Proverbs 15:1-18

1A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

2The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.

3The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.

4The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.

5A fool spurns a parent’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.

6The house of the righteous contains great treasure, but the income of the wicked brings ruin.

7The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but the hearts of fools are not upright.

8The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him.

9The LORD detests the way of the wicked, but he loves those who pursue righteousness.

10Stern discipline awaits anyone who leaves the path; the one who hates correction will die.

11Death and Destruction Hebrew Abaddon lie open before the LORD — how much more do human hearts!

12Mockers resent correction, so they avoid the wise.

13A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.

14The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.

15All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.

16Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great wealth with turmoil.

17Better a small serving of vegetables with love than a fattened calf with hatred.

18A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.