Proverbs 15:19-29

English Standard Version

¹⁹ The way of ^(A)a sluggard is like a hedge of ^(B)thorns,
    but the path of the upright is ^(C)a level highway.
^20 (D)A wise son makes a glad father,
    but a foolish man despises his mother.
^21 (E)Folly is a joy to him who lacks sense,
    but a man of understanding ^(F)walks straight ahead.
^22 (G)Without counsel plans fail,
    but with many advisers they succeed.
²³ To make an apt answer is a joy to a man,
    and ^(H)a word in season, how good it is!
²⁴ The path of life leads upward ^(I)for the prudent,
    that he may turn away from Sheol beneath.
²⁵ The Lord tears down the house of ^(J)the proud
    but ^(K)maintains ^(L)the widow's boundaries.
^26 (M)The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord,
    but ^(N)gracious words are pure.
²⁷ Whoever is ^(O)greedy for unjust gain ^(P)troubles his own household,
    but he who hates ^(Q)bribes will live.
²⁸ The heart of the righteous ^(R)ponders how to answer,
    but ^(S)the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.
²⁹ The Lord is ^(T)far from the wicked,
    but he ^(U)hears the prayer of the righteous.