Proverbs 15:1-33 TLB

[1] A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words cause quarrels. [2] A wise teacher makes learning a joy; a rebellious teacher spouts foolishness. [3] The Lord is watching everywhere and keeps his eye on both the evil and the good. [4] Gentle words cause life and health; griping brings discouragement. [5] Only a fool despises his father's advice; a wise son considers each suggestion. [6] There is treasure in being good, but trouble dogs the wicked. [7] Only the good can give good advice. Rebels can't. [8] The Lord hates the gifts of the wicked but delights in the prayers of his people. [9] The Lord despises the deeds of the wicked but loves those who try to be good. If they stop trying, the Lord will punish them; if they rebel against that punishment, they will die. [11] The depths of hell are open to God's knowledge. How much more the hearts of all mankind! [12] A mocker stays away from wise men because he hates to be scolded. [13] A happy face means a glad heart; a sad face means a breaking heart. [14] A wise man is hungry for truth, while the mocker feeds on trash. [15] When a man is gloomy, everything seems to go wrong; when he is cheerful, everything seems right! [16] Better a little with reverence for God than great treasure and trouble with it. [17] It is better to eat soup with someone you love than steak with someone you hate. [18] A quick-tempered man starts fights; a cool-tempered man tries to stop them. [19] A lazy fellow has trouble all through life; the good man's path is easy! [20] A sensible son gladdens his father. A rebellious son saddens his mother. [21] If a man enjoys folly, something is wrong! The sensible stay on the pathways of right. [22] Plans go wrong with too few counselors; many counselors bring success. [23] Everyone enjoys giving good advice, and how wonderful it is to be able to say the right thing at the right time! [24] The road of the godly leads upward, leaving hell behind. [25] The Lord destroys the possessions of the proud but cares for widows. [26] The Lord hates the thoughts of the wicked but delights in kind words. [27] Dishonest money brings grief to all the family, but hating bribes brings happiness. [28] A good man thinks before he speaks; the evil man pours out his evil words without a thought. [29] The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayers of the righteous. [30] Pleasant sights and good reports give happiness and health. [31] If you profit from constructive criticism, you will be elected to the wise men's hall of fame. But to reject criticism is to harm yourself and your own best interests. [33] Humility and reverence for the Lord will make you both wise and honored.