Chapter 15

  A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.  

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  The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, But the mouth of fools gush out folly.  

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  Yahweh's eyes are everywhere, Keeping watch on the evil and the good.  

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  A gentle tongue is a tree of life, But deceit in it crushes the spirit.  

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  A fool despises his father's correction, But he who heeds reproof shows prudence.  

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  In the house of the righteous is much treasure, But the income of the wicked brings trouble.  

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  The lips of the wise spread knowledge; Not so with the heart of fools.  

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  The sacrifice made by the wicked is an abomination to Yahweh, But the prayer of the upright is his delight.  

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  The way of the wicked is an abomination to Yahweh, But he loves him who follows after righteousness.  

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  There is stern discipline for one who forsakes the way: Whoever hates reproof shall die.  

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  Sheol and Abaddon are before Yahweh -- How much more then the hearts of the children of men!  

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  A scoffer doesn't love to be reproved; He will not go to the wise.  

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  A glad heart makes a cheerful face; But an aching heart breaks the spirit.  

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  The heart of one who has understanding seeks knowledge, But the mouths of fools feed on folly.  

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  All the days of the afflicted are wretched, But one who has a cheerful heart enjoys a continual feast.  

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  Better is little, with the fear of Yahweh, Than great treasure with trouble.  

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  Better is a dinner of herbs, where love is, Than a fattened calf with hatred.  

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  A wrathful man stirs up contention, But one who is slow to anger appeases strife.  

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  The way of the sluggard is like a thorn patch, But the path of the upright is a highway.  

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  A wise son makes a father glad, But a foolish man despises his mother.  

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  Folly is joy to one who is void of wisdom, But a man of understanding keeps his way straight.  

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  Where there is no counsel, plans fail; But in a multitude of counselors they are established.  

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  Joy comes to a man with the reply of his mouth. How good is a word at the right time!  

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  The path of life leads upward for the wise, To keep him from going downward to Sheol.  

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  Yahweh will uproot the house of the proud, But he will keep the widow's borders intact.  

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  Yahweh detests the thoughts of the wicked, But the thoughts of the pure are pleasing.  

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  He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, But he who hates bribes will live.  

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  The heart of the righteous weighs answers, But the mouth of the wicked gushes out evil.  

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  Yahweh is far from the wicked, But he hears the prayer of the righteous.  

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  The light of the eyes rejoices the heart. Good news gives health to the bones.  

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  The ear that listens to the reproof lives, And will be at home among the wise.  

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  He who refuses correction despises his own soul, But he who listens to reproof gets understanding.  

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  The fear of Yahweh teaches wisdom. Before honor is humility.  

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