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Chapter 15

AlexandrinusVaticanus

Contrast the Upright and the Wicked

1 A soft answer turns away wrath; but grievous words stir up anger.

15:1 ὀργὴ ἀπόλλυσιν καὶ φρονίμους, ἀπόκρισις δὲ ὑποπίπτουσα ἀποστρέφει θυμόν, λόγος δὲ λυπηρὸς ἐγείρει ὀργάς. 15:1 ὀργὴ ἀπόλλυσι καὶ φρονίμους, ἀπόκρισις δὲ ὑποπίπτουσα ἀποστρέφει θυμόν, λόγος δὲ λυπηρὸς ἐγείρει ὀργάς.
15:1 Anger slays even wise men; yet a submissive answer turns away wrath; but a grievous word stirs up anger. 15:1 Anger slays even wise men; yet a submissive answer turns away wrath; but a grievous word stirs up anger.

2 The tongue of the wise uses knowledge aright; but the mouth of fools pours out foolishness.

15:2 γλῶσσα σοφῶν καλὰ ἐπίσταται, στόμα δὲ ἀφρόνων ἀναγγελεῖ κακά. 15:2 γλῶσσα σοφῶν καλὰ ἐπίσταται, στόμα δὲ ἀφρόνων ἀναγγέλλει κακά.
15:2 The tongue of the wise knows what is good; but the mouth of the foolish tells out evil things. 15:2 The tongue of the wise knows what is good; but the mouth of the foolish tells out evil things.

3 The eyes of Yahweh are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.

15:3 ἐν παντὶ τόπῳ ὀφθαλμοὶ κυρίου, σκοπεύουσιν κακούς τε καὶ ἀγαθούς. 15:3 ἐν παντὶ τόπῳ ὀφθαλμοὶ Κυρίου, σκοπεύουσι κακούς τε καὶ ἀγαθούς.
15:3 The eyes of the Lord behold both the evil and the good in every place. 15:3 The eyes of the Lord behold both the evil and the good in every place.

4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life; but perverseness in it is a breach in the spirit.

15:4 ἴασις γλώσσης δένδρον ζωῆς, ὁ δὲ συντηρῶν αὐτὴν πλησθήσεται πνεύματος. 15:4 ἴασις γλώσσης δένδρον ζωῆς, ὁ δὲ συντηρῶν αὐτὴν πλησθήσεται πνεύματος,
15:4 The wholesome tongue is a tree of life, and he who keeps it shall be filled with understanding. 15:4 The wholesome tongue is a tree of life, and he who keeps it shall be filled with understanding.

5 A fool despises his father's instruction; but he who regards reproof is prudent.

15:5 ἄφρων μυκτηρίζει παιδείαν πατρός, ὁ δὲ φυλάσσων ἐντολὰς πανουργότερος. 15:5 ἄφρων μυκτηρίζει παιδείαν πατρός, ὁ δὲ φυλάσσων ἐντολὰς πανουργότερος.
15:5 A fool scorns his father's instruction; but he who keeps his commandments is more prudent. 15:5 A fool scorns his father's instruction; but he who keeps his commandments is more prudent.

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

15:6 ἐν πλεοναζούσῃ δικαιοσύνῃ ἰσχὺς πολλή, οἱ δὲ ἀσεβεῖς ὁλόρριζοι ἐκ γῆς ὀλοῦνται, οἴκοις δικαίων ἰσχὺς πολλή, καρποὶ δὲ ἀσεβῶν ἀπολοῦνται. 15:6 ἐν πλεοναζούσῃ δικαιοσύνῃ ἰσχὺς πολλή, οἱ δὲ ἀσεβεῖς ὁλόρριζοι ἐκ γῆς ἀπολοῦνται.
οἴκοις δικαίων ἰσχὺς πολλή, καρποὶ δὲ ἀσεβῶν ἀπολοῦνται.
15:6 In abounding righteousness is great strength; but the ungodly shall utterly perish from the earth. In the houses of the righteous is much strength; but the fruits of the ungodly shall perish. 15:6 In abounding righteousness is great strength; but the ungodly shall utterly perish from the earth. In the houses of the righteous is much strength; but the fruits of the ungodly shall perish.

7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge; but the heart of the foolish doesn't so.

15:7 χείλη σοφῶν δέδεται αἰσθήσει.
καρδίαι δὲ ἀφρόνων οὐκ ἀσφαλεῖς. 		15:7 χείλη σοφῶν δέδεται αἰσθήσει, καρδία δὲ ἀφρόνων οὐκ ἀσφαλεῖς.
15:7 The lips of the wise are bound by discretion; but the hearts of the foolish are not safe. 15:7 The lips of the wise are bound by discretion; but the hearts of the foolish are not safe.

