wisdom library
Proverbs 15 — NIV
A Gentle Answer
This chapter highlights the power of gentle speech, a joyful heart, and a right relationship with God, contrasting the peace of the righteous with the turmoil of the wicked.
Proverbs 15:1“1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Proverbs 15:2“2 The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.”
Proverbs 15:3“3 The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.”
Proverbs 15:4“4 The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.”
Proverbs 15:5“5 A fool spurns a parent's discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.”
Proverbs 15:6“6 The house of the righteous contains great treasure, but the income of the wicked brings ruin.”
Proverbs 15:7“7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but the hearts of fools are not upright.”
Proverbs 15:8“8 The Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him.”
Proverbs 15:9“9 The Lord detests the way of the wicked, but he loves those who pursue righteousness.”
Proverbs 15:10“10 Stern discipline awaits anyone who leaves the path; the one who hates correction will die.”
Proverbs 15:11“11 Death and Destruction[a] lie open before the Lord— how much more do human hearts!”
Proverbs 15:12“12 Mockers resent correction, so they avoid the wise.”
Proverbs 15:13“13 A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.”
Proverbs 15:14“14 The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.”
Proverbs 15:15“15 All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.”
Proverbs 15:16“16 Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil.”
Proverbs 15:17“17 Better a small serving of vegetables with love than a fattened calf with hatred.”
Proverbs 15:18“18 A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.”
Proverbs 15:19“19 The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway.”
Proverbs 15:20“20 A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother.”
Proverbs 15:21“21 Folly brings joy to one who has no sense, but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course.”
Proverbs 15:22“22 Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”
Proverbs 15:23“23 A person finds joy in giving an apt reply— and how good is a timely word!”
Proverbs 15:24“24 The path of life leads upward for the prudent to keep them from going down to the realm of the dead.”
Proverbs 15:25“25 The Lord tears down the house of the proud, but he sets the widow's boundary stones in place.”
Proverbs 15:26“26 The Lord detests the thoughts of the wicked, but gracious words are pure in his sight.”
Proverbs 15:27“27 The greedy bring ruin to their households, but the one who hates bribes will live.”
Proverbs 15:28“28 The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.”
Proverbs 15:29“29 The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.”
Proverbs 15:30“30 Light in a messenger's eyes brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.”
Proverbs 15:31“31 Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise.”
Proverbs 15:32“32 Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding.”
Proverbs 15:33“33 Wisdom's instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor.”
Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® (NIV®). Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.