---
title: Joseph Smith Translation (1867 edition)
description: Proverbs from the Joseph Smith Translation (JST), 1867 edition.
authors:
  - Smith, Joseph, Jr.
collections:
  - joseph-smith
tags:
  - translation
published: "1867"
publisher: RLDS Publication Board
publisher_place: Plano, Illinois
publisher_note: "The title page reads: Published by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints; Joseph Smith, I. L. Rogers, E. Robinson, Publishing Committee; 1867."
edition: First edition (Plano, 1867)
language: en
type: book
chapter: 15
verse_count: 33
reference: "Joseph Smith Jr., *Joseph Smith Translation*, first edition (Plano, IL: RLDS Publication Board, 1867), Proverbs, chap. 15, https://archive.org/details/holyscripturestr00smituoft."
source:
  url: https://archive.org/details/holyscripturestr00smituoft
  identifier: holyscripturestr00smituoft
  scan: University of Toronto / Trinity College Library copy, Internet Archive
  transcription: "OCR text of the 1867 scans (Toronto copy and a second copy, holyscriptures00smit), reconciled word by word; Romans was also checked against the page images. Method, per-chapter validation log and known limits: docs/jst-1867-import.md."
rights:
  status: public-domain
  basis: 1867 US publication
  source: https://archive.org/details/holyscripturestr00smituoft
  publication_year: 1867
---

# Proverbs 15

**1** A SOFT answer turneth away wrath; but grievous words stir up anger.
**2** The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright; but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.
**3** The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.
**4** A wholesome tongue is a tree of life; but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.
**5** A fool despiseth his father's instruction; but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.
**6** In the house of the righteous is much treasure; but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.
**7** The lips of the wise disperse knowledge; but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.
**8** The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord; but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
**9** The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the Lord; but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.
**10** Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way; and he that hateth reproof shall die.
**11** Hell and destruction are before the Lord; how much more then the hearts of the children of men?
**12** A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him; neither will he go unto the wise.
**13** A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance; but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
**14** The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge; but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.
**15** All the days of the afflicted are evil; but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.
**16** Better is little with the fear of the Lord, than great treasure and trouble therewith.
**17** Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.
**18** A wrathful man stirreth up strife; but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.
**19** The way of the slothful man is as a hedge of thorns; but the way of the righteous is made plain.
**20** A wise son maketh a glad father; but a foolish man despiseth his mother.
**21** Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom; but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.
**22** Without counsel purposes are disappointed; but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.
**23** A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth; and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!
**24** The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.
**25** The Lord will destroy the house of the proud; but he will establish the border of the widow.
**26** The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord; but the words of the pure are pleasant words.
**27** He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.
**28** The heart of the righteous studieth to answer; but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.
**29** The Lord is far from the wicked; but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
**30** The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart; and a good report maketh the bones fat.
**31** The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.
**32** He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul; but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.
**33** The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.