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

15:8 θυσίαι ἀσεβῶν βδέλυγμα κυρίῳ, εὐχαὶ δὲ κατευθυνόντων δεκταὶ παρ' αὐτῷ. 15:8 θυσίαι ἀσεβῶν βδέλυγμα Κυρίῳ, εὐχαὶ δὲ κατευθυνόντων δεκταὶ παρ' αὐτῷ.
15:8 The sacrifices of the ungodly are an abomination to the Lord; but the prayers of those who walk honestly are acceptable with him. 15:8 The sacrifices of the ungodly are an abomination to the Lord; but the prayers of those who walk honestly are acceptable with him.

9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to Yahweh; but he loves him who follows after righteousness.

15:9 βδέλυγμα κυρίῳ ὁδοὶ ἀσεβοῦς, διώκοντας δὲ δικαιοσύνην ἀγαπᾷ. 15:9 βδέλυγμα Κυρίῳ ὁδοὶ ἀσεβοῦς, διώκοντας δὲ δικαιοσύνην ἀγαπᾷ.
15:9 The ways of an ungodly man are an abomination to the Lord; but he loves those who follow after righteousness. 15:9 The ways of an ungodly man are an abomination to the Lord; but he loves those who follow after righteousness.

10 Correction is grievous to him who forsakes the way; and he who hates reproof shall die.

15:10 παιδεία ἀκάκου γνωρίζεται ὑπὸ τῶν παριόντων, οἱ δὲ μισοῦντες ἐλέγχους τελευτῶσιν αἰσχρῶς. 15:10 παιδεία ἀκάκου γνωρίζεται ὑπὸ τῶν παριόντων, οἱ δὲ μισοῦντες ἐλέγχους τελευτῶσιν αἰσχρῶς.
15:10 The instruction of the simple is known by those who pass by; but they who hate reproofs die disgracefully. 15:10 The instruction of the simple is known by those who pass by; but they who hate reproofs die disgracefully.

11 Hell and destruction are before Yahweh: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?

15:11 ᾅδης καὶ ἀπώλεια φανερὰ παρὰ τῷ κυρίῳ, πῶς οὐχὶ καὶ αἱ καρδίαι τῶν ἀνθρώπων; 15:11 ᾅδης καὶ ἀπώλεια φανερὰ παρὰ τῷ Κυρίῳ·
πῶς οὐχὶ καὶ αἱ καρδίαι τῶν ἀνθρώπων;
15:11 Hades and destruction are manifest to the Lord; how shall not also be the hearts of men? 15:11 Hades and destruction are manifest to the Lord; how shall not also be the hearts of men?

12 A scorner loves not one who reproves him: neither will he go to the wise.

15:12 οὐκ ἀγαπήσει ἀπαίδευτος τοὺς ἐλέγχοντας αὐτόν, μετὰ δὲ σοφῶν οὐχ ὁμιλήσει. 15:12 οὐκ ἀγαπήσει ἀπαίδευτος τοὺς ἐλέγχοντας αὐτόν, μετὰ δὲ σοφῶν οὐχ ὁμιλήσει.
15:12 An uninstructed person won't love those who reprove him; neither will he associate with the wise. 15:12 An uninstructed person won't love those who reprove him; neither will he associate with the wise.

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

15:13 καρδίας εὐφραινομένης πρόσωπον θάλλει, ἐν δὲ λύπαις οὔσης σκυθρωπάζει. 15:13 καρδίας εὐφραινομένης πρόσωπον θάλλει, ἐν δὲ λύπαις οὔσης σκυθρωπάζει.
15:13 When the heart rejoices the countenance is cheerful; but when it is in sorrow, the countenance is sad. 15:13 When the heart rejoices the countenance is cheerful; but when it is in sorrow, the countenance is sad.

14 The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge; but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.

15:14 καρδία ὀρθὴ ζητεῖ αἴσθησιν, στόμα δὲ ἀπαιδεύτων γνώσεται κακά. 15:14 καρδία ὀρθὴ ζητεῖ αἴσθησιν, στόμα δὲ ἀπαιδεύτων γνώσεται κακά.
15:14 An upright heart seeks discretion; but the mouth of the uninstructed will experience evils. 15:14 An upright heart seeks discretion; but the mouth of the uninstructed will experience evils.

