4. A gentle tongue [with its healing power] is a tree of life, but willful contrariness in it breaks down the spirit.
5. A fool despises his father's instruction and correction, but he who regards reproof acquires prudence.
6. In the house of the [uncompromisingly] righteous is great [priceless] treasure, but with the income of the wicked is trouble and vexation.
7. The lips of the wise disperse knowledge [sifting it as chaff from the grain]; not so the minds and hearts of the self-confident and foolish.
8. The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination, hateful and exceedingly offensive to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is His delight! [Isa. 1:11; Jer. 6:20; Amos 5:22.]
9. The way of the wicked is an abomination, extremely disgusting and shamefully vile to the Lord, but He loves him who pursues righteousness (moral and spiritual rectitude in every area and relation).
10. There is severe discipline for him who forsakes God's way; and he who hates reproof will die [physically, morally, and spiritually].
11. Sheol (the place of the dead) and Abaddon (the abyss, the final place of the accuser Satan) are both before the Lord–how much more, then, the hearts of the children of men? [Job 26:6; Ps. 139:8; Rev. 9:2; 20:1, 2.]
12. A scorner has no love for one who rebukes him; neither will he go to the wise [for counsel].
13. A glad heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken. [Prov. 17:22.]
14. The mind of him who has understanding seeks knowledge and inquires after and craves it, but the mouth of the [self-confident] fool feeds on folly. [Isa. 32:6.]