Proverbs 15

1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. 2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. {poureth: Heb. belcheth, or, bubbleth} 3 The eyes of the LORD {are} in every place, beholding the evil and the good. 4 A wholesome tongue {is} a tree of life: but perverseness therein {is} a breach in the spirit. {A wholesome...: Heb. The healing of the tongue} 5 A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent. 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 unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness. 10 Correction {is} grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: {and} he that hateth reproof shall die. {Correction: or, Instruction} 11 Hell and destruction {are} before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men? 12 A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise. 13 A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. 14 The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness. 15 All the days of the afflicted {are} evil: but he that is of a merry 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 strife: but {he that is} slow to anger appeaseth strife. 19 The way of the slothful {man is} as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous {is} made plain. {is made...: Heb. is raised up as a causey} 20 A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother. 21 Folly {is} joy to {him that is} destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly. {destitute...: Heb. void of heart} 22 Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established. 23 A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word {spoken} in due season, how good {is it}! {due...: Heb. his season} 24 The way of life {is} above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath. 25 The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow. 26 The thoughts of the wicked {are} an abomination to the LORD: but {the words} of the pure {are} pleasant words. {pleasant...: Heb. words of pleasantness} 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} a good report maketh the bones fat. 31 The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise. 32 He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding. {instruction: or, correction} {heareth: or, obeyeth} {getteth...: Heb. possesseth an heart} 33 The fear of the LORD {is} the instruction of wisdom; and before honour {is} humility.