15 All the days of the afflicted are evil; but he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast.

15:15 πάντα τὸν χρόνον οἱ ὀφθαλμοὶ τῶν κακῶν προσδέχονται κακά, οἱ δὲ ἀγαθοὶ ἡσυχάζουσιν διὰ παντός. 15:15 πάντας τὸν χρόνον οἱ ὀφθαλμοὶ τῶν κακῶν προσδέχονται κακά, οἱ δὲ ἀγαθοὶ ἡσυχάζουσι διαπαντός.
15:15 The eyes of the wicked are always looking for evil things; but the good are always quiet. 15:15 The eyes of the wicked are always looking for evil things; but the good are always quiet.

16 Better is little with the fear of Yahweh than great treasure and trouble with it.

15:16 κρείσσων μικρὰ μερὶς μετὰ φόβου κυρίου ἢ θησαυροὶ μεγάλοι μετὰ ἀφοβίας. 15:16 κρεῖσσον μικρὰ μερὶς μετὰ φόβου Κυρίου ἢ θησαυροὶ μεγάλοι μετὰ ἀφοβίας.
15:16 Better is a small portion with the fear of the Lord, than great treasures without the fear of the Lord. 15:16 Better is a small portion with the fear of the Lord, than great treasures without the fear of the Lord.

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

15:17 κρείσσων ξενισμὸς λαχάνων πρὸς φιλίαν καὶ χάριν ἢ παράθεσις μόσχων μετὰ ἔχθρας. 15:17 κρείσσων ξενισμὸς μετὰ λαχάνων πρὸς φιλίαν καὶ χάριν ἢ παράθεσις μόσχων μετὰ ἔχθρας.
15:17 Better is an entertainment of herbs with friendliness and kindness, than a feast of calves, with enmity. 15:17 Better is an entertainment of herbs with friendliness and kindness, than a feast of calves, with enmity.

18 A wrathful man stirs up strife; but he who is slow to anger appeases strife.

15:18 ἀνὴρ θυμώδης παρασκευάζει μάχας μακρόθυμος δὲ καὶ τὴν μέλλουσαν καταπραΰνει 15:18 ἀνὴρ θυμώδης παρασκευάζει μάχας, μακρόθυμος δὲ καὶ τὴν μέλλουσαν καταπραΰνει.
15:18 A passionate man stirs up strife; but he who is slow to anger appeases even a rising one. 15:18 A passionate man stirs up strife; but he who is slow to anger appeases even a rising one.

18a N/A

15:18a μακρόθυμος ἀνὴρ κατασβέσει κρίσεις, ὁ δὲ ἀσεβὴς ἐγείρει μᾶλλον. 15:18a μακρόθυμος ἀνὴρ κατασβέσει κρίσεις, ὁ δὲ ἀσεβὴς ἐγείρει μᾶλλον.
15:18a A man slow to anger will extinguish quarrels; but an ungodly man stirs them up even more. 15:18a A man slow to anger will extinguish quarrels; but an ungodly man stirs them up even more.

19 The way of the slothful man is as a hedge of thorns; but the way of the righteous is made plain.

15:19 ὁδοὶ ἀεργῶν ἐστρωμέναι ἀκάνθαις, αἱ δὲ τῶν ἀνδρείων τετριμμέναι. 15:19 ὁδοὶ ἀεργῶν ἐστρωμέναι ἀκάνθαις, αἱ δὲ τῶν ἀνδρείων τετριμμέναι.
15:19 The ways of sluggards are strewn with thorns; but those of the diligent are made smooth. 15:19 The ways of sluggards are strewn with thorns; but those of the diligent are made smooth.

20 A wise son makes a glad father; but a foolish man despises his mother.

15:20 υἱὸς σοφὸς εὐφραίνει πατέρα, υἱὸς δὲ ἄφρων μυκτηρίζει μητέρα αὐτοῦ. 15:20 υἱὸς σοφὸς εὐφραίνει πατέρα, υἱὸς δὲ ἄφρων μυκτηρίζει μητέρα αὐτοῦ.
15:20 A wise son gladdens his father; but a foolish son sneers at his mother. 15:20 A wise son gladdens his father; but a foolish son sneers at his mother.

21 Folly is joy to him who is destitute of wisdom; but a man of understanding walks uprightly.

15:21 ἀνοήτου τρίβοι ἐνδεεῖς φρενῶν, ἀνὴρ δὲ φρόνιμος κατευθύνων πορεύεται. 15:21 ἀνοήτου τρίβοι ἐνδεεῖς φρενῶν, ἀνὴρ δὲ φρόνιμος κατευθύνων πορεύεται.
15:21 The ways of a foolish man are void of sense; but a wise man proceeds on a straight course. 15:21 The ways of a foolish man are void of sense; but a wise man proceeds on a straight course.

