Old Testament · Proverbs

Proverbs 15

A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath

1A soft answer turns away wrath; but a word of pain stirs up anger.
2The tongue of the wise makes knowledge good; but the mouth of fools pours out folly.
3In every place are the eyes of the LORD, watching the evil and the good.
4A healing of the tongue is a tree of life^a; but perverseness in it is a breaking in the spirit^b.
5A fool despises the correction of his father; but he who keeps reproof is prudent.
6In the house of the righteous is much treasure; but in the income of the wicked is trouble.
7The lips of the wise scatter knowledge; but the heart of fools is not so.
8The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD; but the prayer of the upright is His delight.
9An abomination to the LORD is the way of the wicked; but he who pursues righteousness He loves.
10Evil correction is for him who forsakes the path; he who hates reproof shall die.
11Sheol and Abaddon are before the LORD; how much more the hearts of the sons of Adam.
12A scorner does not love being reproved; to the wise he will not go.
13A joyful heart makes the face good; but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken.
14The heart of the discerning seeks knowledge; but the mouth of fools feeds on folly.
15All the days of the afflicted are evil; but a good heart is a continual feast.
16Better is little with the fear of the LORD, than great treasure and turmoil with it.
17Better is a portion of herbs where love is, than a fattened ox and hatred with it.
18A man^c of wrath stirs up strife; but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.
19The way of the sluggard is like a hedge of thorns; but the path of the upright is a highway.
20A wise son makes a father glad; but a foolish man^d despises his mother.
21Folly is joy to him who lacks heart; but a man of understanding walks straight.
22Plans are frustrated without counsel; but in the multitude of counselors they are established.
23A man has joy in the answer of his mouth; and a word in its time, how good it is!
24The path of life is upward for the wise, that he may turn from Sheol beneath.
25The LORD tears down the house of the proud; but He establishes the border of the widow.
26An abomination to the LORD are the thoughts of evil; but words of pleasantness are pure.
27He who is greedy for gain troubles his house; but he who hates gifts shall live.
28The heart of the righteous meditates to answer; but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.
29The LORD is far from the wicked; but the prayer of the righteous He hears.
30The light of the eyes makes the heart glad; a good report makes the bone fat.
31The ear that hears the reproof of life abides among the wise.
32He who ignores correction despises his soul^e; but he who hears reproof gets heart.
33The fear of the LORD is the correction of wisdom; and before honor is humility.