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Proverbs chapter 15

English Standard Version

1A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. 2The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly. 3The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good. 4A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit. 5A fool despises his father’s instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is prudent. 6In the house of the righteous there is much treasure, but trouble befalls the income of the wicked. 7The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools. 8The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is acceptable to him. 9The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but he loves him who pursues righteousness. 10There is severe discipline for him who forsakes the way; whoever hates reproof will die. 11Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the LORD; how much more the hearts of the children of man! 12A scoffer does not like to be reproved; he will not go to the wise. 13A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed. 14The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly. 15All the days of the afflicted are evil, but the cheerful of heart has a continual feast. 16Better is a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble with it. 17Better is a dinner of herbs where love is than a fattened ox and hatred with it. 18A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention. 19The way of a sluggard is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a level highway. 20A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish man despises his mother. 21Folly is a joy to him who lacks sense, but a man of understanding walks straight ahead. 22Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed. 23To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is! 24The path of life leads upward for the prudent, that he may turn away from Sheol beneath. 25The LORD tears down the house of the proud but maintains the widow’s boundaries. 26The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD, but gracious words are pure. 27Whoever is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own household, but he who hates bribes will live. 28The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things. 29The LORD is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous. 30The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and good news refreshes the bones. 31The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. 32Whoever ignores instruction despises himself, but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence. 33The fear of the LORD is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor.
New International Version

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

1A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. 2The tongue of the wise makes knowledge pleasant, But the mouth of fools spouts foolishness. 3The eyes of the Lord are in every place, Watching the evil and the good. 4A soothing tongue is a tree of life, But perversion in it crushes the spirit. 5A fool rejects his father’s discipline, But he who complies with rebuke is sensible. 6Great wealth is in the house of the righteous, But trouble is in the income of the wicked. 7The lips of the wise spread knowledge, But the hearts of fools are not so. 8The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, But the prayer of the upright is His delight. 9The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, But He loves the one who pursues righteousness. 10There is severe punishment for one who abandons the way; One who hates a rebuke will die. 11 Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the Lord, How much more the hearts of mankind! 12A scoffer does not love one who rebukes him; He will not go to the wise. 13A joyful heart makes a cheerful face, But when the heart is sad, the spirit is broken. 14The mind of the intelligent seeks knowledge, But the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness. 15All the days of the needy are bad, But a cheerful heart has a continual feast. 16Better is a little with the fear of the Lord Than great treasure, and turmoil with the treasure. 17Better is a portion of vegetables where there is love, Than a fattened ox served with hatred. 18A hot-tempered person stirs up strife, But the slow to anger calms a dispute. 19The way of the lazy one is like a hedge of thorns, But the path of the upright is a highway. 20A wise son makes a father glad, But a foolish man despises his mother. 21Foolishness is joy to one who lacks sense, But a person of understanding walks straight. 22Without consultation, plans are frustrated, But with many counselors they succeed. 23A person has joy in an apt answer, And how delightful is a timely word! 24The path of life leads upward for the wise, So that he may keep away from Sheol below. 25The Lord will tear down the house of the proud, But He will set the boundary of the widow. 26Evil plans are an abomination to the Lord, But pleasant words are pure. 27He who profits illicitly troubles his own house, But he who hates bribes will live. 28The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, But the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things. 29The Lord is far from the wicked, But He hears the prayer of the righteous. 30 Bright eyes gladden the heart; Good news refreshes the bones. 31 One whose ear listens to a life-giving rebuke Will stay among the wise. 32One who neglects discipline rejects himself, But one who listens to a rebuke acquires understanding. 33 The fear of the Lord is the instruction for wisdom, And before honor comes humility.
Christian Standard Bible

