Proverbs 15

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