Proverbs 15:1-33 VOICE

[1] A tender answer turns away rage, but a prickly reply spikes anger. [2] The words of the wise extend knowledge, but foolish people utter nonsense. [3] The Eternal can see all things; His gaze is fixed on both the evil and the good. [4] A word of encouragement heals the one who receives it, but a deceitful word breaks the spirit. [5] Fools refuse their parents' guidance, but sensible children accept correction. [6] Great treasure may be found where the right-living make their home, but trouble awaits the wicked at every turn. [7] When the wise speak, knowledge spreads far and wide, but fools care nothing about such matters. [8] When the wicked offer sacrifices, they disgust the Eternal, but the prayers of those who do right are a pleasure to Him. [9] The lifestyle of the wicked is repulsive to Him, while those who do right delight Him. [10] Harsh punishment is waiting for those who reject the path of life, and those who hate correction will die. [11] The grave and destruction are fully exposed before the Eternal; how much more does He know the thoughts of Adam's children! [12] Those who mock others don't like being corrected, so they keep their distance from the wise. [13] A warm, smiling face reveals a joy-filled heart, but heartache crushes the spirit and darkens the appearance. [14] Those who have understanding hearts hunger after knowledge, but those with no understanding feast on foolishness. [15] The poor and oppressed suffer hardship day after day, but those with kind hearts continually feast. [16] It is better to live with less and honor the Eternal than to have riches and carry the burdens that come with them. [17] Better to eat only vegetables served lovingly than a fattened ox served hatefully. [18] A hot-headed person stirs up trouble, but one with patience settles a fight. [19] Lazy people walk a path overgrown with thornbushes, but those with integrity travel a wide, level road. [20] A wise child makes his father happy, but a foolish man despises his mother. [21] Foolishness brings sheer joy to those who have no sense, but people with insight steer a straight course through life. [22] Plans fall apart without proper advice; but with the right guidance, they come together nicely. [23] There is great joy in having the right answer, and how sweet is the right word at the right time! [24] For the wise the road of life climbs up steep grades in order to avoid the slide down to the grave. [25] The Eternal splinters the house of the haughty, but He secures the property of widows. [26] The thoughts of the wrongdoers repulse the Eternal, but kind words are pure pleasure for Him. [27] Those who take illegal gains injure their families, but those who refuse a bribe will live in peace. [28] The right-living think before they speak, but wrongdoers simply spew evil. [29] The Eternal stays far from the wrongdoers, but He listens to the prayer of the right-living. [30] Bright eyes and a cheerful expression bring joy to the heart, and good news revives the spirit and renews health. [31] Those who learn from the lessons of life will join the others who are wise. [32] Those who disregard discipline sabotage themselves, but those who are open to correction gain understanding. [33] Reverence for the Eternal is the first lesson of wisdom, and humility always precedes honor.