Proverbs 15
15:1 A gentle response1 turns away anger,
but a harsh word2 stirs up wrath.3
15:2 The tongue of the wise4 treats knowledge correctly,5
but the mouth of the fool spouts out6 folly.
15:3 The eyes of the Lord7 are in every place,
keeping watch8 on those who are evil and those who are good.
15:4 Speech9 that heals10 is like11 a life-giving tree,12
but a perverse tongue13 breaks the spirit.
15:5 A fool rejects his father’s discipline,
but whoever heeds reproof shows good sense.14
15:6 In the house15 of the righteous is abundant wealth,16
but the income of the wicked brings trouble.17
15:7 The lips of the wise spread18 knowledge,
but not so the heart of fools.19
15:8 The Lord abhors20 the sacrifices21 of the wicked,22
but the prayer23 of the upright pleases him.24
15:9 The Lord abhors25 the way of the wicked,
but he loves those26 who pursue27 righteousness.
15:10 Severe discipline28 is for the one who abandons the way;
the one who hates reproof29 will die.
15:11 Death and Destruction30 are before the Lord –
how much more31 the hearts of humans!32
15:12 The scorner does not love33 one who corrects him;34
he will not go to35 the wise.
15:13 A joyful heart36 makes the face cheerful,37
but by a painful heart the spirit is broken.
15:14 The discerning heart seeks knowledge,
but the mouth of fools feeds on folly.38
15:15 All the days39 of the afflicted40 are bad,41
but one with42 a cheerful heart has a continual feast.43
15:16 Better44 is little with the fear of the Lord
than great wealth and turmoil45 with it.46
15:17 Better a meal of vegetables where there is love47
than a fattened ox where there is hatred.48
15:18 A quick-tempered person49 stirs up dissension,
but one who is slow to anger50 calms51 a quarrel.52
15:19 The way of the sluggard is like a hedge of thorns,53
but the path of the upright is like54 a highway.55
15:20 A wise child56 brings joy to his father,
but a foolish person57 despises58 his mother.
15:21 Folly is a joy to one who lacks sense,59
but one who has understanding60 follows an upright course.61
15:22 Plans fail62 when there is no counsel,
but with abundant advisers they are established.63
15:23 A person has joy64 in giving an appropriate answer,65
and a word at the right time66 – how good it is!
15:24 The path of life is upward67 for the wise person,68
to69 keep him from going downward to Sheol.70
15:25 The Lord tears down the house of the proud,71
but he maintains the boundaries of the widow.72
15:26 The Lord abhors73 the plans74 of the wicked,75
but pleasant words76 are pure.77
15:27 The one who is greedy for gain78 troubles79 his household,80
but whoever hates bribes81 will live.
15:28 The heart of the righteous considers82 how83 to answer,84
but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.85
15:29 The Lord is far86 from the wicked,
but he hears87 the prayer of the righteous.88
15:30 A bright look89 brings joy to the heart,
and good news gives health to the body.90
15:31 The person91 who hears the reproof that leads to life92
is at home93 among the wise.94
15:32 The one who refuses correction despises himself,95
but whoever hears96 reproof acquires understanding.97
15:33 The fear of the Lord provides wise instruction,98
and before honor comes humility.99