Proverbs 15

1A gentle reply calms anger, but a hurtful word makes tempers flare. 2The wise use knowledge well when they speak, but fools spout nonsense. 3There is no place the LORD does not see; his eyes watch both the evil and the good. 4Kind words are a tree of life, but a twisted tongue crushes the spirit. 5A fool rejects his father’s discipline, but whoever accepts correction shows good sense. 6The home of the righteous holds great treasure, but the earnings of the wicked bring trouble. 7The wise spread knowledge with their words, but the minds of fools do no such thing. 8The LORD detests the sacrifices of the wicked, but the prayers of the upright are his delight. 9The way the wicked live is detestable to the LORD, but he loves anyone who strives after righteousness. 10Harsh discipline waits for whoever leaves the right path; whoever hates correction will die. 11If Sheol and Destruction are in full view of the LORD, how much more are human hearts! 12Mockers resent being corrected; they will not go to the wise for advice. 13A happy heart lights up the face, but heartache crushes the spirit. 14A discerning mind looks for knowledge, but fools feed on folly. 15Every day is hard for the afflicted, but a cheerful heart has a constant feast. 16Better to have little and fear the LORD than great riches with trouble. 17Better a plate of greens where there is love than a fattened calf served with hatred. 18A hot-tempered person starts fights, but one who is patient calms a quarrel. 19For the lazy, the road is a thorn hedge, but for the upright it is a smooth highway. 20A wise son makes his father glad, but only a fool would scorn his mother. 21Folly delights a person with no sense, but someone with understanding keeps to a straight path. 22Plans go wrong for lack of advice, but with many advisers they succeed. 23Giving a good answer is a joy, and a word at the right time, how good it is! 24For the wise, the road of life climbs upward, away from Sheol beneath. 25The LORD tears the house of the proud to the ground, but he keeps the widow’s boundary stones in place. 26The LORD detests evil plans, but kind words are pure in his sight. 27Those greedy for dishonest gain bring trouble on their families, but those who hate bribes will live. 28The righteous think before they answer, but the wicked spew out evil. 29The LORD keeps far from the wicked, but he listens to the prayers of the righteous. 30A bright look brings joy to the heart, and good news puts strength in the bones. 31Whoever listens to correction that gives life will be at home among the wise. 32Those who ignore discipline despise themselves, but those who heed correction gain understanding. 33The fear of the LORD teaches wisdom, and humility comes before honor.