own intelligence; 6 in all thy ways acknowledge him, and he will make plain thy paths.
7 Be not wise in thine own eyes; fear Jehovah, and depart from evil: 8 it shall be health for thy navel, and moisture for thy bones. 9 Honour 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 instruction of Jehovah, neither be weary of his chastisement; 12 for whom Jehovah loveth he chasteneth, even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
13 Blessed is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. 14 For the gain thereof is better than the gain of silver, and her revenue than fine gold. 15 She is more precious than rubies; and all the things thou canst desire are not equal unto her. 16 Length of days is in her right hand; in her left hand riches and honour. 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 he that retaineth her. 19 Jehovah by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding he established the heavens. 20 By his knowledge the deeps 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 unto 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, but thou shalt lie down and thy sleep shall be sweet. 25 Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the destruction of the wicked, when it cometh; 26 for Jehovah shall be thy confidence, and he 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 neighbour, Go, and come again, and to-morrow I will give, when thou hast it by thee. 29 Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee. 30 Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm. 31 Envy not the man of violence, and choose none of his ways. 32 For the perverse is an abomination to Jehovah; but his secret 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 He indeed scorneth the scorners; but he giveth grace unto the lowly. 35 The wise shall inherit glory; but shame shall be the promotion of the foolish.
