Proverbs 15:1-33 NIrV

[1] A gentle answer turns anger away. But mean words stir up anger. [2] The tongues of wise people use knowledge well. But the mouths of foolish people pour out foolish words. [3] The eyes of the LORD are everywhere. They watch those who are evil and those who are good. [4] A tongue that calms is like a tree of life. But a tongue that tells lies produces a broken spirit. [5] A foolish person turns their back on their parent’s correction. But anyone who accepts correction shows understanding. [6] The houses of those who do what is right hold great wealth. But those who do what is wrong earn only ruin. [7] The lips of wise people spread knowledge. But the hearts of foolish people are not honest. [8] The LORD hates the sacrifice of sinful people. But the prayers of honest people please him. [9] The LORD hates how sinners live. But he loves those who run after what is right. [10] Hard training is in store for anyone who leaves the right path. A person who hates to be corrected will die. [11] Death and the Grave lie open in front of the LORD. So human hearts certainly lie open to him! [12] People who make fun of others don’t like to be corrected. So they stay away from wise people. [13] A happy heart makes a face look cheerful. But a sad heart produces a broken spirit. [14] A heart that understands what is right looks for knowledge. But the mouths of foolish people feed on what is foolish. [15] All the days of those who are crushed are filled with pain and suffering. But a cheerful heart enjoys a good time that never ends. [16] It is better to have respect for the LORD and have little than to be rich and have trouble. [17] A few vegetables where there is love are better than the finest meat where there is hatred. [18] A person with a bad temper stirs up conflict. But a person who is patient calms things down. [19] The way of people who don’t want to work is blocked with thorns. But the path of honest people is a wide road. [20] A wise son makes his father glad. But a foolish son hates his mother. [21] A person who has no sense enjoys doing foolish things. But a person who has understanding walks straight ahead. [22] Plans fail without good advice. But they succeed when there are many advisers. [23] Joy is found in giving the right answer. And how good is a word spoken at the right time! [24] The path of life leads up for those who are wise. It keeps them from going down to the place of the dead. [25] The LORD tears down the proud person’s house. But he keeps the widow’s property safe. [26] The LORD hates the thoughts of sinful people. But he considers kind words to be pure. [27] Those who always want more bring ruin to their households. But a person who refuses to be paid to lie will live. [28] The hearts of those who do right think about how they will answer. But the mouths of those who do wrong pour out evil. [29] The LORD is far away from those who do wrong. But he hears the prayers of those who do right. [30] The cheerful look of a messenger brings joy to your heart. And good news gives health to your body. [31] Whoever listens to a warning that gives life will be at home among those who are wise. [32] Those who turn away from correction hate themselves. But anyone who accepts correction gains understanding. [33] Wisdom teaches you to have respect for the LORD. So don’t be proud if you want to be honored.