15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
15:2 The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.
15:3 The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.
15:4 The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.
15:5 A fool spurns a parent’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.
15:6 The house of the righteous contains great treasure, but the income of the wicked brings ruin.
15:7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but the hearts of fools are not upright.
15:8 The Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him.
15:9 The Lord detests the way of the wicked, but he loves those who pursue righteousness.
15:10 Stern discipline awaits anyone who leaves the path; the one who hates correction will die.
15:11 Death and Destruction* lie open before the Lord - how much more do human hearts! / *Hebrew Abaddon
15:12 Mockers resent correction, so they avoid the wise.
15:13 A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.
15:14 The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.
15:15 All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.
15:16 Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil.
15:17 Better a small serving of vegetables with love than a fattened calf with hatred.
15:18 A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.
15:19 The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway.
15:20 A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother.
15:21 Folly brings joy to one who has no sense, but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course.
15:22 Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.
15:23 A person finds joy in giving an apt reply - and how good is a timely word!
15:24 The path of life leads upward for the prudent to keep them from going down to the realm of the dead.
15:25 The Lord tears down the house of the proud, but he sets the widow’s boundary stones in place.
15:26 The Lord detests the thoughts of the wicked, but gracious words are pure in his sight.
15:27 The greedy bring ruin to their households, but the one who hates bribes will live.
15:28 The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.
15:29 The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.
15:30 Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.
15:31 Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise.
15:32 Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding.
15:33 Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor.