(KJV) Proverbs 15

⥃A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath

[1] A soft¹ answer turneth away wrath: but grievous² words stir up anger. [2] The tongue³ of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth⁴ out foolishness. [3] The eyes of the Lord [are] in every place, beholding the evil and the good.⁵ [4] A wholesome⁶ tongue [is] a tree⁷ of life: but perverseness therein [is] a breach⁸ in the spirit. [5] A fool⁹ despiseth his father’s instruction: but¹⁰ he that regardeth reproof is prudent. [6] In the house¹¹ of the righteous [is] much treasure: but in the revenues¹² of the wicked is trouble. [7] The lips¹³ of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart¹⁴ of the foolish [doeth] not so. [8] The sacrifice¹⁵ of the wicked [is] an abomination to the Lord: but the prayer¹⁶ of the upright [is] his delight. [9] The way¹⁷ of the wicked [is] an abomination unto the Lord: but he loveth¹⁸ him that followeth after righteousness. [10] Correction¹⁹ [is] grievous²⁰ unto him that forsaketh the way: [and] he²¹ that hateth reproof shall die. [11] Hell²² and destruction [are] before the Lord: how much more then the hearts²³ of the children of men? [12] A scorner²⁴ loveth not one that reproveth him: neither²⁵ will he go unto the wise. [13] A merry²⁶ heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by²⁷ sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. [14] The heart²⁸ of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth²⁹ of fools feedeth on foolishness. [15] All³⁰ the days of the afflicted [are] evil: but³¹ he that is of a merry heart [hath] a continual feast. [16] Better [is] little³² with the fear of the Lord than great³³ treasure and trouble therewith. [17] Better [is] a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.³⁴ [18] A wrathful³⁵ man stirreth up strife: but [he³⁶ that is] slow to anger appeaseth strife. [19] The way of the slothful³⁷ [man is] as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous³⁸ [is] made plain³⁹. [20] A wise⁴⁰ son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth⁴¹ his mother. [21] Folly [is] joy⁴² to [him that is] destitute of wisdom⁴³: but a man⁴⁴ of understanding walketh uprightly. [22] Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.⁴⁵ [23] A man hath joy⁴⁶ by the answer of his mouth: and a word [spoken] in due season⁴⁷, how⁴⁸ good [is it]! [24] The way⁴⁹ of life [is] above⁵⁰ to the wise, that⁵¹ he may depart from hell beneath. [25] The Lord will destroy⁵² the house of the proud: but⁵³ he will establish the border of the widow. [26] The thoughts⁵⁴ of the wicked [are] an abomination to the Lord: but⁵⁵ [the words] of the pure [are] pleasant words⁵⁶. [27] He that is⁵⁷ greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but⁵⁸ he that hateth gifts shall live. [28] The heart⁵⁹ of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth⁶⁰ of the wicked poureth out evil things. [29] The Lord [is] far⁶¹ from the wicked: but he heareth⁶² the prayer of the righteous. [30] The light⁶³ of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: [and] a good⁶⁴ report maketh the bones⁶⁵ fat. [31] The ear⁶⁶ that heareth the reproof of life abideth⁶⁷ among the wise. [32] He that refuseth⁶⁸ instruction⁶⁹ despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth⁷⁰ reproof getteth understanding⁷¹. [33] The fear⁷² of the Lord [is] the instruction of wisdom; and⁷³ before honour [is] humility.