Proverbs 15:13-23

New International Version

¹³A happy heart makes the face cheerful,^(A)
but heartache crushes the spirit.^(B)

¹⁴The discerning heart seeks knowledge,^(C)
but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.

¹⁵All the days of the oppressed are wretched,
but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.^(D)

¹⁶Better a little with the fear of the Lord
than great wealth with turmoil.^(E)

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

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

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

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

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

²²Plans fail for lack of counsel,^(L)
but with many advisers^(M) they succeed.^(N)

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

Proverbs 15:13-23

King James Version

¹³A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.

¹⁴The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.

¹⁵All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.

¹⁶Better is little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble therewith.

¹⁷Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.

¹⁸A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.

¹⁹The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.

²⁰A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.

²¹Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.

²²Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.

²³A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!

New International Version (NIV)