Proverbs 15:1-33 ICB

[1] A gentle answer will calm a person's anger. But an unkind answer will cause more anger. [2] Wise people use knowledge when they speak. But fools speak only foolishness. [3] The Lord's eyes see everything that happens. He watches both evil and good people. [4] As a tree gives us fruit, healing words give us life. But evil words crush the spirit. [5] A foolish person rejects his father's correction. But anyone who accepts correction is wise. [6] There is much wealth in the houses of good people. But evil people are paid only with trouble. [7] With their words wise people spread knowledge. But there is no knowledge in the thoughts of the foolish. [8] The Lord hates the sacrifice that the wicked person offers. But he is pleased with an honest person's prayer. [9] The Lord hates what evil people do. But he loves those who do what is right. [10] The person who quits doing what is right will really be punished. The one who hates to be corrected will die. [11] The Lord knows what is happening where the dead people are. So he can surely know what living people are thinking. [12] A person who laughs at wisdom does not like to be corrected. He will not ask advice from the wise. [13] Happiness makes a person smile. But sadness breaks a person's spirit. [14] Smart people want more knowledge. But a foolish person just wants more foolishness. [15] Every day is hard for those who suffer. But a happy heart makes it like a continual feast. [16] It is better to be poor and respect the Lord than to be wealthy and have much trouble. [17] It is better to eat vegetables with those who love you than to eat meat with those who hate you. [18] A person who quickly gets angry causes trouble. But a person who controls his temper stops a quarrel. [19] A lazy person's life is as difficult as walking through a patch of thorns. But an honest person's life is as easy as walking down a smooth highway. [20] A wise son makes his father happy. But a foolish person hates his mother. [21] A man without wisdom enjoys being foolish. But a man with understanding does what is right. [22] Plans fail without good advice. But plans succeed when you get advice from many others. [23] People enjoy giving good answers! Saying the right word at the right time is so pleasing! [24] A wise person does things that will make his life better. He avoids whatever would cause his death. [25] The Lord will tear down the proud person's house. But he will protect the property of a widow. [26] The Lord hates evil thoughts. But he is pleased with kind words. [27] A greedy person brings trouble to his family. But the person who can't be paid to do wrong will live. [28] Good people think before they answer. But the wicked simply give evil answers. [29] The Lord does not listen to the wicked. But he hears the prayers of those who do right. [30] Good news makes you feel better. Your happiness will show in your eyes. [31] A wise person pays attention to correction that will improve his life. [32] A person who refuses correction hates himself. But a person who accepts correction gains understanding. [33] Respect for the Lord will teach you wisdom. If you want to be honored, you must not be proud.