The Tanakh · JPS 1917 Translation

Proverbs 15

Jewish Publication Society 1917 · Ketuvim — the Writings

Proverbs chapter 15 — part of the Ketuvim — the Writings in the Jewish Bible. In the classic JPS 1917 translation it opens: “A soft answer turneth away wrath; but a grievous word stirreth up anger.” — the complete text of all 33 verses is below, free to read online.

1A soft answer turneth away wrath; but a grievous word stirreth up anger.

2The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright; but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.

3The eyes of HaShem are in every place, keeping watch upon the evil and the good.

4A soothing tongue is a tree of life; but perverseness therein is a wound to the spirit.

5A fool despiseth his father's correction; but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.

6In the house of the righteous is much treasure; but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.

7The lips of the wise disperse knowledge; but the heart of the foolish is not stedfast.

8The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to HaShem; but the prayer of the upright is His delight.

9The way of the wicked is an abomination to HaShem; but He loveth him that followeth after righteousness.

10There is grievous correction for him that forsaketh the way; and he that hateth reproof shall die.

11The nether-world and Destruction are before HaShem; how much more then the hearts of the children of men!

12A scorner loveth not to be reproved; he will not go unto the wise.

13A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance; but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken.

14The heart of him that hath discernment seeketh knowledge; but the mouth of fools feedeth on folly.

15All the days of the poor are evil; but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.

16Better is little with the fear of HaShem, than great treasure and turmoil therewith.

17Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.

18A wrathful man stirreth up discord; but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.

19The way of the sluggard is as though hedged by thorns; but the path of the upright is even.

20A wise son maketh a glad father; but a foolish man despiseth his mother.

21Folly is joy to him that lacketh understanding; but a man of discernment walketh straightforwards.

22For want of counsel purposes are frustrated; but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.

23A man hath joy in the answer of his mouth; and a word in due season, how good is it!

24The path of life goeth upward for the wise, that he may depart from the nether-world beneath.

25HaShem will pluck up the house of the proud; but He will establish the border of the widow.

26The thoughts of wickedness are an abomination to HaShem; but words of pleasantness are pure.

27He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.

28The heart of the righteous studieth to answer; but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.

29HaShem is far from the wicked; but He heareth the prayer of the righteous.

30The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart; and a good report maketh the bones fat.

31The ear that hearkeneth to the reproof of life abideth among the wise.

32He that refuseth correction despiseth his own soul; but he that hearkeneth to reproof getteth understanding.

33The fear of HaShem is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour goeth humility.

33 verses · JPS 1917 (public domain)

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