Proverbs 15:8-21

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.