Proverbs 15 (New International Version)

1 A gentle answer¹ turns away wrath,² but a harsh word stirs up anger. 2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge,³ but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.⁴ 3 The eyes⁵ of the LORD are everywhere,⁶ keeping watch on the wicked and the good.⁷ 4 The tongue⁸ that brings healing is a tree of life,⁹ but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.¹⁰ 5 A fool spurns his father's discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.¹¹ 6 The house of the righteous contains great treasure,¹² but the income of the wicked brings them trouble.¹³ 7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge;¹⁴ not so the hearts of fools. 8 The LORD detests the sacrifice¹⁵ of the wicked,¹⁶ but the prayer of the upright pleases him.¹⁷ 9 The LORD detests the way of the wicked¹⁸ but he loves those who pursue righteousness.¹⁹ 10 Stern discipline awaits him who leaves the path; he who hates correction will die.²⁰ 11 Death and Destruction^a lie open before the LORD²¹-- how much more the hearts of men!²² 12 A mocker resents correction;²³ he will not consult the wise. 13 A happy heart makes the face cheerful,²⁴ but heartache crushes the spirit.²⁵ 14 The discerning heart seeks knowledge,²⁶ 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.²⁷ 16 Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great wealth with turmoil.²⁸ 17 Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred.²⁹ 18 A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension,³⁰ but a patient man calms a quarrel.³¹ 19 The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns,³² but the path of the upright is a highway. 20 A wise son brings joy to his father,³³ but a foolish man despises his mother. 21 Folly delights a man who lacks judgment,³⁴ but a man of understanding keeps a straight course. 22 Plans fail for lack of counsel,³⁵ but with many advisers³⁶ they succeed.³⁷ 23 A man finds joy in giving an apt reply³⁸-- and how good is a timely word!³⁹ 24 The path of life leads upward for the wise to keep him from going down to the grave.^b 25 The LORD tears down the proud man's house⁴⁰ but he keeps the widow's boundaries intact.⁴¹ 26 The LORD detests the thoughts⁴² of the wicked,⁴³ but those of the pure⁴⁴ are pleasing to him. 27 A greedy man brings trouble to his family, but he who hates bribes will live.⁴⁵ 28 The heart of the righteous weighs its answers,⁴⁶ but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.⁴⁷ 29 The LORD is far from the wicked but he hears the prayer of the righteous.⁴⁸ 30 A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.⁴⁹ 31 He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise.⁵⁰ 32 He who ignores discipline despises himself,⁵¹ but whoever heeds correction gains understanding.⁵² 33 The fear of the LORD⁵³ teaches a man wisdom,^c and humility comes before honor.⁵⁴