Proverbs 15

1 A gentle answer turns away anger,  * 15:1 Jdg 8:1–3; Pr 25:15; Ec 10:4

but a harsh word stirs up wrath.  * 15:1 1Sm 25:10–13; 1Kg 12:13–16

2 The tongue of the wise makes knowledge attractive,

but the mouth of fools blurts out foolishness.  * 15:2 Pr 12:23; 13:16; 15:28

3 The eyes of the  Lord are everywhere,

observing the wicked and the good.  * 15:3 2Ch 16:9; Jb 31:4; Zch 4:10; Heb 4:13

4 The tongue that heals is a tree of life,  * 15:4 Pr 11:30; 13:12

but a devious tongue  * 15:4 Lit but crookedness in it breaks the spirit.

5 A fool despises his father’s discipline,

but a person who accepts correction is sensible.  * 15:5 Pr 3:11; 12:1; 15:31–33

6 The house of the righteous has great wealth,

but trouble accompanies the income of the wicked.

7 The lips of the wise broadcast knowledge,

but not so the heart of fools.

8 The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to the  Lord,  * 15:8 Pr 21:27; 28:9; Ec 5:1; Is 1:11; Jr 6:20; Mc 6:7

but the prayer of the upright is his delight.  * 15:8 Pr 15:29

9 The Lord detests the way of the wicked,

but he loves the one who pursues righteousness.  * 15:9 Pr 3:32; 11:20; 12:22; 1Tm 6:11

10 Discipline is harsh for the one who leaves the path;

the one who hates correction will die.

11 Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the  Lord* 15:11 Jb 26:6; Ps 139:8  —

how much more, human hearts.  * 15:11 1Sm 16:7; 2Ch 6:30; Ps 44:21; Ac 1:24

12 A mocker doesn’t love one who corrects him;  * 15:12 Pr 9:8; Am 5:10

he will not consult the wise.

13 A joyful heart makes a face cheerful,

but a sad heart produces a broken spirit.  * 15:13 Pr 12:25; 14:30; 15:30; 17:22; 18:14

14 A discerning mind seeks knowledge,  * 15:14 Pr 14:33; 18:15

but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.  * 15:14 Mt 12:34

15 All the days of the oppressed are miserable,

but a cheerful heart has a continual feast.

16 Better a little with the fear of the  Lord

than great treasure with turmoil.  * 15:16 Ps 37:16; Pr 16:8; Ec 4:6; 1Tm 6:6

17 Better a meal of vegetables where there is love

than a fattened ox  * 15:17 Mt 22:4; Lk 15:23 with hatred.  * 15:17 Pr 16:19; 17:1

18 A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict,  * 15:18 Pr 16:28; 26:21; 29:22

but one slow to anger  * 15:18 Pr 14:29 calms strife.

19 A slacker’s way is like a thorny hedge,

but the path of the upright is a highway.  * 15:19 Pr 16:17,31; 22:5–6

20 A wise son brings joy to his father,

but a foolish man despises his mother.  * 15:20 Pr 10:1; 23:24–25; 29:3,15

21 Foolishness brings joy to one without sense,

but a person with understanding walks a straight path.  * 15:21 Pr 4:11,25; 10:23; Eph 5:15

22 Plans fail when there is no counsel,

but with many advisers they succeed.  * 15:22 Pr 8:14–16; 11:14; 24:6

23 A person takes joy in giving an answer;  * 15:23 Lit in an answer of his mouth

and a timely word — how good that is!  * 15:23 Pr 25:11; Is 50:4

24 For the prudent the path of life leads upward,

so that he may avoid going down to Sheol.

25 The Lord tears apart the house of the proud,

but he protects the widow’s territory.  * 15:25 Ps 68:5; 146:9

26 The Lord detests the plans of the one who is evil,

but pleasant words are pure.  * 15:26 Pr 11:20; 15:8–9; 16:24

27 The one who profits dishonestly  * 15:27 Pr 1:19; Jr 17:11 troubles his household,

but the one who hates bribes will live.  * 15:27 Ex 23:8; Dt 16:19; Ps 15:5; Pr 17:23; 28:16

28 The mind of the righteous person thinks before answering,  * 15:28 Pr 18:13; 1Pt 3:15

but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil things.  * 15:28 Pr 15:2

29 The Lord is far from the wicked,  * 15:29 Ps 18:41; Pr 28:9

but he hears the prayer of the righteous.  * 15:29 Ps 145:18–19; Pr 15:8

30 Bright eyes cheer the heart;

good news strengthens  * 15:30 Lit makes fat the bones.  * 15:30 Pr 14:30; 15:13; 17:22

31 One who  * 15:31 Lit An ear that listens to life-giving rebukes  * 15:31 Pr 3:11

will be at home among the wise.

32 Anyone who ignores discipline despises himself,  * 15:32 Pr 12:1

but whoever listens to correction acquires good sense.  * 15:32 Lit acquires a heart,* 15:32 Pr 3:11; 5:12–14

33 The fear of the Lord is what wisdom teaches,

and humility comes before honor.  * 15:33 Pr 18:12; 22:4; 29:23