Proverbs 15

Chapter 15

1 A gentle answer deflects anger,
but harsh words make tempers flare.2 The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing,
but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness.3 The LORD is watching everywhere,
keeping his eye on both the evil and the good.4 Gentle words are a tree of life;
a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.5 Only a fool despises a parent’st discipline;
whoever learns from correction is wise.6 There is treasure in the house of the godly,
but the earnings of the wicked bring trouble.7 The lips of the wise give good advice;
the heart of a fool has none to give.8 The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked,
but he delights in the prayers of the upright.9 The LORD detests the way of the wicked,
but he loves those who pursue godliness.10 Whoever abandons the right path will be severely disciplined;
whoever hates correction will die.11 Even Death and Destructiont hold no secrets from the LORD.
How much more does he know the human heart!12 Mockers hate to be corrected,
so they stay away from the wise.13 A glad heart makes a happy face;
a broken heart crushes the spirit.14 A wise person is hungry for knowledge,
while the fool feeds on trash.15 For the despondent, every day brings trouble;
for the happy heart, life is a continual feast.16 Better to have little, with fear for the LORD,
than to have great treasure and inner turmoil.17 A bowl of vegetables with someone you love
is better than steak with someone you hate.18 A hot-tempered person starts fights;
a cool-tempered person stops them.19 A lazy person’s way is blocked with briers,
but the path of the upright is an open highway.20 Sensible children bring joy to their father;
foolish children despise their mother.21 Foolishness brings joy to those with no sense;
a sensible person stays on the right path.22 Plans go wrong for lack of advice;
many advisers bring success.23 Everyone enjoys a fitting reply;
it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!24 The path of life leads upward for the wise;
they leave the gravet behind.25 The LORD tears down the house of the proud,
but he protects the property of widows.26 The LORD detests evil plans,
but he delights in pure words.27 Greed brings grief to the whole family,
but those who hate bribes will live.28 The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking;
the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words.29 The LORD is far from the wicked,
but he hears the prayers of the righteous.30 A cheerful look brings joy to the heart;
good news makes for good health.31 If you listen to constructive criticism,
you will be at home among the wise.32 If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself;
but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding.33 Fear of the LORD teaches wisdom;
humility precedes honor.

PROVERBS 15

The [Lord] Sees Everything

1 A kind answer
soothes angry feelings,
but harsh words
stir them up.

2 Words of wisdom
come from the wise,
but fools speak foolishness.

3 The [Lord] sees everything,
whether good or bad.

4 Kind words are good medicine,
but deceitful words
can really hurt.

5 Don't be a fool
and disobey your parents.
Be smart! Accept correction.

6 Good people become wealthy,
but those who are evil
will lose what they have.

7 Words of wisdom
make good sense;
the thoughts of a fool
make no sense at all.

8 The [Lord] is disgusted
by gifts from the wicked,
but it makes him happy
when his people pray.

9 The [Lord] is disgusted
with all who do wrong,
but he loves everyone
who does right.

10 If you turn from the right way,
you will be punished;
if you refuse correction,
you will die.

11 If the [Lord] can see everything
in the world of the dead,
he can see in our hearts.

12 Those who sneer at others
don't like to be corrected,
and they won't ask help
from someone with sense.

13 Happiness makes you smile;
sorrow can crush you.

14 Anyone with good sense
is eager to learn more,
but fools are hungry
for foolishness.

15 The poor have a hard life,
but being content is as good
as an endless feast.

16 It's better to obey the [Lord]
and have only a little,
than to be very rich
and terribly anxious.

17 A simple meal with love
is better than a feast
where there is hatred.

18 Losing your temper
causes a lot of trouble,
but staying calm
settles arguments.

19 A lazy person refuses
to clear a thorny path,
but everyone who does right
walks on a smooth road.

20 Children with good sense
make their parents happy,
but foolish children
despise them.

21 Stupidity brings happiness
to senseless fools,
but everyone with good sense
follows the straight path.

22 Without good advice
everything goes wrong—
it takes careful planning
for things to go right.

23 Giving the right answer
at the right time
makes everyone happy.

24 All who are wise follow a road
that leads upward to life
and away from death.

25 The [Lord] destroys the homes
of those who are proud,
but he protects the property
of widows.

26 The [Lord] hates evil thoughts,
but kind words please him.

27 Being greedy causes trouble
for your family,
but you protect yourself
by refusing bribes.

28 Good people think
before they answer,
but the wicked speak evil
without ever thinking.

29 The [Lord] never even hears
the prayers of the wicked,
but he answers the prayers
of all who obey him.

30 A friendly smile
makes you happy,
and good news
makes you feel strong.

31 Healthy correction is good,
and if you accept it,
you will be wise.

32 You hurt only yourself
by rejecting instruction,
but it makes good sense
to accept it.

33 Showing respect to the [Lord]
will make you wise,
and being humble
will bring honor to you.