Proverbs 15
King James Version
15 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.
3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.
4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.
5 A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.
6 In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.
7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.
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 unto the Lord: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.
10 Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.
11 Hell and destruction are before the Lord: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?
12 A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.
13 A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
14 The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.
15 All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.
16 Better is little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble therewith.
17 Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.
18 A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.
19 The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.
20 A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.
21 Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.
22 Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.
23 A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!
24 The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.
25 The Lord will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.
26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.
27 He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.
28 The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.
29 The Lord is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
30 The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.
31 The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.
32 He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.
33 The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.
Proverbs 15
Holman Christian Standard Bible
2 The tongue of the wise makes knowledge attractive,
but the mouth of fools blurts out foolishness.(C)
3 The eyes of the Lord are everywhere,
observing the wicked and the good.(D)
5 A fool despises his father’s discipline,
but a person who accepts correction is sensible.(F)
6 The house of the righteous has great wealth,
but trouble accompanies the income of the wicked.
7 The lips of the wise broadcast knowledge,
but not so the heart of fools.
8 The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to the Lord,(G)
but the prayer of the upright is His delight.(H)
9 The Lord detests the way of the wicked,
but He loves the one who pursues righteousness.(I)
10 Discipline is harsh for the one who leaves the path;
the one who hates correction will die.
12 A mocker doesn’t love one who corrects him;(L)
he will not consult the wise.
13 A joyful heart makes a face cheerful,
but a sad heart produces a broken spirit.(M)
15 All the days of the oppressed are miserable,
but a cheerful heart has a continual feast.
16 Better a little with the fear of the Lord
than great treasure with turmoil.(P)
19 A slacker’s way is like a thorny hedge,
but the path of the upright is a highway.(U)
20 A wise son brings joy to his father,
but a foolish man despises his mother.(V)
21 Foolishness brings joy to one without sense,
but a man with understanding walks a straight path.(W)
22 Plans fail when there is no counsel,
but with many advisers they succeed.(X)
24 For the discerning the path of life leads upward,
so that he may avoid going down to Sheol.
25 The Lord destroys the house of the proud,
but He protects the widow’s territory.(Z)
26 The Lord detests the plans of an evil man,
but pleasant words are pure.(AA)
27 The one who profits dishonestly(AB) troubles his household,
but the one who hates bribes will live.(AC)
28 The mind of the righteous person thinks before answering,(AD)
but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil things.(AE)
32 Anyone who ignores discipline despises himself,(AJ)
but whoever listens to correction acquires good sense.[e](AK)
33 The fear of the Lord is what wisdom teaches,
and humility comes before honor.(AL)
Footnotes
- Proverbs 15:4 Lit but crookedness in it
- Proverbs 15:23 Lit in an answer of his mouth
- Proverbs 15:30 Lit makes fat
- Proverbs 15:31 Lit An ear that
- Proverbs 15:32 Lit acquires a heart
Proverbs 15
American Standard Version
15 A soft answer turneth away wrath;
But a grievous word stirreth up anger.
2 The tongue of the wise uttereth knowledge aright;
But the mouth of fools poureth out folly.
3 The eyes of Jehovah are in every place,
Keeping watch upon the evil and the good.
4 [a]A gentle tongue is a tree of life;
But perverseness therein is a breaking of the spirit.
5 A fool despiseth his father’s [b]correction;
But he that regardeth reproof [c]getteth prudence.
6 In the house of the righteous is much treasure;
But in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.
7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge;
But the heart of the foolish [d]doeth not so.
8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to Jehovah;
But the prayer of the upright is his delight.
9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to Jehovah;
But he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.
10 There is grievous correction for him that forsaketh the way;
And he that hateth reproof shall die.
11 Sheol and [e]Abaddon are before Jehovah;
How much more then the hearts of the children of men!
12 A scoffer loveth not to be reproved;
He will not go unto the wise.
13 A glad heart maketh a cheerful countenance;
But by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken.
14 The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge;
But the mouth of fools feedeth on folly.
15 All the days of the afflicted are evil;
But he that is of a cheerful heart hath a continual feast.
16 Better is little, with the fear of Jehovah,
Than great treasure and trouble therewith.
17 Better is a [f]dinner of herbs, where love is,
Than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.
18 A wrathful man stirreth up contention;
But he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.
19 The way of the sluggard is as a hedge of thorns;
But the path of the upright is made a highway.
20 A wise son maketh a glad father;
But a foolish man despiseth his mother.
21 Folly is joy to him that is void of [g]wisdom;
But a man of understanding maketh straight his going.
22 Where there is no counsel, purposes are disappointed;
But in the multitude of counsellors they are established.
23 A man hath joy in the answer of his mouth;
And a word in due season, how good is it!
24 To the wise the way of life goeth upward,
That he may depart from Sheol beneath.
25 Jehovah will root up the house of the proud;
But he will establish the border of the widow.
26 Evil devices are an abomination to Jehovah;
But [h]pleasant words are pure.
27 He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house;
But he that hateth bribes shall live.
28 The heart of the righteous studieth to answer;
But the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.
29 Jehovah is far from the wicked;
But he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
30 The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart;
And good tidings make the bones fat.
