Proverbs 15
A soft answer turns away wrath
A SOFT answer turneth away wrath: but a grievous word stirreth up anger. 2The tongue of the wise uttereth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out folly. 3The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch upon the evil and the good.
4A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breaking of the spirit. 5A fool despiseth his father’s correction: but he that regardeth reproof getteth prudence. 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 to the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.
10There is grievous correction for him that forsaketh the way: [and ]he that hateth reproof shall die. 11Sheol and Abaddon are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men! 12A scorner loveth not to be reproved: he will not go unto the wise.
13A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken. 14The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on folly. 15All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a cheerful 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 contention: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.
19The way of the sluggard is as an hedge of thorns: but the path of the upright is made an highway. 20A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother. 21Folly is joy to him that is void of wisdom: but a man of understanding maketh straight his going.
22Where there is no counsel, purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established. 23A man hath joy in the answer of his mouth: and a word in due season, how good is it! 24To the wise the way of life [goeth ]upward, that he may depart from Sheol beneath.
25The LORD will root up the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow. 26Evil devices are an abomination to the LORD: but pleasant words [are ]pure. 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 ]good tidings make the bones fat.
31The ear that hearkeneth to the reproof of life shall abide among the wise. 32He that refuseth correction despiseth his own soul: but he that hearkeneth to reproof getteth understanding. 33The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour [goeth ]humility.