Proverbs 15:13-33

Happiness makes a person smile, but sadness can break a person’s spirit. People with understanding want more knowledge, but fools just want more foolishness. Every day is hard for those who suffer, but a happy heart is like a continual feast. It is better to be poor and respect the LORD than to be wealthy and have much trouble. It is better to eat vegetables with those who love you than to eat meat with those who hate you. People with quick tempers cause trouble, but those who control their tempers stop a quarrel. A lazy person’s life is like a patch of thorns, but an honest person’s life is like a smooth highway. Wise children make their father happy, but foolish children disrespect their mother. A person without wisdom enjoys being foolish, but someone with understanding does what is right. Plans fail without good advice, but they succeed with the advice of many others. People enjoy giving good advice. Saying the right word at the right time is so pleasing. Wise people’s lives get better and better. They avoid whatever would cause their death. The LORD will tear down the proud person’s house, but he will protect the widow’s property. The LORD hates evil thoughts but is pleased with kind words. Greedy people bring trouble to their families, but the person who can’t be paid to do wrong will live. Good people think before they answer, but the wicked simply pour out evil. The LORD does not listen to the wicked, but he hears the prayers of those who do right. Good news makes you feel better. Your happiness will show in your eyes. If you listen to correction to improve your life, you will live among the wise. Those who refuse correction hate themselves, but those who accept correction gain understanding. Respect for the LORD will teach you wisdom. If you want to be honored, you must be humble.