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Proverbs 15 (NIV)
15 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. 2 The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge,
but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. 3 The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good. 4 The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit. 5 A fool spurns a parent’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence. 6 The house of the righteous contains great treasure,
but the income of the wicked brings ruin. 7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but the hearts of fools are not upright. 8 The Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him. 9 The Lord detests the way of the wicked, but he loves those who pursue righteousness. 10 Stern discipline awaits anyone who leaves the path; the one who hates correction will die. 11 Death and Destruction lie open before the Lord—how much more do human hearts! 12 Mockers resent correction, so they avoid the wise. 13 A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit. 14 The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly. 15 All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast. 16 Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil. 17 Better a small serving of vegetables with love than a fattened calf with hatred. 18 A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel. 19 The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway. 20 A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother. 21 Folly brings joy to one who has no sense, but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course. 22 Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers, they succeed. 23 A person finds joy in giving an apt reply—and how good is a timely word! 24 The path of life leads upward for the prudent to keep them from going down to the realm of the dead. 25 The Lord tears down the house of the proud, but he sets the widow’s boundary stones in place. 26 The Lord detests the thoughts of the wicked, but gracious words are pure in his sight. 27 The greedy bring ruin to their households, but the one who hates bribes will live. 28 The heart of the righteous weighs its answers,
but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil. 29 The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous. 30 Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones. 31 Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise. 32 Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding. 33 Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor.
As a key unlocks a lock, what keywords unlock the meaning of this chapter?
The Proverbs 15 reading today provides a guide to living life in society and before You. The key areas that I noticed are regarding words, instruction, a heart for You, and prayer. Words are powerful and can hurt or heal. Help me to use kind words to heal, help, and encourage others. Surround me with wise people who love You and can guide me. Thank you for my parents and friends who are able to speak the truth to me when I have gotten out of line. Lord, protect my heart. The Hebrew understanding of ‘the heart’ included the emotions, but it also involved the mind, the conscience, and the will. It means everything that is going on inside of me. What is inside of me is so much more important than what is on the outside. Thank you, Lord, that you see beyond my outward appearance and into my heart. Let my face reflect a heart that is filled with Your love, peace, and joy so that I can bring encouragement and confidence to everyone I encounter. Let my smile put others at ease and cheer them up. You delight in genuine prayers. I believe that praying to you will make a difference in what happens. Lead me through Your Spirit through prayer and Your Word and guide me to get wise advice from others. Lord, thank you for the many times you have heard and answered my prayers. Let my life be directed by Your wisdom so that as I live like this, I bring great blessing to others and my life will flourish with Your peace. Amen.