Proverbs 15:15–30

¹⁵Every day is hard for those who suffer,

but a happy heart is like a continual feast.

¹⁶It is better to be poor and respect the Lord

than to be wealthy and have much trouble.

¹⁷It is better to eat vegetables with those who love you

than to eat meat with those who hate you.

¹⁸People with quick tempers cause trouble,

but those who control their tempers stop a quarrel.

¹⁹A lazy person’s life is like a patch of thorns,

but an honest person’s life is like a smooth highway.

²⁰Wise children make their father happy,

but foolish children disrespect their mother.

²¹A person without wisdom enjoys being foolish,

but someone with understanding does what is right.

²²Plans fail without good advice,

but they succeed with the advice of many others.

²³People enjoy giving good advice.

Saying the right word at the right time is so pleasing.

²⁴Wise people’s lives get better and better.

They avoid whatever would cause their death.

²⁵The Lord will tear down the proud person’s house,

but he will protect the widow’s property.

²⁶The Lord hates evil thoughts

but is pleased with kind words.

²⁷Greedy people bring trouble to their families,

but the person who can’t be paid to do wrong will live.

²⁸Good people think before they answer,

but the wicked simply pour out evil.

²⁹The Lord does not listen to the wicked,

but he hears the prayers of those who do right.

³⁰Good news makes you feel better.

Your happiness will show in your eyes.