Proverbs 15:15–30

¹⁵The life of the poor is a constant struggle, but happy people always enjoy life.

¹⁶Better to be poor and fear the Lord than to be rich and in trouble.

¹⁷Better to eat vegetables with people you love than to eat the finest meat where there is hate.

¹⁸Hot tempers cause arguments, but patience brings peace.

¹⁹If you are lazy, you will meet difficulty everywhere, but if you are honest, you will have no trouble.

²⁰Wise children make their fathers happy. Only fools despise their mothers.

²¹Stupid people are happy with their foolishness, but the wise will do what is right.

²²Get all the advice you can, and you will succeed; without it you will fail.

²³What a joy it is to find just the right word for the right occasion!

²⁴Wise people walk the road that leads upwards to life, not the road that leads downwards to death.

²⁵The Lord will destroy the homes of arrogant men, but he will protect a widow’s property.

²⁶The Lord hates evil thoughts, but he is pleased with friendly words.

²⁷If you try to make a profit dishonestly, you will get your family into trouble. Don’t take bribes and you will live longer.

²⁸Good people think before they answer. Evil people have a quick reply, but it causes trouble.

²⁹When good people pray, the Lord listens, but he ignores those who are evil.

³⁰Smiling faces make you happy, and good news makes you feel better.