Bible Reading Plan

¹ A gentle answer turns away anger,^(a)
but a harsh word stirs up wrath.^(b)

² The tongue of the wise makes knowledge attractive,
but the mouth of fools blurts out foolishness.^(c)

³ The eyes of the Lord are everywhere,
observing the wicked and the good.^(d)

⁴ The tongue that heals is a tree of life,^(e)
but a devious tongue^[a] breaks the spirit.

⁵ A fool despises his father's discipline,
but a person who accepts correction is sensible.^(f)

⁶ The house of the righteous has great wealth,
but trouble accompanies the income of the wicked.

⁷ The lips of the wise broadcast knowledge,
but not so the heart of fools.

⁸ The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to the Lord ,^(g)
but the prayer of the upright is His delight.^(h)

⁹ The Lord detests the way of the wicked,
but He loves the one who pursues righteousness.⁽ⁱ⁾

¹⁰ Discipline is harsh for the one who leaves the path;
the one who hates correction will die.

¹¹ Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the Lord ^(j)—
how much more, human hearts.^(k)

¹² A mocker doesn't love one who corrects him;^(l)
he will not consult the wise.

¹³ A joyful heart makes a face cheerful,
but a sad heart produces a broken spirit.^(m)

¹⁴ A discerning mind seeks knowledge,⁽ⁿ⁾
but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.^(o)

¹⁵ All the days of the oppressed are miserable,
but a cheerful heart has a continual feast.

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

¹⁷ Better a meal of vegetables where there is love
than a fattened ox^(q) with hatred.^(r)

¹⁸ A hot-tempered man stirs up conflict,^(s)
but a man slow to anger^(t) calms strife.

¹⁹ A slacker's way is like a thorny hedge,
but the path of the upright is a highway.^(u)

²⁰ A wise son brings joy to his father,
but a foolish man despises his mother.^(v)

²¹ Foolishness brings joy to one without sense,
but a man with understanding walks a straight path.^(w)

²² Plans fail when there is no counsel,
but with many advisers they succeed.^(x)

²³ A man takes joy in giving an answer;^[b]
and a timely word—how good that is!^(y)

²⁴ For the discerning the path of life leads upward,
so that he may avoid going down to Sheol.

²⁵ The Lord destroys the house of the proud,
but He protects the widow's territory.^(z)

²⁶ The Lord detests the plans of an evil man,
but pleasant words are pure.^(aa)

²⁷ The one who profits dishonestly^(ab) troubles his household,
but the one who hates bribes will live.^(ac)

²⁸ The mind of the righteous person thinks before answering,^(ad)
but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil things.^(ae)

²⁹ The Lord is far from the wicked,^(af)
but He hears the prayer of the righteous.^(ag)

³⁰ Bright eyes cheer the heart;
good news strengthens^[c] the bones.^(ah)

³¹ One who^[d] listens to life-giving rebukes^(ai)
will be at home among the wise.

³² Anyone who ignores discipline despises himself,^(aj)
but whoever listens to correction acquires good sense.^[e](ak)

³³ The fear of the Lord is what wisdom teaches,
and humility comes before honor.^(al)