Proverbs 15

Common English Bible

15 A sensitive answer turns back wrath,
    but an offensive word stirs up anger.
² The tongue of the wise enhances knowledge,
    but the mouth of a fool gushes with stupidity.
³ The Lord’s eyes are everywhere,
    keeping watch on evil and good people.
⁴ Wholesome speech is a tree of life,
    but dishonest talk breaks the spirit.
⁵ A fool doesn’t like a father’s instruction,
    but those who heed correction are mature.
⁶ Great treasure is in the house of the righteous,
    but the gain of the wicked brings trouble.
⁷ The lips of the wise spread knowledge,
    but the hearts of fools have none.
⁸ The Lord detests the sacrifices of the wicked,
    but favors the prayers of those who do right.
⁹ The Lord detests the path of the wicked,
    but loves those who pursue righteousness.
¹⁰ Discipline is severe for those who abandon the way;
    those who hate correction will die.
¹¹ The grave^[a] and the underworld^[b] lie open before the Lord;
    how much more the hearts of human beings!
¹² Mockers don’t like those who correct them.
    They won’t go to the wise.
¹³ A joyful heart brightens one’s face,
    but a troubled heart breaks the spirit.
¹⁴ An understanding heart seeks knowledge;
    but fools feed on folly.
¹⁵ All the days of the needy are hard,
    but a happy heart has a continual feast.
¹⁶ Better a little with fear of the Lord
    than a great treasure with turmoil.
¹⁷ Better a meal of greens with love
    than a plump calf with hate.
¹⁸ Hotheads stir up conflict,
    but patient people calm down strife.
¹⁹ The path of the lazy is like a hedge of thorns,
    but the way of those who do right is a clear road.
²⁰ A wise child brings joy to a father,
    but fools despise their mothers.
²¹ Folly is joy to those who lack sense,
    but those with understanding walk straight ahead.
²² Plans fail with no counsel,
    but with many counselors they succeed.
²³ To give an appropriate answer is a joy;
    how good is a word at the right time!
²⁴ For those with insight, life is an upward path,
    avoiding the grave ^[c] below.
²⁵ The Lord snatches away the arrogant one’s house,
    but he preserves the widow’s boundaries.
²⁶ The Lord detests evil plans,
    but gracious words are pure.
²⁷ Those who acquire things unjustly gain trouble for their house,
    but those who hate bribes will live.
²⁸ The righteous heart reflects before answering,
    but the wicked mouth blurts out evil.
²⁹ The Lord is far from the wicked,
    but he listens to the prayers of the righteous.
³⁰ Bright eyes give joy to the heart;
    good news strengthens the bones.
³¹ The ear that listens to life-giving correction
    dwells among the wise.
³² Those who refuse discipline despise themselves,
    but those who listen to correction gain understanding.
³³ The fear of the Lord is wise instruction,
    and humility comes before respect.