A gentle reply turns away wrath, but a harsh word arouses anger. | A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. |
A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, but an undisciplined tongue crushes the spirit. | Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. |
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A fool spurns his father’s correction, but whoever heeds admonition is prudent. | Only a fool despises a parent’s discipline; whoever learns from correction is wise. |
It is better to have a little and fear the Lord than to possess immense wealth and suffer anguish. | Better to have little, with fear for the Lord, than to have great treasure and inner turmoil. |
Plans miscarry when counsel is lacking, but they succeed when there are many counselors. | Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success. |
A man is joyful when he utters apt answers, and even more satisfying is a word in season. | Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time! |
The fear of the Lord provides instruction in wisdom, and to be humble is the way to honor. | Fear of the Lord teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor. |