19 The way of the [a]lazy one is like a hedge of thorns,
But the path of the upright is a highway.
20 A (A)wise son makes a father glad,
But a foolish man (B)despises his mother.
21 Foolishness is joy to one who lacks [b]sense,
But a person of understanding (C)walks straight.
22 Without consultation, plans are frustrated,
But with many counselors they [c]succeed.
23 A (D)person has joy in an [d]apt answer,
And how delightful is a timely (E)word!
24 The (F)path of life leads upward for the wise,
So that he may keep away from [e]Sheol below.
25 The Lord will (G)tear down the house of the proud,
But He will (H)set the boundary of the (I)widow.
26 Evil plans are an abomination to the Lord,
But pleasant words are pure.
27 He who (J)profits illicitly troubles his own house,
But he who (K)hates bribes will live.
28 The heart of the righteous (L)ponders how to answer,
But the (M)mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.
29 The Lord is (N)far from the wicked,
But He (O)hears the prayer of the righteous.
30 [f]Bright eyes gladden the heart;
Good news [g]refreshes the bones.
31 One whose ear listens to a life-giving rebuke
Will stay among the wise.
32 One who (P)neglects discipline (Q)rejects himself,
But one who (R)listens to a rebuke acquires [h]understanding.
33 [i]The fear of the Lord is the instruction for wisdom,
And before honor comes humility.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 15:19 Lit idle
  2. Proverbs 15:21 Lit heart
  3. Proverbs 15:22 Or are established
  4. Proverbs 15:23 Lit answer of his mouth
  5. Proverbs 15:24 I.e., the netherworld
  6. Proverbs 15:30 Lit The light of the eyes gladdens
  7. Proverbs 15:30 Lit makes fat
  8. Proverbs 15:32 Lit heart
  9. Proverbs 15:33 Or Reverence for

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

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

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

22 Plans fail for lack of counsel,(D)
    but with many advisers(E) they succeed.(F)

23 A person finds joy in giving an apt reply(G)
    and how good is a timely word!(H)

24 The path of life leads upward for the prudent
    to keep them from going down to the realm of the dead.

25 The Lord tears down the house of the proud,(I)
    but he sets the widow’s boundary stones in place.(J)

26 The Lord detests the thoughts(K) of the wicked,(L)
    but gracious words are pure(M) in his sight.

27 The greedy bring ruin to their households,
    but the one who hates bribes will live.(N)

28 The heart of the righteous weighs its answers,(O)
    but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.(P)

29 The Lord is far from the wicked,
    but he hears the prayer of the righteous.(Q)

30 Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart,
    and good news gives health to the bones.(R)

31 Whoever heeds life-giving correction
    will be at home among the wise.(S)

32 Those who disregard discipline despise themselves,(T)
    but the one who heeds correction gains understanding.(U)

33 Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord,(V)
    and humility comes before honor.(W)

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