1 A gentle answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger. |
2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge,
but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. |
3 The eyes of the LORD are everywhere,
keeping watch on the wicked and the good. |
4 The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life,
but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. |
5 A fool spurns his father's discipline,
but whoever heeds correction shows prudence. |
6 The house of the righteous contains great treasure,
but the income of the wicked brings them trouble. |
7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge;
not so the hearts of fools. |
8 The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked,
but the prayer of the upright pleases him. |
9 The LORD detests the way of the wicked
but he loves those who pursue righteousness. |
10 Stern discipline awaits him who leaves the path;
he who hates correction will die. |
11 Death and Destruction1 15:11 Hebrew Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the LORD -
how much more the hearts of men! |
12 A mocker resents correction;
he will not consult the wise. |
13 A happy heart makes the face cheerful,
but heartache crushes the spirit. |
14 The discerning heart seeks knowledge,
but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly. |
15 All the days of the oppressed are wretched,
but the cheerful heart has a continual feast. |
16 Better a little with the fear of the LORD
than great wealth with turmoil. |
17 Better a meal of vegetables where there is love
than a fattened calf with hatred. |
18 A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension,
but a patient man calms a quarrel. |
19 The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns,
but the path of the upright is a highway. |
20 A wise son brings joy to his father,
but a foolish man despises his mother. |
21 Folly delights a man who lacks judgment,
but a man of understanding keeps a straight course. |
22 Plans fail for lack of counsel,
but with many advisers they succeed. |
23 A man finds joy in giving an apt reply-
and how good is a timely word! |
24 The path of life leads upward for the wise
to keep him from going down to the grave.2 15:24 Hebrew Sheol |
25 The LORD tears down the proud man's house
but he keeps the widow's boundaries intact. |
26 The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked,
but those of the pure are pleasing to him. |
27 A greedy man brings trouble to his family,
but he who hates bribes will live. |
28 The heart of the righteous weighs its answers,
but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil. |
29 The LORD is far from the wicked
but he hears the prayer of the righteous. |
30 A cheerful look brings joy to the heart,
and good news gives health to the bones. |
31 He who listens to a life-giving rebuke
will be at home among the wise. |
32 He who ignores discipline despises himself,
but whoever heeds correction gains understanding. |
33 The fear of the LORD teaches a man wisdom,3 15:33 Or Wisdom teaches the fear of the LORD
and humility comes before honor. |