22 Without counsel purposes are disappointed; but in the multitude of counsellers they are established.

15:22 ὑπερτίθενται λογισμοὺς οἱ μὴ τιμῶντες συνέδρια, ἐν δὲ καρδίαις βουλευομένων μένει βουλή. 15:22 ὑπερτίθενται λογισμοὺς οἱ μὴ τιμῶντες συνέδρια, ἐν δὲ καρδίαις βουλευομένων μένει βουλή.
15:22 They who don't honour councils put off deliberation; but counsel abides in the hearts of counsellors. 15:22 They who don't honour councils put off deliberation; but counsel abides in the hearts of counsellors.

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

15:23 οὐ μὴ ὑπακούσῃ ὁ κακὸς αὐτῇ οὐδὲ μὴ εἴπῃ καίριόν τι καὶ καλὸν τῷ κοινῷ. 15:23 οὐ μὴ ὑπακούσῃ ὁ κακὸς αὐτῇ, οὐδὲ μὴ εἴπῃ καίριόν τι καὶ καλὸν τῷ κοινῷ.
15:23 A bad man will by no means attend to counsel; neither will he say anything seasonable, or good for the public.1 15:23 A bad man will by no means attend to counsel; neither will he say anything seasonable, or good for the public.1
1lit., "for the common" i.e., "the commoner" or "the common good of society"

24 The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.

15:24 ὁδοὶ ζωῆς διανοήματα συνετοῦ, ἵνα ἐκκλίνας ἐκ τοῦ ᾅδου σωθῇ. 15:24 ὁδοὶ ζωῆς διανοήματα συνετοῦ, ἵνα ἐκκλίνας ἐκ τοῦ ᾅδου σωθῇ.
15:24 The thoughts of the wise are ways of life, that he may turn aside and escape from Hades. 15:24 The thoughts of the wise are ways of life, that he may turn aside and escape from Hades.

25 Yahweh will destroy the house of the proud; but he will establish the border of the widow.

15:25 οἴκους ὑβριστῶν κατασπᾷ κύριος, ἐστήρισεν δὲ ὅριον χήρας. 15:25 οἴκους ὑβριστῶν κατασπᾷ Κύριος, ἐστήρισε δὲ ὅριον χήρας.
15:25 The Lord pulls down the houses of scorners; but he establishes the border of the widow. 15:25 The Lord pulls down the houses of scorners; but he establishes the border of the widow.

26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to Yahweh; but the words of the pure are pleasant words.

15:26 βδέλυγμα κυρίῳ λογισμὸς ἄδικος, ἁγνῶν δὲ ῥήσεις σεμναί. 15:26 βδέλυγμα Κυρίῳ λογισμὸς ἄδικος, ἁγνῶν δὲ ῥήσεις σεμναί.
15:26 An unrighteous thought is abomination to the Lord; but the sayings of the pure are held in honour. 15:26 An unrighteous thought is abomination to the Lord; but the sayings of the pure are held in honour.

27 He who is greedy of gain troubles his own house; but he who hates bribes shall live.

15:27 ἐξόλλυσιν ἑαυτὸν ὁ δωρολήμπτης, ὁ δὲ μισῶν δώρων λήμψεις σῴζεται. 15:27 ἐξόλλυσιν ἑαυτὸν ὁ δωρολήπτης, ὁ δὲ μισῶν δώρων λήψεις σώζεται.
15:27 A receiver of bribes destroys himself; but he who hates the receiving of bribes is safe. 15:27 A receiver of bribes destroys himself; but he who hates the receiving of bribes is safe.

27a N/A

15:27a ἐλεημοσύναις καὶ πίστεσιν ἀποκαθαίρονται ἁμαρτίαι, τῷ δὲ φόβῳ κυρίου ἐκκλίνει πᾶς ἀπὸ κακοῦ. 15:27a ἐλεημοσύναις καὶ πίστεσιν ἀποκαθαίρονται ἁμαρτίαι, τῷ δὲ φόβῳ Κυρίου ἐκκλίνει πᾶς ἀπὸ κακοῦ.
15:27a By alms and by faithful dealings sins are purged away; but by the fear of the Lord everyone departs from evil. 15:27a By alms and by faithful dealings sins are purged away; but by the fear of the Lord everyone departs from evil.

