Proverbs 15:1-4
Proverbs 15:1-4 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.
Proverbs 15:1-4 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.
Proverbs 15:1-4 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.
Proverbs 15:1-4 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.
Proverbs 15:1-4 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.
Proverbs 15:1-4 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.
Proverbs 15:1-4 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.
Proverbs 15:1-4 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.
Proverbs 15:1-4 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.
Proverbs 15:1-4 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.
Proverbs 15:1-4 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.
