Proverbs 15

A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath

1 A gentle answer cools anger, but harsh words light it up.

2 The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth of fools spits foolishness.

3 The eyes of the Lord everywhere, watching the evil and the good.

4 A gentle tongue a tree of life, but deceit breaks the spirit.

5 A fool despises his father’s correction, but whoever takes instruction gets smart.

6 The house of the righteous got plenty, but the income of the wicked brings trouble.

7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but fools got none to give.

8 The Lord hates the sacrifices of the wicked, but loves the prayer of the upright.

9 The Lord hates the path of the wicked, but loves those chasing righteousness.

10 Correction rough for those who abandon the way; whoever hates reproof going to die.

11 Hell and destruction open before the Lord, how much more the hearts of men.

12 A mocker do not like correction; he will not roll with the wise.

13 A happy heart makes a cheerful face, but heartache crushes the spirit.

14 A wise heart hunts knowledge, but fools feed on trash.

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

16 Better little with fear of the Lord than great treasure with turmoil.

17 Better a plate of greens with love than steak with hate.

18 A hothead stirs conflict, but one slow to anger calms it down.

19 The lazy man’s path full of thorns, but the upright’s way smooth.

20 A wise son makes his father glad, but a fool despises his mama.

21 Foolishness a joy to those without sense, but a man of understanding walks straight.

22 Without advice plans fail, but with many counselors they stand.

23 A man finds joy in giving the right answer, and a word in season, how good it is!

24 The path of life leads upward for the wise, away from the grave below.

25 The Lord tears down the proud man’s house, but secures the widow’s borders.

26 The Lord hates evil thoughts, but gracious words please Him.

27 Greedy for gain wrecks his house, but whoever hates bribes lives.

28 The heart of the righteous thinks before answering, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.

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

30 A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news strengthens the bones.

31 He who listens to life-giving correction stays among the wise.

32 Whoever ignores instruction despises himself, but he who listens gains understanding.

33 The fear of the Lord teaches wisdom, and humility comes before honor.