Proverbs 15  Holman Christian Standard Bible

15 A gentle answer turns away anger,^(A)
but a harsh word stirs up wrath.^(B)

² The tongue of the wise makes knowledge attractive,
but the mouth of fools blurts out foolishness.^(C)

³ The eyes of the Lord are everywhere,
observing the wicked and the good.^(D)

⁴ The tongue that heals is a tree of life,^(E)
but a devious tongue^[a] breaks the spirit.

⁵ A fool despises his father’s discipline,
but a person who accepts correction is sensible.^(F)

⁶ The house of the righteous has great wealth,
but trouble accompanies the income of the wicked.

⁷ The lips of the wise broadcast knowledge,
but not so the heart of fools.

⁸ The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to the Lord,^(G)
but the prayer of the upright is His delight.^(H)

⁹ The Lord detests the way of the wicked,
but He loves the one who pursues righteousness.^(I)

¹⁰ Discipline is harsh for the one who leaves the path;
the one who hates correction will die.

¹¹ Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the Lord^(J)—
how much more, human hearts.^(K)

¹² A mocker doesn’t love one who corrects him;^(L)
he will not consult the wise.

¹³ A joyful heart makes a face cheerful,
but a sad heart produces a broken spirit.^(M)

¹⁴ A discerning mind seeks knowledge,^(N)
but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.^(O)

¹⁵ All the days of the oppressed are miserable,
but a cheerful heart has a continual feast.

¹⁶ Better a little with the fear of the Lord
than great treasure with turmoil.^(P)

¹⁷ Better a meal of vegetables where there is love
than a fattened ox^(Q) with hatred.^(R)

¹⁸ A hot-tempered man stirs up conflict,^(S)
but a man slow to anger^(T) calms strife.

¹⁹ A slacker’s way is like a thorny hedge,
but the path of the upright is a highway.^(U)

²⁰ A wise son brings joy to his father,
but a foolish man despises his mother.^(V)

²¹ Foolishness brings joy to one without sense,
but a man with understanding walks a straight path.^(W)

²² Plans fail when there is no counsel,
but with many advisers they succeed.^(X)

²³ A man takes joy in giving an answer;^[b]
and a timely word—how good that is!^(Y)

²⁴ For the discerning the path of life leads upward,
so that he may avoid going down to Sheol.

²⁵ The Lord destroys the house of the proud,
but He protects the widow’s territory.^(Z)

²⁶ The Lord detests the plans of an evil man,
but pleasant words are pure.^(AA)

²⁷ The one who profits dishonestly^(AB) troubles his household,
but the one who hates bribes will live.^(AC)

²⁸ The mind of the righteous person thinks before answering,^(AD)
but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil things.^(AE)

²⁹ The Lord is far from the wicked,^(AF)
but He hears the prayer of the righteous.^(AG)

³⁰ Bright eyes cheer the heart;
good news strengthens^[c] the bones.^(AH)

³¹ One who^[d] listens to life-giving rebukes^(AI)
will be at home among the wise.

³² Anyone who ignores discipline despises himself,^(AJ)
but whoever listens to correction acquires good sense.^[e](AK)

³³ The fear of the Lord is what wisdom teaches,
and humility comes before honor.^(AL)