1A gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath.
2The tongue of the wise makes knowledge attractive, but the mouth of fools blurts out foolishness.
3The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, observing the wicked and the good.
4The tongue that heals is a tree of life, but a devious tongue breaks the spirit.
5A fool despises his father's discipline, but a person who accepts correction is sensible.
6The house of the righteous has great wealth, but trouble accompanies the income of the wicked.
7The lips of the wise broadcast knowledge, but not so the heart of fools.
8The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
9The Lord detests the way of the wicked, but he loves the one who pursues righteousness.
10Discipline is harsh for the one who leaves the path; the one who hates correction will die.
11Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the Lord -- how much more, human hearts.
12A mocker doesn't love one who corrects him; he will not consult the wise.
13A joyful heart makes a face cheerful, but a sad heart produces a broken spirit.
14A discerning mind seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.
15All the days of the oppressed are miserable, but a cheerful heart has a continual feast.
16Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure with turmoil.
17Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened ox with hatred.
18A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but one slow to anger calms strife.
19A slacker's way is like a thorny hedge, but the path of the upright is a highway.
20A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother.
21Foolishness brings joy to one without sense, but a person with understanding walks a straight path.
22Plans fail when there is no counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.
23A person takes joy in giving an answer; and a timely word--how good that is!
24For the prudent the path of life leads upward, so that he may avoid going down to Sheol.
25The Lord tears apart the house of the proud, but he protects the widow's territory.
26The Lord detests the plans of the one who is evil, but pleasant words are pure.
27The one who profits dishonestly troubles his household, but the one who hates bribes will live.
28The mind of the righteous person thinks before answering, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil things.
29The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.
30Bright eyes cheer the heart; good news strengthens the bones.
31One who listens to life-giving rebukes will be at home among the wise.
32Anyone who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever listens to correction acquires good sense. 33The fear of the Lord is what wisdom teaches, and humility comes before honor.
New Living Translation

1A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.
2The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness.
3The Lord is watching everywhere, keeping his eye on both the evil and the good.
4Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.
5Only a fool despises a parent’s discipline; whoever learns from correction is wise.
6There is treasure in the house of the godly, but the earnings of the wicked bring trouble.
7The lips of the wise give good advice; the heart of a fool has none to give.
8The Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but he delights in the prayers of the upright.
9The Lord detests the way of the wicked, but he loves those who pursue godliness.
10Whoever abandons the right path will be severely disciplined; whoever hates correction will die.
11Even Death and Destruction hold no secrets from the Lord. How much more does he know the human heart!
12Mockers hate to be corrected, so they stay away from the wise.
13A glad heart makes a happy face; a broken heart crushes the spirit.
14A wise person is hungry for knowledge, while the fool feeds on trash.
15For the despondent, every day brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast.
16Better to have little, with fear for the Lord, than to have great treasure and inner turmoil.
17A bowl of vegetables with someone you love is better than steak with someone you hate.
18A hot-tempered person starts fights; a cool-tempered person stops them.
19A lazy person’s way is blocked with briers, but the path of the upright is an open highway.
20Sensible children bring joy to their father; foolish children despise their mother.
21Foolishness brings joy to those with no sense; a sensible person stays on the right path.
22Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success.
23Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!
24The path of life leads upward for the wise; they leave the grave behind.
25The Lord tears down the house of the proud, but he protects the property of widows.
26The Lord detests evil plans, but he delights in pure words.
27Greed brings grief to the whole family, but those who hate bribes will live.
28The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words.
29The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayers of the righteous.
30A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news makes for good health.
31If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise.
32If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding.
33Fear of the Lord teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor.
King James Version

1A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
2The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.
3The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.
4A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.
5A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.
6In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.
7The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.
8The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
9The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.
10Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.
11Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?
12A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.
13A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
14The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.
15All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.
16Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith. 17Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.
18A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.
19The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.
20A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.
21Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.
22Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellers they are established.
23A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!
24The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.
25The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.
26The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.
27He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.
28The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.
29The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
30The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.
31The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.
32He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.
33The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.

What does Proverbs chapter 15 mean?

This continues a long string of "proverbs:" short, general-case expressions of commonsense wisdom. A large section of these began in Proverbs chapter 10 and continues through Proverbs 22:16.

Solomon begins with several statements commending self-control. Cautious, gentle answers not only prevent additional strife, they reduce whatever tension already exists. A wise person carefully chooses their response, rather than babbling out whatever comes to mind. Closely connected to this is the need to humbly accept correction (Proverbs 15:1–5).

Next are several contrasts. These compare the righteous with the wicked, using the parallel ideas of those who are wise and those who are foolish. These proverbs echo themes such as the life-giving nature of godly wisdom, the disastrous consequences of sin, the importance of humility, and the value of seeking advice (Proverbs 15:6–12).

The majority of the chapter is made up of individual segments of wisdom, with a few repeating themes. Solomon notes the importance of perspective, which is more influential than wealth when it comes to happiness. Careful planning, seeking advice, hard work, and righteousness are all commended. Laziness, impatience, arrogance, and hypocrisy are condemned. The chapter ends with three proverbs echoing the recurring theme that sensible persons listen to godly wisdom—and this only comes through a reverent honor of God (Proverbs 15:13–33).
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