Proverbs 15

1 A soft answer turneth away wrath; But a grievous word stirreth up anger.

2 The tongue of the wise uttereth knowledge aright; But the mouth of fools poureth out folly.

3 The eyes of Jehovah are in every place, Keeping watch upon the evil and the good.

4 A gentle tongue is a tree of life; But perverseness therein is a breaking of the spirit.

5 A fool despiseth his father’s correction; But he that regardeth reproof getteth prudence.

6 In the house of the righteous is much treasure; But in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.

7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge; But the heart of the foolish doeth not so.

8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to Jehovah; But the prayer of the upright is his delight.

9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to Jehovah; But he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.

10 There is grievous correction for him that forsaketh the way; And he that hateth reproof shall die.

11 Sheol and Abaddon are before Jehovah: How much more then the hearts of the children of men!

12 A scoffer loveth not to be reproved; He will not go unto the wise.

13 A glad heart maketh a cheerful countenance; But by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken.

14 The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge; But the mouth of fools feedeth on folly.

15 All the days of the afflicted are evil; But he that is of a cheerful heart hath a continual feast.

16 Better is little, with the fear of Jehovah, Than great treasure and trouble therewith.

17 Better is a dinner of herbs, where love is, Than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.

18 A wrathful man stirreth up contention; But he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.

19 The way of the sluggard is as a hedge of thorns; But the path of the upright is made a highway.

20 A wise son maketh a glad father; But a foolish man despiseth his mother.

21 Folly is joy to him that is void of wisdom; But a man of understanding maketh straight his going.

22 Where there is no counsel, purposes are disappointed; But in the multitude of counsellors they are established.

23 A man hath joy in the answer of his mouth; And a word in due season, how good is it!

24 To the wise the way of life goeth upward, That he may depart from Sheol beneath.

25 Jehovah will root up the house of the proud; But he will establish the border of the widow.

26 Evil devices are an abomination to Jehovah; But pleasant words are pure.

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

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

29 Jehovah is far from the wicked; But he heareth the prayer of the righteous.

30 The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart; And good tidings make the bones fat.

31 The ear that hearkeneth to the reproof of life Shall abide among the wise.

32 He that refuseth correction despiseth his own soul; But he that hearkeneth to reproof getteth understanding.

33 The fear of Jehovah is the instruction of wisdom; And before honor goeth humility.

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 clever! 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 confused.

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 Being lazy is like walking
in a thorn patch,
but everyone who does right
walks on a smooth road.

20 Children with good sense
make their parents happy,
but foolish children
are hateful to 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 honour to you.