Proverbs 15:1-33

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Proverbs 15:1-33 The Message (MSG)

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.

Proverbs 15:1-33 King James Version (KJV)

A soft answer turneth away wrath: But grievous words stir up anger. The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: But the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. The eyes of the LORD are in every place, Beholding the evil and the good. A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: But perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit. A fool despiseth his father's instruction: But he that regardeth reproof is prudent. In the house of the righteous is much treasure: But in the revenues of the wicked is trouble. The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: But the heart of the foolish doeth not so. The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: But the prayer of the upright is his delight. The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: But he loveth him that followeth after righteousness. Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: And he that hateth reproof shall die. Hell and destruction are before the LORD: How much more then the hearts of the children of men? A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: Neither will he go unto the wise. A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: But by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: But the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness. All the days of the afflicted are evil: But he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast. Better is little with the fear of the LORD Than great treasure and trouble therewith. Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, Than a stalled ox and hatred therewith. A wrathful man stirreth up strife: But he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife. The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: But the way of the righteous is made plain. A wise son maketh a glad father: But a foolish man despiseth his mother. Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: But a man of understanding walketh uprightly. Without counsel purposes are disappointed: But in the multitude of counsellors they are established. A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: And a word spoken in due season, how good is it! The way of life is above to the wise, That he may depart from hell beneath. The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: But he will establish the border of the widow. The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: But the words of the pure are pleasant words. He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; But he that hateth gifts shall live. The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: But the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things. The LORD is far from the wicked: But he heareth the prayer of the righteous. The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: And a good report maketh the bones fat. The ear that heareth the reproof of life Abideth among the wise. He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: But he that heareth reproof getteth understanding. The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; And before honour is humility.

Proverbs 15:1-33 New American Standard Bible - NASB 1995 (NASB1995)

A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable, But the mouth of fools spouts folly. The eyes of the LORD are in every place, Watching the evil and the good. A soothing tongue is a tree of life, But perversion in it crushes the spirit. A fool rejects his father’s discipline, But he who regards reproof is sensible. Great wealth is in the house of the righteous, But trouble is in the income of the wicked. The lips of the wise spread knowledge, But the hearts of fools are not so. The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, But the prayer of the upright is His delight. The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, But He loves one who pursues righteousness. Grievous punishment is for him who forsakes the way; He who hates reproof will die. Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the LORD, How much more the hearts of men! A scoffer does not love one who reproves him, He will not go to the wise. A joyful heart makes a cheerful face, But when the heart is sad, the spirit is broken. The mind of the intelligent seeks knowledge, But the mouth of fools feeds on folly. All the days of the afflicted are bad, But a cheerful heart has a continual feast. Better is a little with the fear of the LORD Than great treasure and turmoil with it. Better is a dish of vegetables where love is Than a fattened ox served with hatred. A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, But the slow to anger calms a dispute. The way of the lazy is as a hedge of thorns, But the path of the upright is a highway. A wise son makes a father glad, But a foolish man despises his mother. Folly is joy to him who lacks sense, But a man of understanding walks straight. Without consultation, plans are frustrated, But with many counselors they succeed. A man has joy in an apt answer, And how delightful is a timely word! The path of life leads upward for the wise That he may keep away from Sheol below. The LORD will tear down the house of the proud, But He will establish the boundary of the widow. Evil plans are an abomination to the LORD, But pleasant words are pure. He who profits illicitly troubles his own house, But he who hates bribes will live. The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, But the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things. The LORD is far from the wicked, But He hears the prayer of the righteous. Bright eyes gladden the heart; Good news puts fat on the bones. He whose ear listens to the life-giving reproof Will dwell among the wise. He who neglects discipline despises himself, But he who listens to reproof acquires understanding. The fear of the LORD is the instruction for wisdom, And before honor comes humility.

Proverbs 15:1-33 New Century Version (NCV)

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. 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.

Proverbs 15:1-33 American Standard Version (ASV)

