#discretion

A Gentle Answer and a Harsh Word

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 speak only foolishness.

3 The Lord’s eyes see everything that happens. He watches both evil and good people.

4 As a tree gives us fruit, healing words give us life. But evil words crush the spirit.

5 A foolish person rejects his father’s correction. But anyone who accepts correction is wise.

6 There is much wealth in the houses of good people. But evil people are paid only with trouble.

7 With their words wise people spread knowledge. But there is no knowledge in the thoughts of the foolish.

8 The Lord hates the sacrifice that the wicked person offers. But he is pleased with an honest person’s prayer.

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 really be punished. The one who hates to be corrected will die.

11 The Lord knows what is happening where the dead people are. So he can surely know what living people are thinking.

12 A person who laughs at wisdom does not like to be corrected. He will not ask advice from the wise.

13 Happiness makes a person smile. But sadness breaks a person’s spirit.

14 Smart people want more knowledge. But a foolish person just wants more foolishness.

15 Every day is hard for those who suffer. But a happy heart makes it 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 A person who quickly gets angry causes trouble. But a person who controls his temper stops a quarrel.

19 A lazy person’s life is as difficult as walking through a patch of thorns. But an honest person’s life is as easy as walking down a smooth highway.

20 A wise son makes his father happy. But a foolish person hates his mother.

21 A man without wisdom enjoys being foolish. But a man with understanding does what is right.

22 Plans fail without good advice. But plans succeed when you get advice from many others.

23 People enjoy giving good answers! Saying the right word at the right time is so pleasing!

24 A wise person does things that will make his life better. He avoids whatever would cause his death.

25 The Lord will tear down the proud person’s house. But he will protect the property of a widow.

26 The Lord hates evil thoughts. But he is pleased with kind words.

27 A greedy person brings trouble to his family. But the person who can’t be paid to do wrong will live.

28 Good people think before they answer. But the wicked simply give evil answers.

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 A wise person pays attention to correction that will improve his life.

32 A person who refuses correction hates himself. But a person who accepts correction gains understanding.

33 Respect for the Lord will teach you wisdom. If you want to be honored, you must not be proud. — Proverbs 15 | International Children’s Bible (ICB) The Holy Bible, International Children’s Bible® Copyright© 1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Thomas Nelson. Cross References: Genesis 13:8; Leviticus 7:18; Deuteronomy 19:14; Deuteronomy 32:22; Judges 8:1; 1 Kings 1:12; Nehemiah 2:2; Psalm 59:7; Proverbs 1:2; Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 1:25; Proverbs 8:21; Proverbs 9:7; Proverbs 10:1; Proverbs 12:14; Proverbs 13:18; Proverbs 16:24; Proverbs 17:1; Proverbs 18:15; Proverbs 22:5; Proverbs 25:25; Ecclesiastes 4:6; Ecclesiastes 7:5; John 9:31; Acts 1:24; Ephesians 5:15; 1 Timothy 6:9; 1 Timothy 6:11; Hebrews 4:13; 1 Peter 3:15; Revelation 2:7