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 the LORD are in every place, keeping watch upon the evil and the good.

4 A wholesome 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 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 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 the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men! (Sheol h7585)

12 A scorner loveth not to be reproved: he will not go unto the wise.

13 A merry 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 the LORD, 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 an hedge of thorns: but the path of the upright is made an 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. (Sheol h7585)

25 The LORD will root up the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.

26 Evil devices are an abomination to the LORD: but pleasant words [are] pure.

27 He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house: but he that hateth gifts shall live.

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

29 The LORD 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 the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour [goeth] humility.