31 The ear that hearkeneth to the reproof of life
Shall abide among the wise.
32 He that refuseth [i]correction despiseth his own soul;
But he that hearkeneth to reproof getteth [j]understanding.
33 The fear of Jehovah is the instruction of wisdom;
And before honor goeth humility.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 15:4 Hebrew The healing of the tongue.
- Proverbs 15:5 Or, instruction
- Proverbs 15:5 Or, dealeth prudently
- Proverbs 15:7 Or, is not stedfast (or, right)
- Proverbs 15:11 Or, Destruction
- Proverbs 15:17 Or, portion
- Proverbs 15:21 Hebrew heart.
- Proverbs 15:26 Or, the pure speak pleasant words
- Proverbs 15:32 Or, instruction
- Proverbs 15:32 Hebrew heart.
Proverbs 15
Young's Literal Translation
15 A soft answer turneth back fury, And a grievous word raiseth up anger.
2 The tongue of the wise maketh knowledge good, And the mouth of fools uttereth folly.
3 In every place are the eyes of Jehovah, Watching the evil and the good.
4 A healed tongue [is] a tree of life, And perverseness in it -- a breach in the spirit.
5 A fool despiseth the instruction of his father, And whoso is regarding reproof is prudent.
6 [In] the house of the righteous [is] abundant strength, And in the increase of the wicked -- trouble.
7 The lips of the wise scatter knowledge, And the heart of fools [is] not right.
8 The sacrifice of the wicked [is] an abomination to Jehovah, And the prayer of the upright [is] His delight.
9 An abomination to Jehovah [is] the way of the wicked, And whoso is pursuing righteousness He loveth.
10 Chastisement [is] grievous to him who is forsaking the path, Whoso is hating reproof dieth.
11 Sheol and destruction [are] before Jehovah, Surely also the hearts of the sons of men.
12 A scorner loveth not his reprover, Unto the wise he goeth not.
13 A joyful heart maketh glad the face, And by grief of heart is the spirit smitten.
14 The heart of the intelligent seeketh knowledge, And the mouth of fools enjoyeth folly.
15 All the days of the afflicted [are] evil, And gladness of heart [is] a perpetual banquet.
16 Better [is] a little with the fear of Jehovah, Than much treasure, and tumult with it.
17 Better [is] an allowance of green herbs and love there, Than a fatted ox, and hatred with it.
18 A man of fury stirreth up contention, And the slow to anger appeaseth strife.
19 The way of the slothful [is] as a hedge of briers, And the path of the upright is raised up.
20 A wise son rejoiceth a father. And a foolish man is despising his mother.
21 Folly is joy to one lacking heart, And a man of intelligence directeth [his] going.
22 Without counsel [is] the making void of purposes, And in a multitude of counsellors it is established.
23 Joy [is] to a man in the answer of his mouth, And a word in its season -- how good!
24 A path of life [is] on high for the wise, To turn aside from Sheol beneath.
25 The house of the proud Jehovah pulleth down, And He setteth up the border of the widow.
26 An abomination to Jehovah [are] thoughts of wickedness, And pure [are] sayings of pleasantness.
27 A dishonest gainer is troubling his house, And whoso is hating gifts liveth.
28 The heart of the righteous meditateth to answer, And the mouth of the wicked uttereth evil things.
29 Far [is] Jehovah from the wicked, And the prayer of the righteous He heareth.
30 The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart, A good report maketh fat the bone.
31 An ear that is hearing the reproof of life Doth lodge among the wise.
32 Whoso is refusing instruction is despising his soul, And whoso is hearing reproof Is getting understanding.
33 The fear of Jehovah [is] the instruction of wisdom, And before honour [is] humility!
Proverbs 15
Revised Standard Version
15 A soft answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.
2 The tongue of the wise dispenses knowledge,[a]
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.
18 A hot-tempered man stirs up strife,
but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.
19 The way of a sluggard is overgrown with thorns,
but the path of the upright is a level highway.
20 A wise son makes a glad father,
but a foolish man despises his mother.
21 Folly is a joy to him who has no sense,
but a man of understanding walks aright.
22 Without counsel plans go wrong,
but with many advisers they succeed.
23 To make an apt answer is a joy to a man,
and a word in season, how good it is!
24 The wise man’s path leads upward to life,
that he may avoid Sheol beneath.
25 The Lord tears down the house of the proud,
but maintains the widow’s boundaries.
26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord,
the words of the pure are pleasing to him.[b]
27 He who is greedy for unjust gain makes trouble for his household,
but he who hates bribes will live.
28 The mind of the righteous ponders how to answer,
but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.
29 The Lord is far from the wicked,
but he hears the prayer of the righteous.
30 The light of the eyes rejoices the heart,
and good news refreshes[c] the bones.
31 He whose ear heeds wholesome admonition
will abide among the wise.
32 He who ignores instruction despises himself,
but he who heeds admonition gains understanding.
33 The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom,
and humility goes before honor.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 15:2 Cn: Heb makes knowledge good
- Proverbs 15:26 Cn Compare Gk: Heb pleasant words are pure
- Proverbs 15:30 Heb makes fat
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Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1946, 1952, and 1971 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.