Chapter 15
1 A gentle answer turns away wrath , but a harsh word stirs up anger .
2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge , but the mouths of fools gush out folly.
3 The LORD ’s eyes are everywhere , keeping watch on the evil and the good .
4 A gentle tongue is a tree of life , but deceit in it crushes the spirit .
5 A fool despises his father’s correction , but he who heeds reproof shows prudence.
6 In the house of the righteous is much treasure , but the income of the wicked brings trouble .
7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge ; not so with the heart of fools .
8 The sacrifice made by the wicked is an abomination to the LORD , but the prayer of the upright is his delight .
9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD , but he loves him who follows after righteousness .
10 There is stern discipline for one who forsakes the way. Whoever hates reproof shall die .
11 Sheol and Abaddon are before the LORD — how much more then the hearts of the children of men !
12 A scoffer doesn’t love to be reproved ; he will not go to the wise .
13 A glad heart makes a cheerful face , but an aching heart breaks the spirit .
14 The heart of one who has understanding seeks knowledge , but the mouths of fools feed on folly.
15 All the days of the afflicted are wretched , but one who has a cheerful heart enjoys a continual feast .
16 Better is little , with the fear of the LORD , than great treasure with trouble .
17 Better is a dinner of herbs , where love is , than a fattened calf with hatred .
18 A wrathful man stirs up contention , but one who is slow to anger appeases strife .
19 The way of the sluggard is like a thorn patch, but the path of the upright is a highway .
20 A wise son makes a father glad , but a foolish man despises his mother.
21 Folly is joy to one who is void of wisdom , but a man of understanding keeps his way straight .
22 Where there is no counsel , plans fail ; but in a multitude of counsellors they are established .
23 Joy comes to a man with the reply of his mouth . How good is a word at the right time !
24 The path of life leads upward for the wise , to keep him from going downward to Sheol .
25 The LORD will uproot the house of the proud , but he will keep the widow’s borders intact.
26 The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked , but the thoughts of the pure are pleasing.
27 He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house , but he who hates bribes will live .
28 The heart of the righteous weighs answers , but the mouth of the wicked gushes out evil .
29 The LORD is far from the wicked , but he hears the prayer of the righteous .
30 The light of the eyes rejoices the heart . Good news gives health to the bones .
31 The ear that listens to reproof lives , and will be at home amongst the wise .
32 He who refuses correction despises his own soul , but he who listens to reproof gets understanding .
33 The fear of the LORD teaches wisdom . Before honour is humility .