Proverbs 15:17-33

New International Version

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

¹⁸ A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict,^(B)
    but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.^(C)

¹⁹ The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns,^(D)
    but the path of the upright is a highway.

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

²¹ Folly brings joy to one who has no sense,^(F)
    but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course.

²² Plans fail for lack of counsel,^(G)
    but with many advisers^(H) they succeed.^(I)

²³ A person finds joy in giving an apt reply^(J)—
    and how good is a timely word!^(K)

²⁴ The path of life leads upward for the prudent
    to keep them from going down to the realm of the dead.

²⁵ The Lord tears down the house of the proud,^(L)
    but he sets the widow’s boundary stones in place.^(M)

²⁶ The Lord detests the thoughts^(N) of the wicked,^(O)
    but gracious words are pure^(P) in his sight.

²⁷ The greedy bring ruin to their households,
    but the one who hates bribes will live.^(Q)

²⁸ The heart of the righteous weighs its answers,^(R)
    but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.^(S)

²⁹ The Lord is far from the wicked,
    but he hears the prayer of the righteous.^(T)

³⁰ Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart,
    and good news gives health to the bones.^(U)

³¹ Whoever heeds life-giving correction
    will be at home among the wise.^(V)

³² Those who disregard discipline despise themselves,^(W)
    but the one who heeds correction gains understanding.^(X)

³³ Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord,^(Y)
    and humility comes before honor.^(Z)