Sundry observations of moral virtues, and their contrary vices.

15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.

15:2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge,
but the mouth of fools gush out folly.

15:3 Yahweh’s eyes are everywhere,
keeping watch on the evil and the good.

15:4 A gentle tongue is a tree of life,
but deceit in it crushes the spirit.

15:5 A fool despises his father’s correction,
but he who heeds reproof shows prudence.

15:6 In the house of the righteous is much treasure,
but the income of the wicked brings trouble.

15:7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge;
not so with the heart of fools.

15:8 The sacrifice made by the wicked is an abomination to Yahweh,
but the prayer of the upright is his delight.

15:9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to Yahweh,
but he loves him who follows after righteousness.

15:10 There is stern discipline for one who forsakes the way:
whoever hates reproof shall die.

15:11 Sheol and Abaddon are before Yahweh—
how much more then the hearts of the children of men!

15:12 A scoffer doesn’t love to be reproved;
he will not go to the wise.

15:13 A glad heart makes a cheerful face;
but an aching heart breaks the spirit.

15:14 The heart of one who has understanding seeks knowledge,
but the mouths of fools feed on folly.

15:15 All the days of the afflicted are wretched,
but one who has a cheerful heart enjoys a continual feast.

15:16 Better is little, with the fear of Yahweh,
than great treasure with trouble.

15:17 Better is a dinner of herbs, where love is,
than a fattened calf with hatred.

15:18 A wrathful man stirs up contention,
but one who is slow to anger appeases strife.

15:19 The way of the sluggard is like a thorn patch,
but the path of the upright is a highway.

15:20 A wise son makes a father glad,
but a foolish man despises his mother.

15:21 Folly is joy to one who is void of wisdom,
but a man of understanding keeps his way straight.

15:22 Where there is no counsel, plans fail;
but in a multitude of counselors they are established.

15:23 Joy comes to a man with the reply of his mouth.
How good is a word at the right time!

15:24 The path of life leads upward for the wise,
to keep him from going downward to Sheol.

15:25 Yahweh will uproot the house of the proud,
but he will keep the widow’s borders intact.

15:26 Yahweh detests the thoughts of the wicked,
but the thoughts of the pure are pleasing.

15:27 He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house,
but he who hates bribes will live.

15:28 The heart of the righteous weighs answers,
but the mouth of the wicked gushes out evil.

15:29 Yahweh is far from the wicked,
but he hears the prayer of the righteous.

15:30 The light of the eyes rejoices the heart.
Good news gives health to the bones.

Proverbs 25:25

15:31 The ear that listens to reproof lives,
and will be at home among the wise.

15:32 He who refuses correction despises his own soul,
but he who listens to reproof gets understanding.

15:33 The fear of Yahweh teaches wisdom.
Before honor is humility.