A soft answer turneth away wrath; But a grievous word stirreth up anger. The tongue of the wise uttereth knowledge aright; But the mouth of fools poureth out folly. The eyes of Jehovah are in every place, Keeping watch upon the evil and the good. A gentle tongue is a tree of life; But perverseness therein is a breaking of the spirit. A fool despiseth his father’s correction; But he that regardeth reproof getteth prudence. In the house of the righteous is much treasure; But in the revenues of the wicked is trouble. The lips of the wise disperse knowledge; But the heart of the foolish doeth not so. The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to Jehovah; But the prayer of the upright is his delight. The way of the wicked is an abomination to Jehovah; But he loveth him that followeth after righteousness. There is grievous correction for him that forsaketh the way; And he that hateth reproof shall die. Sheol and Abaddon are before Jehovah; How much more then the hearts of the children of men! A scoffer loveth not to be reproved; He will not go unto the wise. A glad heart maketh a cheerful countenance; But by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken. The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge; But the mouth of fools feedeth on folly. All the days of the afflicted are evil; But he that is of a cheerful heart hath a continual feast. Better is little, with the fear of Jehovah, Than great treasure and trouble therewith. Better is a dinner of herbs, where love is, Than a stalled ox and hatred therewith. A wrathful man stirreth up contention; But he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife. The way of the sluggard is as a hedge of thorns; But the path of the upright is made a highway. A wise son maketh a glad father; But a foolish man despiseth his mother. Folly is joy to him that is void of wisdom; But a man of understanding maketh straight his going. Where there is no counsel, purposes are disappointed; But in the multitude of counsellors they are established. A man hath joy in the answer of his mouth; And a word in due season, how good is it! To the wise the way of life goeth upward, That he may depart from Sheol beneath. Jehovah will root up the house of the proud; But he will establish the border of the widow. Evil devices are an abomination to Jehovah; But pleasant words are pure. He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; But he that hateth bribes shall live. The heart of the righteous studieth to answer; But the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things. Jehovah is far from the wicked; But he heareth the prayer of the righteous. The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart; And good tidings make the bones fat. The ear that hearkeneth to the reproof of life Shall abide among the wise. He that refuseth correction despiseth his own soul; But he that hearkeneth to reproof getteth understanding. The fear of Jehovah is the instruction of wisdom; And before honor goeth humility.

Proverbs 15:1-33 New International Version (NIV)

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

Proverbs 15:1-33 New King James Version (NKJV)

A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness. The eyes of the LORD are in every place, Keeping watch on the evil and the good. A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, But perverseness in it breaks the spirit. A fool despises his father’s instruction, But he who receives correction is prudent. In the house of the righteous there is much treasure, But in the revenue of the wicked is trouble. The lips of the wise disperse knowledge, But the heart of the fool does not do so. The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, But the prayer of the upright is His delight. The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, But He loves him who follows righteousness. Harsh discipline is for him who forsakes the way, And he who hates correction will die. Hell and Destruction are before the LORD; So how much more the hearts of the sons of men. A scoffer does not love one who corrects him, Nor will he go to the wise. A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, But by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, But the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness. All the days of the afflicted are evil, But he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast. Better is a little with the fear of the LORD, Than great treasure with trouble. Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, Than a fatted calf with hatred. A wrathful man stirs up strife, But he who is slow to anger allays contention. The way of the lazy man is like a hedge of thorns, But the way of the upright is a highway. A wise son makes a father glad, But a foolish man despises his mother. Folly is joy to him who is destitute of discernment, But a man of understanding walks uprightly. Without counsel, plans go awry, But in the multitude of counselors they are established. A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, And a word spoken in due season, how good it is! The way of life winds upward for the wise, That he may turn away from hell below. The LORD will destroy the house of the proud, But He will establish the boundary of the widow. The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD, But the words of the pure are pleasant. He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, But he who hates bribes will live. The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, But the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil. The LORD is far from the wicked, But He hears the prayer of the righteous. The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, And a good report makes the bones healthy. The ear that hears the rebukes of life Will abide among the wise. He who disdains instruction despises his own soul, But he who heeds rebuke gets understanding. The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, And before honor is humility.

Proverbs 15:1-33 Amplified Bible (AMP)

