Proverbs 15:1-17

A gentle answer will calm a person’s anger, but an unkind answer will cause more anger. Wise people use knowledge when they speak, but fools pour out foolishness. The LORD’s eyes see everything; he watches both evil and good people. As a tree gives fruit, healing words give life, but dishonest words crush the spirit. Fools reject their parents’ correction, but anyone who accepts correction is wise. Much wealth is in the houses of good people, but evil people get nothing but trouble. Wise people use their words to spread knowledge, but there is no knowledge in the thoughts of fools. The LORD hates the sacrifice that the wicked offer, but he likes the prayers of honest people. The LORD hates what evil people do, but he loves those who do what is right. The person who quits doing what is right will be punished, and the one who hates to be corrected will die. The LORD knows what is happening in the world of the dead, so he surely knows the thoughts of the living. Those who make fun of wisdom don’t like to be corrected; they will not ask the wise for advice. 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.