Proverbs 15:1-16

English Standard Version

15 ^(A)A soft answer turns away wrath,
    but ^(B)a harsh word stirs up anger.
² The tongue of the wise commends knowledge,
    but ^(C)the mouths of fools pour out folly.
^3 (D)The eyes of the Lord are in every place,
    keeping watch on the evil and the good.
^4 (E)A gentle^[a] tongue is ^(F)a tree of life,
    but ^(G)perverseness in it breaks the spirit.
^5 (H)A fool ^(I)despises his father's instruction,
    but ^(J)whoever heeds reproof is prudent.
⁶ In the house of the righteous there is much treasure,
    but trouble befalls the income of the wicked.
^7 (K)The lips of the wise spread knowledge;
    ^(L)not so the hearts of fools.^[b]
8 (M)The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord,
    but ^(N)the prayer of the upright is acceptable to him.
⁹ The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord,
    but he loves him ^(O)who pursues righteousness.
¹⁰ There is ^(P)severe discipline for him who forsakes the way;
    ^(Q)whoever hates reproof will die.
¹¹ Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the Lord;
    how much more ^(R)the hearts of the children of man!
^12 (S)A scoffer ^(T)does not like to be reproved;
    he will not go to the wise.
^13 (U)A glad heart makes a cheerful face,
    but by ^(V)sorrow of heart the spirit is ^(W)crushed.
^14 (X)The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge,
    but the mouths of fools feed on folly.
¹⁵ All the days of the afflicted are evil,
    but ^(Y)the cheerful of heart has a continual feast.
^16 (Z)Better is a little with the fear of the Lord
    than great treasure and trouble with it.