A soft and gentle and thoughtful answer turns away wrath, But harsh and painful and careless words stir up anger. [Prov 25:15] The tongue of the wise speaks knowledge that is pleasing and acceptable, But the [babbling] mouth of fools spouts folly. The eyes of the LORD are in every place, Watching the evil and the good [in all their endeavors]. [Job 34:21; Prov 5:21; Jer 16:17; 32:19; Heb 4:13] A soothing tongue [speaking words that build up and encourage] is a tree of life, But a perversive tongue [speaking words that overwhelm and depress] crushes the spirit. A [flippant, arrogant] fool rejects his father’s instruction and correction, But he who [is willing to learn and] regards and keeps in mind a reprimand acquires good sense. Great and priceless treasure is in the house of the [consistently] righteous one [who seeks godly instruction and grows in wisdom], But trouble is in the income of the wicked one [who rejects the laws of God]. The lips of the wise spread knowledge [sifting it as chaff from the grain]; But the hearts of [shortsighted] fools are not so. The sacrifice of the wicked is hateful and exceedingly offensive to the LORD, But the prayer of the upright is His delight! [Is 1:11; Jer 6:20; Amos 5:22] The way [of life] of the wicked is hateful and exceedingly offensive to the LORD, But He loves one who pursues righteousness [personal integrity, moral courage and honorable character]. There is severe discipline for him who turns from the way [of righteousness]; And he who hates correction will die. Sheol (the nether world, the place of the dead) and Abaddon (the abyss, the place of eternal punishment) lie open before the LORD— How much more the hearts and inner motives of the children of men. [Job 26:6; Ps 139:8; Rev 9:2; 20:1, 2] A scoffer [unlike a wise man] resents one who rebukes him and tries to teach him; Nor will he go to the wise [for counsel and instruction]. A heart full of joy and goodness makes a cheerful face, But when a heart is full of sadness the spirit is crushed. [Prov 17:22] The mind of the intelligent and discerning seeks knowledge and eagerly inquires after it, But the mouth of the [stubborn] fool feeds on foolishness. [Is 32:6] All the days of the afflicted are bad, But a glad heart has a continual feast [regardless of the circumstances]. Better is a little with the [reverent, worshipful] fear of the LORD Than great treasure and trouble with it. [Ps 37:16; Prov 16:8; 1 Tim 6:6] Better is a dinner of vegetables and herbs where love is present Than a fattened ox served with hatred. [Prov 17:1] A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, But he who is slow to anger and patient calms disputes. The way of the lazy is like a hedge of thorns [it pricks, lacerates, and entangles him], But the way [of life] of the upright is smooth and open like a highway. A wise son makes a father glad, But a foolish man despises his mother. Foolishness is joy to him who is without heart and lacks [intelligent, common] sense, But a man of understanding walks uprightly [making his course straight]. [Eph 5:15] Without consultation and wise advice, plans are frustrated, But with many counselors they are established and succeed. A man has joy in giving an appropriate answer, And how good and delightful is a word spoken at the right moment—how good it is! The [chosen] path of life leads upward for the wise, That he may keep away from Sheol (the nether world, the place of the dead) below. [Phil 3:20; Col 3:1, 2] The LORD will tear down the house of the proud and arrogant (self-righteous), But He will establish and protect the boundaries [of the land] of the [godly] widow. Evil plans and thoughts of the wicked are exceedingly vile and offensive to the LORD, But pure words are pleasant words to Him. He who profits unlawfully brings suffering to his own house, But he who hates bribes [and does not receive nor pay them] will live. [Is 5:8; Jer 17:11] The heart of the righteous thinks carefully about how to answer [in a wise and appropriate and timely way], But the [babbling] mouth of the wicked pours out malevolent things. [1 Pet 3:15] The LORD is far from the wicked [and distances Himself from them], But He hears the prayer of the [consistently] righteous [that is, those with spiritual integrity and moral courage]. The light of the eyes rejoices the hearts of others, And good news puts fat on the bones. The ear that listens to and learns from the life-giving rebuke (reprimand, censure) Will remain among the wise. He who neglects and ignores instruction and discipline despises himself, But he who learns from rebuke acquires understanding [and grows in wisdom]. The [reverent] fear of the LORD [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome] is the instruction for wisdom [its starting point and its essence]; And before honor comes humility.

Proverbs 15:1-33 New Living Translation (NLT)

A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness. The LORD is watching everywhere, keeping his eye on both the evil and the good. Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. Only a fool despises a parent’s discipline; whoever learns from correction is wise. There is treasure in the house of the godly, but the earnings of the wicked bring trouble. The lips of the wise give good advice; the heart of a fool has none to give. The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but he delights in the prayers of the upright. The LORD detests the way of the wicked, but he loves those who pursue godliness. Whoever abandons the right path will be severely disciplined; whoever hates correction will die. Even Death and Destruction hold no secrets from the LORD. How much more does he know the human heart! Mockers hate to be corrected, so they stay away from the wise. A glad heart makes a happy face; a broken heart crushes the spirit. A wise person is hungry for knowledge, while the fool feeds on trash. For the despondent, every day brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast. Better to have little, with fear for the LORD, than to have great treasure and inner turmoil. A bowl of vegetables with someone you love is better than steak with someone you hate. A hot-tempered person starts fights; a cool-tempered person stops them. A lazy person’s way is blocked with briers, but the path of the upright is an open highway. Sensible children bring joy to their father; foolish children despise their mother. Foolishness brings joy to those with no sense; a sensible person stays on the right path. Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success. Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time! The path of life leads upward for the wise; they leave the grave behind. The LORD tears down the house of the proud, but he protects the property of widows. The LORD detests evil plans, but he delights in pure words. Greed brings grief to the whole family, but those who hate bribes will live. The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words. The LORD is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayers of the righteous. A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news makes for good health. If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise. If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding. Fear of the LORD teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor.