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

15:28 καρδίαι δικαίων μελετῶσιν πίστεις, στόμα δὲ ἀσεβῶν ἀποκρίνεται κακά. 15:28 καρδίαι δικαίων μελετῶσι πίστεις, στόμα δὲ ἀσεβῶν ἀποκρίνεται κακά.
15:28 The hearts of the righteous meditate faithfullness; but the mouth of the ungodly answers evil things. 15:28 The hearts of the righteous meditate faithfullness; but the mouth of the ungodly answers evil things.

28a N/A

15:28a δεκταὶ παρὰ κυρίῳ ὁδοὶ ἀνθρώπων δικαίων, διὰ δὲ αὐτῶν καὶ οἱ ἐχθροὶ φίλοι γίνονται. 15:28a δεκταὶ παρὰ Κυρίῳ ὁδοὶ ἀνθρώπων δικαίων, διὰ δὲ αὐτῶν καὶ οἱ ἐχθροὶ φίλοι γίνονται.
15:28a The ways of righteous men are acceptable with the Lord; and through them even enemies become friends. 15:28a The ways of righteous men are acceptable with the Lord; and through them even enemies become friends.

29 Yahweh is far from the wicked; but he hears the prayer of the righteous.

15:29 μακρὰν ἀπέχει ὁ θεὸς ἀπὸ ἀσεβῶν, εὐχαῖς δὲ δικαίων ἐπακούει. 15:29 μακρὰν ἀπέχει ὁ Θεὸς ἀπὸ ἀσεβῶν, εὐχαῖς δὲ δικαίων ἐπακούει.
15:29 God is far from the ungodly; but he listens to the prayers of the righteous. 15:29 God is far from the ungodly; but he listens to the prayers of the righteous.

29a N/A

15:29a κρείσσων ὀλίγη λῆμψις μετὰ δικαιοσύνης ἢ πολλὰ γενήματα μετὰ ἀδικίας. 15:29a κρείσσων ὀλίγη λῆψις μετὰ δικαιοσύνης ἢ πολλὰ γεννήματα μετὰ ἀδικίας.
15:29a Better are small receipts with righteousness, than abundant fruits with unrighteousness. 15:29a Better are small receipts with righteousness, than abundant fruits with unrighteousness.

29b N/A

15:29b καρδία ἀνδρὸς λογιζέσθω δίκαια, ἵνα ὑπὸ τοῦ θεοῦ διορθωθῇ τὰ διαβήματα αὐτοῦ. 15:29b καρδία ἀνδρὸς λογιζέσθω δίκαια, ἵνα ὑπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ διορθωθῇ τὰ διαβήματα αὐτοῦ.
15:29b Let the heart of a man think justly, that his steps may be rightly ordered of God. 15:29b Let the heart of a man think justly, that his steps may be rightly ordered of God.

30 The light of the eyes rejoices the heart; and a good report makes the bones fat.

15:30 θεωρῶν ὀφθαλμὸς καλὰ εὐφραίνει καρδίαν, φήμη δὲ ἀγαθὴ πιαίνει ὀστᾶ. 15:30 θεωρῶν ὀφθαλμὸς καλὰ εὐφραίνει καρδίαν, φήμη δὲ ἀγαθὴ πιαίνει ὀστᾶ.
15:30 The eye that sees good things rejoices the heart; and a good news refreshes the bones. 15:30 The eye that sees good things rejoices the heart; and a good news refreshes the bones.

31 The ear that hears the reproof of life abides among the wise.

15:31 N/A 15:31 N/A
15:31 N/A 15:31 N/A

32 He who refuses instruction despises his own soul; but he who hears reproof gets understanding.

15:32 ὃς ἀπωθεῖται παιδείαν μισεῖ ἑαυτόν·
ὁ δὲ τηρῶν ἐλέγχους ἀγαπᾷ ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ. 		15:32 ὃς ἀπωθεῖται παιδείαν, μισεῖ ἑαυτόν, ὁ δὲ τηρῶν ἐλέγχους ἀγαπᾷ ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ.
15:32 He who rejects instruction hates himself; but he who heeds rebukes loves his soul. 15:32 He who rejects instruction hates himself; but he who heeds rebukes loves his soul.

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

15:33 φόβος θεοῦ παιδεία καὶ σοφία, καὶ ἀρχὴ δόξης ἀποκριθήσεται αὐτῇ. 15:33 φόβος Θεοῦ παιδεία καὶ σοφία, καὶ ἀρχὴ δόξης ἀποκριθήσεται αὐτῇ.
15:33 The fear of the Lord is instruction and wisdom; and the highest honour will correspond1 with it. 15:33 The fear of the Lord is instruction and wisdom; and the highest honour will correspond1 with it.
1Or: "will respond to it"