Chapter Fifteen

A gentle reply turns aside wrath, but a sharp response provokes anger.

The speech of a wise man clarifies knowledge, but a fool only blurts out foolishness.

The eyes of Jehovah are everywhere, keeping a watch on the good and the evil.

Soothing words are a tree of life, but words of defiance demoralize the spirit.

A fool rejects his father’s discipline, but he who accepts reproof shows good sense.

There is much treasure in the house of the righteous, but the wicked accumulates only trouble.

The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but mind of the fool does not.

Jehovah finds detestable the sacrifices made to him by the wicked, but is pleased by the prayers of the upright.

Jehovah abhors the ways of the wicked, but loves those who follow a righteous path.

Those who depart from the righteous path will be harshly disciplined; those who hate reproof will die.

Death and Destruction are not secrets to Jehovah —how much more does he know of the human heart.

The scoffer does not like to be corrected; therefore he does not consult the wise.

A merry heart makes a glad face, but a sad heart makes for a broken spirit.

The mind of an intelligent man hungers for knowledge, but the mouth of the fool feeds on folly.

Every day is miserable for those who are depressed, but one of cheerful mind knows a perpetual feast.

Having little with a reverence for Jehovah is better than having a great treasure with turmoil.

Better a meal of vegetables served with love, than a fatted calf served with hatred.

A quick-tempered man stirs up discord, but one who is slow to anger placates strife.

The way of the sluggard is a patch of thorns, but the way of the upright is a clear road.

A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish man looks down upon his mother.

Foolish meandering brings joy to those who have no sense, but a man of understanding walks with straight steps.

Plans go awry through lack of counsel, but succeed when there are many to give advice.

A man enjoys it when he can make an apt response.  How good is a timely, well-placed word!

For the wise the path of life rises upward, away from hell below.

Jehovah will raze the house of the arrogant, but will protect the boundary markers of the widow’s property.

Jehovah detests the plots of the wicked, but pleasing to him are the gracious words of the pure in heart.

He who strives for unjust gain will bring ruin to his family, but those who reject bribes will thrive.

The mind of a righteous man will carefully weigh his answers, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out nasty words.

Jehovah is distant from the wicked, but hears the prayer of the righteous.

Merry eyes gladden the heart and good news is a tonic for the body.

He who heeds a warning that may save his life will find himself at home among the wise.

He who rejects instruction despises himself, but he who listens to criticism receives understanding.

Reverence for Jehovah is the lesson of wisdom; honors are preceded by humility.