Proverbs 15:16-23

New International Version

¹⁶Better a little with the fear of the Lord
than great wealth with turmoil.^(A)

¹⁷Better a small serving of vegetables with love
than a fattened calf with hatred.^(B)

¹⁸A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict,^(C)
but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.^(D)

¹⁹The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns,^(E)
but the path of the upright is a highway.

²⁰A wise son brings joy to his father,^(F)
but a foolish man despises his mother.

²¹Folly brings joy to one who has no sense,^(G)
but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course.

²²Plans fail for lack of counsel,^(H)
but with many advisers^(I) they succeed.^(J)

²³A person finds joy in giving an apt reply^(K)—
and how good is a timely word!^(L)

Proverbs 15:16-23

King James Version

¹⁶Better is little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble therewith.

¹⁷Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.

¹⁸A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.

¹⁹The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.

²⁰A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.

²¹Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.

²²Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.

²³A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!

New International Version (NIV)