Proverbs 14:31-15:17
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
31 Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker,
but those who are kind to the needy honor him.(A)
32 The wicked are overthrown by their evildoing,
but the righteous find a refuge in their integrity.[a](B)
33 Wisdom is at home in the mind of one who has understanding,
but it is not[b] known in the heart of fools.(C)
34 Righteousness exalts a nation,
but sin is a reproach to any people.(D)
35 A servant who deals wisely has the king’s favor,
but his wrath falls on one who acts shamefully.(E)
15 A soft answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.(F)
2 The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge,
but the mouths of fools pour out folly.(G)
3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place,
keeping watch on the evil and the good.(H)
4 A gentle tongue is a tree of life,
but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.
5 A fool despises a parent’s instruction,
but the one who heeds admonition is prudent.(I)
6 In the house of the righteous there is much treasure,
but trouble befalls the income of the wicked.
7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge;
not so the minds of fools.
8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord,
but the prayer of the upright is his delight.(J)
9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord,
but he loves the one who pursues righteousness.(K)
10 There is severe discipline for one who forsakes the way;
one who hates a rebuke will die.(L)
11 Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the Lord;
how much more human hearts!(M)
12 Scoffers do not like to be rebuked;
they will not go to the wise.(N)
13 A glad heart makes a cheerful countenance,
but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken.(O)
14 The mind of one who has understanding seeks knowledge,
but the mouths of fools feed on folly.
15 All the days of the poor are hard,
but a cheerful heart has a continual feast.
16 Better is a little with the fear of the Lord
than great treasure and trouble with it.(P)
17 Better is a dinner of vegetables where love is
than a fatted ox and hatred with it.(Q)
New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition. Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.