Proverbs 15:16-33

Christian Standard Bible

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

¹⁷ Better a meal of vegetables where there is love
than a fattened ox^(B) with hatred.^(C)

¹⁸ A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict,^(D)
but one slow to anger^(E) calms strife.

¹⁹ A slacker’s way is like a thorny hedge,
but the path of the upright is a highway.^(F)

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

²¹ Foolishness brings joy to one without sense,
but a person with understanding walks a straight path.^(H)

²² Plans fail when there is no counsel,
but with many advisers they succeed.^(I)

²³ A person takes joy in giving an answer;^[a]
and a timely word—how good that is!^(J)

²⁴ For the prudent the path of life leads upward,
so that he may avoid going down to Sheol.

²⁵ The Lord tears apart the house of the proud,
but he protects the widow’s territory.^(K)

²⁶ The Lord detests the plans of the one who is evil,
but pleasant words are pure.^(L)

²⁷ The one who profits dishonestly^(M) troubles his household,
but the one who hates bribes will live.^(N)

²⁸ The mind of the righteous person thinks before answering,^(O)
but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil things.^(P)

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

³⁰ Bright eyes cheer the heart;
good news strengthens^[b] the bones.^(S)

³¹ One who^[c] listens to life-giving rebukes^(T)
will be at home among the wise.

³² Anyone who ignores discipline despises himself,^(U)
but whoever listens to correction acquires good sense.^[d](V)

³³ The fear of the Lord is what wisdom teaches,
and humility comes before honor.^(W)