14 The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge,
But the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.

15 All the days of the afflicted are evil,
(A)But he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast.

16 (B)Better is a little with the fear of the Lord,
Than great treasure with trouble.
17 (C)Better is a dinner of [a]herbs where love is,
Than a fatted calf with hatred.

18 (D)A wrathful man stirs up strife,
But he who is slow to anger allays contention.

19 (E)The way of the lazy man is like a hedge of thorns,
But the way of the upright is a highway.

20 (F)A wise son makes a father glad,
But a foolish man despises his mother.

21 (G)Folly is joy to him who is destitute of [b]discernment,
(H)But a man of understanding walks uprightly.

22 (I)Without counsel, plans go awry,
But in the multitude of counselors they are established.

23 A man has joy by the answer of his mouth,
And (J)a word spoken [c]in due season, how good it is!

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 15:17 Or vegetables
  2. Proverbs 15:21 Lit. heart
  3. Proverbs 15:23 Lit. in its time

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