Proverbs 15

²A wise person thinks before speaking. They use words carefully and well. But a foolish person says whatever comes out — without thinking.

³God sees everything, everywhere. There is no place where He cannot see. He sees the good and the bad.

⁴Kind, honest words give life — like a healthy, fruitful tree. But twisted, hurtful words break people inside.

⁵A foolish child hates being taught by their parents. But a wise child listens to correction and grows.

⁶A home built on doing right has real treasure in it. But a home built on doing wrong ends up full of trouble.

⁷Wise people share good things when they speak. Their words help others learn. But foolish people's hearts hold no wisdom to give.

⁸God does not want offerings from people who keep doing wrong. It disgusts Him. But the prayer of someone who lives right delights His heart.

⁹God hates the whole path that wicked people walk. But He loves the person who keeps chasing after what is right.

¹⁰A person who leaves God's way hates being corrected. And a person who hates correction will end up in real danger.

¹¹Even the deepest, darkest places are open before God. How much more, then, does He see what is in every person's heart?

¹²A person who mocks others hates being corrected. They also refuse to go and learn from wise people.

¹³A happy heart shows on your face. Joy inside makes you shine outside! But deep sadness inside can break a person's spirit.

¹⁴A person with true understanding always wants to learn more. But a foolish person feeds their mind with foolishness.

¹⁵A person without joy sees every day as hard and painful. But a person with a joyful heart treats every day like a celebration.

¹⁶It is better to have a little and respect God than to have great riches with much trouble.

¹⁷A simple meal shared with love is far better than a feast shared with hate. Love makes the simplest things wonderful.

¹⁸An angry person stirs up trouble wherever they go. But a person who is slow to get angry brings peace and calms things down.

¹⁹A lazy person's life feels blocked at every turn — like a path full of thorns. But the path of a righteous person is clear and smooth.

²⁰A wise child brings their father great gladness. But a foolish person treats their mother with contempt.

²¹A person with no wisdom enjoys doing foolish things. But a person of real understanding walks on the right path.

²²Plans that are made without asking for advice often fail. But plans made with many wise advisers usually succeed.

²³The right words at the right time bring joy. Saying the right thing when someone needs it — how wonderful that is!

²⁴The wise person looks upward — to God and to life. This keeps them away from the path that leads downward to destruction.

²⁵God tears down what proud people build. But He protects and defends the widow — those who have no one to protect them.

²⁶God hates the evil thoughts inside a wicked person's mind. But the words of a pure person are truly pleasant to Him.

²⁷A greedy person brings trouble to their own family. But a person who refuses to take bribes will live well.

²⁸A righteous person thinks carefully before they answer. But a wicked person's mouth pours out harmful things without thinking.

²⁹God stays far from people who keep doing wrong. But He hears every prayer of those who live rightly before Him.

³⁰Seeing something beautiful or bright brings joy to your heart. And hearing good news fills you with strength and gladness.

³¹A person who listens when they are corrected and learns from it will live among wise people.

³²A person who refuses to be taught is hurting themselves. But a person who welcomes correction grows in understanding.

³³Respecting and honouring God is where wisdom begins. And before God gives us honour, He first makes us humble.