Proverbs 15:9-21

New International Version

⁹The Lord detests the way of the wicked,^(A)
but he loves those who pursue righteousness.^(B)

¹⁰Stern discipline awaits anyone who leaves the path;
the one who hates correction will die.^(C)

¹¹Death and Destruction^[a] lie open before the Lord^(D)—
how much more do human hearts!^(E)

¹²Mockers resent correction,^(F)
so they avoid the wise.

¹³A happy heart makes the face cheerful,^(G)
but heartache crushes the spirit.^(H)

¹⁴The discerning heart seeks knowledge,^(I)
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.^(J)

¹⁶Better a little with the fear of the Lord
than great wealth with turmoil.^(K)

¹⁷Better a small serving of vegetables with love
than a fattened calf with hatred.^(L)

¹⁸A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict,^(M)
but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.^(N)

¹⁹The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns,^(O)
but the path of the upright is a highway.

²⁰A wise son brings joy to his father,^(P)
but a foolish man despises his mother.

²¹Folly brings joy to one who has no sense,^(Q)
but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course.

Proverbs 15:9-21

King James Version

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.

New International Version (NIV)