Proverbs 15:1-33 The Passion Translation (TPT)

Respond gently when you are confronted and you’ll defuse the rage of another. Responding with sharp, cutting words will only make it worse. Don’t you know that being angry can ruin the testimony of even the wisest of men? When wisdom speaks, understanding becomes attractive. But the words of the fool make their ignorance look laughable. The eyes of the Lord are everywhere and he takes note of everything that happens. He watches over his lovers, and he also sees the wickedness of the wicked. When you speak healing words, you offer others fruit from the tree of life. But unhealthy, negative words do nothing but crush their hopes. You’re stupid to mock the instruction of a father, but welcoming correction will make you brilliant. There is prosperity in the house of the righteous, but the house of the wicked is filled with trouble, no matter how much money they have. When wisdom speaks, revelation-knowledge is released, but finding true wisdom in the word of a fool is futile. It is despicable to the Lord when people use the worship of the Almighty as a cloak for their sin, but every prayer of the righteous is pleasing to his heart. The Lord detests the lifestyle of the wicked, but he loves those who pursue purity. Severe punishment awaits the one who turns away from the truth, and those who rebel against correction will die. Even hell itself holds no secrets from the Lord God, for before his eyes, all is exposed— and so much more the heart of every human being. The know-it-all never esteems the one who tries to correct him. He refuses to seek good advice from the wise. A cheerful heart puts a smile on your face, but a broken heart leads to depression. Lovers of God hunger after truth, but those without understanding feast on foolishness and don’t even realize it. Everything seems to go wrong when you feel weak and depressed. But when you choose to be cheerful, every day will bring you more and more joy and fullness. It’s much better to live simply, surrounded in holy awe and worship of God, than to have great wealth with a home full of trouble. It’s much better to have a meal of vegetables surrounded with love and grace than a steak where there is hate. A touchy, hot-tempered man picks a fight, but the calm, patient man knows how to silence strife. Nothing seems to work right for the lazy man, but life seems smooth and easy when your heart is virtuous. When a son learns wisdom, a father’s heart is glad. But the man who shames his mother is a foolish son. The senseless fool treats life like a joke, but the one with living-understanding makes good choices. Your plans will fall apart right in front of you if you fail to get good advice. But if you first seek out multiple counselors, you’ll watch your plans succeed. Everyone enjoys giving great advice. But how delightful it is to say the right thing at the right time! The life-paths of the prudent lift them progressively heavenward, delivering them from the death spirals that keep tugging them downward. The Lord champions the widow’s cause, but watch him as he smashes down the houses of the haughty! The Lord detests wicked ways of thinking, but he enjoys lovely and delightful words. The one who puts earning money above his family will have trouble at home, but those who refuse to exploit others will live in peace. Lovers of God think before they speak, but the careless blurt out wicked words meant to cause harm. The Lord doesn’t respond to the wicked, but he’s moved to answer the prayers of the righteous. Eyes that focus on what is beautiful bring joy to the heart, and hearing a good report refreshes and strengthens the inner being. Accepting constructive criticism opens your heart to the path of life, making you right at home among the wise. Refusing constructive criticism shows you have no interest in improving your life, for revelation-insight only comes as you accept correction and the wisdom that it brings. The source of revelation-knowledge is found as you fall down in surrender before the Lord. Don’t expect to see Shekinah glory until the Lord sees your sincere humility.

Proverbs 15:1-33 English Standard Version 2016 (ESV)

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly. The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good. A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit. A fool despises his father’s instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is prudent. In the house of the righteous there is much treasure, but trouble befalls the income of the wicked. The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools. The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is acceptable to him. The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but he loves him who pursues righteousness. There is severe discipline for him who forsakes the way; whoever hates reproof will die. Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the LORD; how much more the hearts of the children of man! A scoffer does not like to be reproved; he will not go to the wise. A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed. The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly. All the days of the afflicted are evil, but the cheerful of heart has a continual feast. Better is a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble with it. Better is a dinner of herbs where love is than a fattened ox and hatred with it. A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention. The way of a sluggard is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a level highway. A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish man despises his mother. Folly is a joy to him who lacks sense, but a man of understanding walks straight ahead. Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed. To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is! The path of life leads upward for the prudent, that he may turn away from Sheol beneath. The LORD tears down the house of the proud but maintains the widow’s boundaries. The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD, but gracious words are pure. Whoever is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own household, but he who hates bribes will live. The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things. The LORD is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous. The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and good news refreshes the bones. The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. Whoever ignores instruction despises himself, but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence. The fear of the LORD is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor.