Proverbs 14:31-15:17

Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition

³¹ He who oppresses a poor man insults his Maker,
    but he who is kind to the needy honors him.
³² The wicked is overthrown through his evil-doing,
    but the righteous finds refuge through his integrity.^[a]
33 Wisdom abides in the mind of a man of understanding,
    but it is not^[b] known in the heart of fools.
³⁴ Righteousness exalts a nation,
    but sin is a reproach to any people.
³⁵ A servant who deals wisely has the king’s favor,
    but his wrath falls on one who acts shamefully.
15 A soft answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.
² The tongue of the wise dispenses knowledge,^[c]
    but the mouths of fools pour out folly.
³ The eyes of the Lord are in every place,
    keeping watch on the evil and the good.
⁴ A gentle tongue is a tree of life,
    but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.
⁵ A fool despises his father’s instruction,
    but he who heeds admonition is prudent.
⁶ In the house of the righteous there is much treasure,
    but trouble befalls the income of the wicked.
⁷ The lips of the wise spread knowledge;
    not so the minds of fools.
⁸ The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord,
    but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
⁹ The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord,
    but he loves him who pursues righteousness.
¹⁰ There is severe discipline for him who forsakes the way;
    he who hates reproof will die.
¹¹ Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the Lord
    how much more the hearts of men!
¹² A scoffer does not like to be reproved;
    he will not go to the wise.
¹³ A glad heart makes a cheerful countenance,
    but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken.
¹⁴ The mind 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 a cheerful heart has a continual feast.
¹⁶ Better is a little with the fear of the Lord
    than great treasure and trouble with it.
¹⁷ Better is a dinner of herbs where love is
    than a fatted ox and hatred with it.