Whoever Heeds Correction Shows Prudence

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

The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.

The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.

The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.

A fool spurns a parent’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.

The house of the righteous contains great treasure, but the income of the wicked brings ruin.

The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but the hearts of fools are not upright.

The Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him.

The Lord detests the way of the wicked, but he loves those who pursue righteousness.

Stern discipline awaits anyone who leaves the path; the one who hates correction will die.

Death and Destruction lie open before the Lord— how much more do human hearts!

Mockers resent correction, so they avoid the wise.

A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.

The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.

All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.

Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil.

Better a small serving of vegetables with love than a fattened calf with hatred.

A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.

The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway.

A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother.

Folly brings joy to one who has no sense, but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course.

Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.

A person finds joy in giving an apt reply—and how good is a timely word!

Proverbs 15:1-23

The tragedy of war is staggering, yet our relationships and families can begin to fracture with only a few hateful words.

A small comment can start a large fight. When we, by God’s grace, choose not to retaliate with our words, we honor Jesus the Savior. When He was abused and insulted, He followed the prophetic words of Isaiah, “He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth.”

Proverbs urges us to speak the truth and seek peace through our words: “A wholesome tongue is a tree of life…and a word spoken in due season, how good it is!”

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love.

Our Daily Bread – October 20, 2014