1 A gentle response diverts anger, but a harsh statement incites fury. ISV — Proverbs 15:1
2 The wise speak, presenting a15:2 Lit. The tongues of the wise present knowledge appropriately, but fools spout foolishness. ISV — Proverbs 15:2
3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, observing both the evil and the good. ISV — Proverbs 15:3
4 A gentle statement b15:4 Lit. tongue is a tree of life, but perverted speech shatters the spirit. ISV — Proverbs 15:4
5 A fool rejects his father’s instructions, but anyone who respects c15:5 Lit. keeps reproof acts sensibly. ISV — Proverbs 15:5
6 The righteous house is itself d15:6 The Heb. lacks itself a great treasure, but within the revenue of the wicked calamity is at work. ISV — Proverbs 15:6
7 What the wise have to say disseminates e15:7 Lit. The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but it’s not in the heart of fools to do so. ISV — Proverbs 15:7
8 The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is his delight. ISV — Proverbs 15:8
9 The lifestyle of the wicked is detestable to the LORD, but he loves those who ardently pursue righteousness. ISV — Proverbs 15:9
10 Severe punishment awaits anyone who wanders off the path— anyone who despises reproof will die. ISV — Proverbs 15:10
11 Since Sheol f15:11 i.e. the realm of the dead and Abaddon g15:11 i.e. the realm of destruction in the afterlife lie open in the LORD’s presence, how much more the hearts of human beings! ISV — Proverbs 15:11
12 The arrogant mocker never loves the one who corrects him; he will not inquire of h15:12 Lit. not go to the wise. ISV — Proverbs 15:12
13 A happy heart enlightens the face, but a sad heart reflects a broken spirit. ISV — Proverbs 15:13
14 A discerning mind seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on stupidity. ISV — Proverbs 15:14
15 The entire life i15:15 Lit. All the days of the afflicted seems disastrous, but a good heart feasts continuously. ISV — Proverbs 15:15
16 Better is a little accompanied by fear of the LORD than abundant wealth with turmoil. ISV — Proverbs 15:16
17 A vegetarian meal j15:17 Lit. A meal of herbs served with love is better than a big, thick steak k15:17 Lit. a fattened ox with a plateful of l15:17 The Heb. lacks a plateful of animosity. ISV — Proverbs 15:17
18 The quickly angered man stirs up contention, but anyone who controls his temper calms a dispute. ISV — Proverbs 15:18
19 The lifestyle of the lazy is like a thorny hedge, but the path taken by the upright is an open highway. ISV — Proverbs 15:19
20 A wise son makes a father glad, but a foolish man despises his mother. ISV — Proverbs 15:20
21 Stupidity is the delight of the senseless, but an understanding man walks uprightly. ISV — Proverbs 15:21
22 Plans fail without advice, but with many counselors they are confirmed. ISV — Proverbs 15:22
23 An appropriate answer brings joy to a person, and a well-timed word is a good thing. ISV — Proverbs 15:23
24 The way of life leads upward for the wise so he may avoid Sheol m15:24 i.e. the realm of the dead below. ISV — Proverbs 15:24
25 The house of the proud the LORD will demolish, but he will protect the widow’s boundary line. ISV — Proverbs 15:25
26 To the LORD evil plans are detestable, but pleasant words are pure. ISV — Proverbs 15:26
27 Those who are greedy for unjust gain bring trouble into their homes, but the person who hates bribes will live. ISV — Proverbs 15:27
28 The mind of the righteous thinks before speaking, but the wicked person spews out evil. ISV — Proverbs 15:28
29 The LORD is far away from the wicked, but he hears the prayers of the righteous. ISV — Proverbs 15:29
30 Bright eyes n15:30 Or A cheerful look encourage the heart; good news nourishes the body. o15:30 Lit. bones ISV — Proverbs 15:30
31 Whoever listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise. ISV — Proverbs 15:31
32 Whoever ignores instruction hates himself, but anyone who heeds reproof gains understanding. p15:32 Lit. heart ISV — Proverbs 15:32
33 The fear of the LORD teaches wisdom, and humility precedes honor. ISV — Proverbs 15:33