Proverbs 15:1-33

A gentle response defuses anger, but a sharp tongue kindles a temper-fire. Knowledge flows like spring water from the wise; fools are leaky faucets, dripping nonsense. GOD doesn’t miss a thing— he’s alert to good and evil alike. Kind words heal and help; cutting words wound and maim. Moral dropouts won’t listen to their elders; welcoming correction is a mark of good sense. The lives of God-loyal people flourish; a misspent life is soon bankrupt. Perceptive words spread knowledge; fools are hollow—there’s nothing to them. GOD can’t stand pious poses, but he delights in genuine prayers. A life frittered away disgusts GOD; he loves those who run straight for the finish line. It’s a school of hard knocks for those who leave God’s path, a dead-end street for those who hate God’s rules. Even hell holds no secrets from GOD— do you think he can’t read human hearts? Know-it-alls don’t like being told what to do; they avoid the company of wise men and women. A cheerful heart brings a smile to your face; a sad heart makes it hard to get through the day. An intelligent person is always eager to take in more truth; fools feed on fast-food fads and fancies. A miserable heart means a miserable life; a cheerful heart fills the day with song. A simple life in the Fear-of-GOD is better than a rich life with a ton of headaches. Better a bread crust shared in love than a slab of prime rib served in hate. Hot tempers start fights; a calm, cool spirit keeps the peace. The path of lazy people is overgrown with briers; the diligent walk down a smooth road. Intelligent children make their parents proud; lazy students embarrass their parents. The empty-headed treat life as a plaything; the perceptive grasp its meaning and make a go of it. Refuse good advice and watch your plans fail; take good counsel and watch them succeed. Congenial conversation—what a pleasure! The right word at the right time—beautiful! Life ascends to the heights for the thoughtful— it’s a clean about-face from descent into hell. GOD smashes the pretensions of the arrogant; he stands with those who have no standing. GOD can’t stand evil scheming, but he puts words of grace and beauty on display. A greedy and grasping person destroys community; those who refuse to exploit live and let live. Prayerful answers come from God-loyal people; the wicked are sewers of abuse. GOD keeps his distance from the wicked; he closely attends to the prayers of God-loyal people. A twinkle in the eye means joy in the heart, and good news makes you feel fit as a fiddle. Listen to good advice if you want to live well, an honored guest among wise men and women. An undisciplined, self-willed life is puny; an obedient, God-willed life is spacious. Fear-of-GOD is a school in skilled living— first you learn humility, then you experience glory.