Proverbs 15
1 A SOFT answer turneth away wrath: but a grievous word stirreth up anger.
A mild response shatters anger. But a harsh word stirs up fury.
2 The tongue of the wise uttereth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out folly.
The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge. But the mouth of the senseless gushes with foolishness.
3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch upon the evil and the good.
In every place, the eyes of the Lord consider good and evil.
4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breaking of the spirit.
A peaceful tongue is a tree of life. But that which is immoderate will crush the spirit.
5 A fool despiseth his father’s correction: but he that regardeth reproof getteth prudence.
A fool laughs at the discipline of his father. But whoever preserves rebukes will become astute. In abundant justice, there is very great virtue. But the intentions of the impious will be eradicated.
6 In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.
The house of the just has very great strength. And in the fruits of the impious, there is disorder.
7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish [doeth] not so.
The lips of the wise shall disseminate knowledge. The heart of the foolish will be dissimilar.
8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
The sacrifices of the impious are abominable to the Lord. The vows of the just are appeasing.
9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.
The way of the impious is an abomination to the Lord. Whoever pursues justice is loved by him.
10 There is grievous correction for him that forsaketh the way: [and] he that hateth reproof shall die.
Doctrine is evil to those who abandon the way of life. Whoever hates correction shall die.
11 Sheol and Abaddon are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men! (Sheol h7585)
Hell and perdition are in the sight of the Lord. How much more the hearts of the sons of men! (Sheol h7585)
12 A scorner loveth not to be reproved: he will not go unto the wise.
He who corrupts himself does not love the one who afflicts him, nor will he step toward the wise.
13 A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken.
A rejoicing heart gladdens the face. But by the grief of the soul, the spirit is cast down.
14 The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on folly.
The heart of the wise seeks doctrine. And the mouth of the foolish feeds on ignorance.
15 All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a cheerful heart [hath] a continual feast.
All the days of the poor are evil. A secure mind is like a continual feast.
16 Better is little with the fear of the LORD, than great treasure and trouble therewith.
Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, than great treasures and dissatisfaction.
17 Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.
It is better to be called to vegetables with charity, than to a fatted calf with hatred.
18 A wrathful man stirreth up contention: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.
A short-tempered man provokes conflicts. Whoever is patient tempers those who are stirred up.
19 The way of the sluggard is as an hedge of thorns: but the path of the upright is made an highway.
The way of the slothful is like a hedge of thorns. The way of the just is without offense.
20 A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.
A wise son gladdens the father. But the foolish man despises his mother.
21 Folly is joy to him that is void of wisdom: but a man of understanding maketh straight his going.
Folly is gladness to the foolish. And the prudent man sets his own steps in order.
22 Where there is no counsel, purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.
Intentions dissipate where there is no counsel. Yet truly, they are confirmed where there are many counselors.
23 A man hath joy in the answer of his mouth: and a word in due season, how good is it!
A man rejoices in the verdict of his own mouth. And a word at the right time is best.
The path of life is for the wise above, so that he may turn away from the end of Hell. (Sheol h7585)
25 The LORD will root up the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.
The Lord will demolish the house of the arrogant. And He will make firm the borders of the widow.
26 Evil devices are an abomination to the LORD: but pleasant words [are] pure.
Evil intentions are an abomination to the Lord. And pure conversation, most beautiful, shall be confirmed by him.
27 He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house: but he that hateth gifts shall live.
Whoever pursues avarice disturbs his own house. But whoever hates bribes shall live. Through mercy and faith, sins are purged. But through the fear of the Lord, each one turns aside from evil.
28 The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.
The mind of the just meditates on obedience. The mouth of the impious overflows with evils.
29 The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
The Lord is distant from the impious. And he will heed the prayers of the just.
30 The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: [and] good tidings make the bones fat.
The light of the eyes rejoices the soul. A good reputation fattens the bones.
31 The ear that hearkeneth to the reproof of life shall abide among the wise.
The ear that listens to the reproofs of life shall abide in the midst of the wise.
32 He that refuseth correction despiseth his own soul: but he that hearkeneth to reproof getteth understanding.
Whoever rejects discipline despises his own soul. But whoever agrees to correction is a possessor of the heart.
33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour [goeth] humility.
The fear of the Lord is the discipline of wisdom. And humility precedes glory.
