Proverbs 15

1A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

2The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.footnote a

3The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.

4A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.footnote b

5A fool despiseth his father’s instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.

6In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.

7The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.

8The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.

9The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.

10Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.footnote c

11Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?

12A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.

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.footnote d

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.footnote e

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!footnote f

24The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.

25The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.

26The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.footnote g

27He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.

28The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.

29The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.

30The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.

31The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.

32He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.footnote hfootnote ifootnote j

33The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.

A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath

1A gentle answer turns away wrath,but a harsh word stirs up anger.

2The tongue of the wise commends knowledge,but the mouth of the fool spouts folly.

3The eyes of the LORD are in every place,observing the evil and the good.

4A soothing tongue is a tree of life,but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.

5A fool rejects his father’s discipline,but whoever heeds correction is prudent.

6The house of the righteous has great treasure,but the income of the wicked is trouble.

7The lips of the wise spread knowledge,but not so the hearts of fools.

8The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to the LORD,but the prayer of the upright is His delight.

9The LORD detests the way of the wicked,but He loves those who pursue righteousness.

10Discipline is harsh for him who leaves the path;he who hates correction will die.

11Sheol and Abaddonfootnote alie open before the LORD—how much more the hearts of men!

12A mocker does not love to be reproved,nor will he consult the wise.

13A joyful heart makes a cheerful countenance,but sorrow of the heart crushes the spirit.

14A discerning heart seeks knowledge,but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.

15All the days of the oppressed are bad,but a cheerful heart has a continual feast.

16Better a little with the fear of the LORDthan great treasure with turmoil.

17Better a dish of vegetables where there is lovethan a fattened ox with hatred.

18A hot-tempered man stirs up strife,but he who is slow to anger calms dispute.

19The way of the slacker is like a hedge of thorns,but the path of the upright is a highway.

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

21Folly is joy to one who lacks judgment,but a man of understanding walks a straight path.

22Plans fail for lack of counsel,but with many advisers they succeed.

23A man takes joy in a fitting reply—and how good is a timely word!

24The path of life leads upward for the wise,that he may avoid going down to Sheol.

25The LORD tears down the house of the proud,but He protects the boundaries of the widow.

26The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked,but the words of the pure are pleasant to Him.

27He who is greedy for unjust gain brings trouble on his household,but he who hates bribes will live.

28The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer,but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil.

29The LORD is far from the wicked,but He hears the prayer of the righteous.

30The light of the eyes cheers the heart,and good news nourishes the bones.

31He who listens to life-giving reproofwill dwell among the wise.

32He who ignores discipline despises himself,but whoever heeds correction gains understanding.

33The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom,and humility comes before honor.