Proverbs 15:1–23
[1] A soft answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.
[2] The tongue of the wise commends knowledge,
but the mouths of fools pour out folly.
[3] The eyes of the LORD are in every place,
keeping watch on the evil and the good.
[4] A gentle tongue is a tree of life,
but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.
[5] A fool despises his father’s instruction,
but whoever heeds reproof is prudent.
[6] In the house of the righteous there is much treasure,
but trouble befalls the income of the wicked.
[7] The lips of the wise spread knowledge;
not so the hearts of fools.
[8] The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD,
but the prayer of the upright is acceptable to him.
[9] The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD,
but he loves him who pursues righteousness.
[10] There is severe discipline for him who forsakes the way;
whoever hates reproof will die.
[11] Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the LORD;
how much more the hearts of the children of man!
[12] A scoffer does not like to be reproved;
he will not go to the wise.
[13] A glad heart makes a cheerful face,
but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed.
[14] The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge,
but the mouths of fools feed on folly.
[15] All the days of the afflicted are evil,
but the cheerful of heart has a continual feast.
[16] Better is a little with the fear of the LORD
than great treasure and trouble with it.
[17] Better is a dinner of herbs where love is
than a fattened ox and hatred with it.
[18] A hot-tempered man stirs up strife,
but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.
[19] The way of a sluggard is like a hedge of thorns,
but the path of the upright is a level highway.
[20] A wise son makes a glad father,
but a foolish man despises his mother.
[21] Folly is a joy to him who lacks sense,
but a man of understanding walks straight ahead.
[22] Without counsel plans fail,
but with many advisers they succeed.
[23] To make an apt answer is a joy to a man,
and a word in season, how good it is! (ESV)