Proverbs 15:15-24

New International Version

¹⁵ All the days of the oppressed are wretched,
    but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.^(A)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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