# Proverbs 15 (New King James Version)
A Soft Answer Turns Away Wrath

##### Chapter 15
###### 1 A soft answer turns away wrath,  
But a harsh word stirs up anger.  

###### 2 The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly,  
But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.

###### 3 The eyes of the Lord _are_ in every place,  
Keeping watch on the evil and the good.

###### 4 A wholesome tongue _is_ a tree of life,  
But perverseness in it breaks the spirit.

###### 5 A fool despises his father's instruction,  
But he who receives correction is prudent.

###### 6 _In_ the house of the righteous _there is_ much treasure,  
But in the revenue of the wicked is trouble.

###### 7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge,  
But the heart of the fool _does_ not _do_ so.

###### 8 The sacrifice of the wicked _is_ an abomination to the Lord,  
But the prayer of the upright _is_ His delight.  

###### 9 The way of the wicked _is_ an abomination to the Lord,  
But He loves him who follows righteousness.

###### 10 Harsh discipline _is_ for him who forsakes the way,  
_And_ he who hates correction will die.

###### 11 Hell and Destruction _are_ before the Lord;  
So how much more the hearts of the sons of men.

###### 12 A scoffer does not love one who corrects him,  
Nor will he go to the wise.

###### 13 A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance,  
But by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.

###### 14 The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge,  
But the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.

###### 15 All the days of the afflicted _are_ evil,  
But he who is of a merry heart _has_ a continual feast.

###### 16 Better _is_ a little with the fear of the Lord,  
Than great treasure with trouble.  

###### 17 Better _is_ a dinner of herbs where love is,  
Than a fatted calf with hatred.

###### 18 A wrathful man stirs up strife,  
But _he who is_ slow to anger allays contention.

###### 19 The way of the lazy _man is_ like a hedge of thorns,  
But the way of the upright _is_ a highway.

###### 20 A wise son makes a father glad,  
But a foolish man despises his mother.

###### 21 Folly _is_ joy _to him who is_ destitute of discernment,  
But a man of understanding walks uprightly.

###### 22 Without counsel, plans go awry,  
But in the multitude of counselors they are established.

###### 23 A man has joy by the answer of his mouth,  
And a word _spoken_ in due season, how good _it is!_

###### 24 The way of life _winds_ upward for the wise,  
That he may turn away from hell below.

###### 25 The Lord will destroy the house of the proud,  
But He will establish the boundary of the widow.

###### 26 The thoughts of the wicked _are_ an abomination to the Lord,  
But the words of the pure _are_ pleasant.

###### 27 He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house,  
But he who hates bribes will live.

###### 28 The heart of the righteous studies how to answer,  
But the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil.

###### 29 The Lord _is_ far from the wicked,  
But He hears the prayer of the righteous.

###### 30 The light of the eyes rejoices the heart,  
_And_ a good report makes the bones healthy.

###### 31 The ear that hears the rebukes of life  
Will abide among the wise.  

###### 32 He who disdains instruction despises his own soul,  
But he who heeds rebuke gets understanding.  

###### 33 The fear of the Lord _is_ the instruction of wisdom,  
And before honor _is_ humility.