Daily Bread

15 A gentle answer^(A) turns away wrath,^(B)
    but a harsh word stirs up anger.

² The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge,^(C)
    but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.^(D)

³ The eyes^(E) of the Lord are everywhere,^(F)
    keeping watch on the wicked and the good.^(G)

⁴ The soothing tongue^(H) is a tree of life,^(I)
    but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.^(J)

⁵ A fool spurns a parent’s discipline,
    but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.^(K)

⁶ The house of the righteous contains great treasure,^(L)
    but the income of the wicked brings ruin.^(M)

⁷ The lips of the wise spread knowledge,^(N)
    but the hearts of fools are not upright.

⁸ The Lord detests the sacrifice^(O) of the wicked,^(P)
    but the prayer of the upright pleases him.^(Q)

⁹ The Lord detests the way of the wicked,^(R)
    but he loves those who pursue righteousness.^(S)

¹⁰ Stern discipline awaits anyone who leaves the path;
    the one who hates correction will die.^(T)

¹¹ Death and Destruction^[a] lie open before the Lord^(U)—
    how much more do human hearts!^(V)

¹² Mockers resent correction,^(W)
    so they avoid the wise.

¹³ A happy heart makes the face cheerful,^(X)
    but heartache crushes the spirit.^(Y)

¹⁴ The discerning heart seeks knowledge,^(Z)
    but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.

¹⁵ All the days of the oppressed are wretched,
    but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.^(AA)

¹⁶ Better a little with the fear of the Lord
    than great wealth with turmoil.^(AB)

¹⁷ Better a small serving of vegetables with love
    than a fattened calf with hatred.^(AC)