Proverbs 15:1-33 NCV

[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 pour out foolishness. [3] The LORD's eyes see everything; he watches both evil and good people. [4] As a tree gives fruit, healing words give life, but dishonest words crush the spirit. [5] Fools reject their parents' correction, but anyone who accepts correction is wise. [6] Much wealth is in the houses of good people, but evil people get nothing but trouble. [7] Wise people use their words to spread knowledge, but there is no knowledge in the thoughts of fools. [8] The LORD hates the sacrifice that the wicked offer, but he likes the prayers of honest people. [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 be punished, and the one who hates to be corrected will die. [11] The LORD knows what is happening in the world of the dead, so he surely knows the thoughts of the living. [12] Those who make fun of wisdom don't like to be corrected; they will not ask the wise for advice. [13] Happiness makes a person smile, but sadness can break a person's spirit. [14] People with understanding want more knowledge, but fools just want more foolishness. [15] Every day is hard for those who suffer, but a happy heart is 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] People with quick tempers cause trouble, but those who control their tempers stop a quarrel. [19] A lazy person's life is like a patch of thorns, but an honest person's life is like a smooth highway. [20] Wise children make their father happy, but foolish children disrespect their mother. [21] A person without wisdom enjoys being foolish, but someone with understanding does what is right. [22] Plans fail without good advice, but they succeed with the advice of many others. [23] People enjoy giving good advice. Saying the right word at the right time is so pleasing. [24] Wise people's lives get better and better. They avoid whatever would cause their death. [25] The LORD will tear down the proud person's house, but he will protect the widow's property. [26] The LORD hates evil thoughts but is pleased with kind words. [27] Greedy people bring trouble to their families, but the person who can't be paid to do wrong will live. [28] Good people think before they answer, but the wicked simply pour out evil. [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] If you listen to correction to improve your life, you will live among the wise. [32] Those who refuse correction hate themselves, but those who accept correction gain understanding. [33] Respect for the LORD will teach you wisdom. If you want to be honored, you must be humble.