How to Live Wisely
15 A gentle response diverts anger,
but a harsh statement incites fury.
2 The wise speak, presenting[a] knowledge appropriately,
but fools spout foolishness.
3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place,
observing both the evil and the good.
4 A gentle statement[b] is a tree of life,
but perverted speech shatters the spirit.
5 A fool rejects his father’s instructions,
but anyone who respects[c] reproof acts sensibly.
6 The righteous house is itself[d] a great treasure,
but within the revenue of the wicked calamity is at work.
7 What the wise have to say disseminates[e] knowledge,
but it’s not in the heart of fools to do so.
8 The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to the Lord,
but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
9 The lifestyle of the wicked is detestable to the Lord,
but he loves those who ardently pursue righteousness.
10 Severe punishment awaits anyone who wanders off the path—
anyone who despises reproof will die.
11 Since Sheol[f] and Abaddon[g] lie open in the Lord’s presence,
how much more the hearts of human beings!
12 The arrogant mocker never loves the one who corrects him;
he will not inquire of[h] the wise.
13 A happy heart enlightens the face,
but a sad heart reflects a broken spirit.
14 A discerning mind seeks knowledge,
but the mouth of fools feeds on stupidity.
15 The entire life[i] of the afflicted seems disastrous,
but a good heart feasts continuously.
On Contentment and Other Good Things of Life
16 Better is a little accompanied by fear of the Lord
than abundant wealth with turmoil.
17 A vegetarian meal[j] served with love is better
than a big, thick steak[k] with a plateful of[l] animosity.
18 The quickly angered man stirs up contention,
but anyone who controls his temper calms a dispute.
19 The lifestyle of the lazy is like a thorny hedge,
but the path taken by the upright is an open highway.
20 A wise son makes a father glad,
but a foolish man despises his mother.
21 Stupidity is the delight of the senseless,
but an understanding man walks uprightly.
22 Plans fail without advice,
but with many counselors they are confirmed.
23 An appropriate answer brings joy to a person,
and a well-timed word is a good thing.
24 The way of life leads upward for the wise
so he may avoid Sheol[m] below.
25 The house of the proud the Lord will demolish,
but he will protect the widow’s boundary line.
26 To the Lord evil plans are detestable,
but pleasant words are pure.
27 Those who are greedy for unjust gain bring trouble into their homes,
but the person who hates bribes will live.
28 The mind of the righteous thinks before speaking,
but the wicked person spews out evil.
29 The Lord is far away from the wicked,
but he hears the prayers of the righteous.
30 Bright eyes[n] encourage the heart;
good news nourishes the body.[o]
31 Whoever listens to a life-giving rebuke
will be at home among the wise.
32 Whoever ignores instruction hates himself,
but anyone who heeds reproof gains understanding.[p]
33 The fear of the Lord teaches wisdom,
and humility precedes honor.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 15:2 Lit. The tongues of the wise present
- Proverbs 15:4 Lit. tongue
- Proverbs 15:5 Lit. keeps
- Proverbs 15:6 The Heb. lacks itself
- Proverbs 15:7 Lit. The lips of the wise spread
- Proverbs 15:11 I.e. the realm of the dead
- Proverbs 15:11 I.e. the realm of destruction in the afterlife
- Proverbs 15:12 Lit. not go to
- Proverbs 15:15 Lit. All the days
- Proverbs 15:17 Lit. A meal of herbs
- Proverbs 15:17 Lit. a fattened ox
- Proverbs 15:17 The Heb. lacks a plateful of
- Proverbs 15:24 I.e. the realm of the dead
- Proverbs 15:30 Or A cheerful look
- Proverbs 15:30 Lit. bones
- Proverbs 15:32 Lit. heart