Proverbs 15: Cultivating Wisdom in Our Words and Ways
A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.
The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.
A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.
A fool despiseth his father’s instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.
In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.
The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the Lord: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.
Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.
Hell and destruction are before the Lord: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?
A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.
A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.
All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.
Better is little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble therewith.
Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.
A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.
The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.
A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.
Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.
Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.
A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!
The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.
The Lord will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.
The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.
He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.
The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.
The Lord is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.
The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.
He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.
The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.
Proverbs 15, nestled within the larger collection of Solomon's wisdom sayings that began in Proverbs 10 and extends through Proverbs 22:16, offers a rich tapestry of practical guidance for navigating daily life. This chapter emphasizes the power of self-control, the contrasts between the righteous and the wicked, and the profound importance of seeking godly wisdom. It is a call to live intentionally, choosing our words and actions with care, and recognizing God's constant presence in our lives. The overarching theme encourages us to embrace humility, hard work, and righteousness, while shunning laziness, impatience, arrogance, and hypocrisy.
The Power of Gentle Words (Proverbs 15:1-5)
The chapter opens by highlighting the transformative power of gentle communication. "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger" (Proverbs 15:1). This proverb underscores the importance of self-control in our speech. A well-chosen, gentle response can diffuse tension and prevent escalation, while a rash, harsh word can ignite conflict. Wisdom dictates that we carefully consider our responses rather than blurting out the first thing that comes to mind. This section emphasizes the need to humbly accept correction, recognizing that it is a pathway to growth and understanding. See Proverbs 1:8-9, 4:10-13, 13:1.
Contrasts Between the Righteous and the Wicked (Proverbs 15:6-12)
Proverbs 15 presents stark contrasts between the righteous and the wicked, the wise and the foolish. These verses echo themes of life versus death, wisdom versus folly, and humility versus pride. The way of the wicked and their sacrifices are detestable to the Lord (Proverbs 15:8-9). Neither their lives nor their religious acts hold value in His eyes. Conversely, the house of the righteous contains much treasure (Proverbs 15:6), and the lips of the wise spread knowledge (Proverbs 15:7). These proverbs emphasize the life-giving nature of godly wisdom, the disastrous consequences of sin, and the importance of humility. The chapter also warns against scorning correction, highlighting the painful consequences that await those who reject guidance (Proverbs 15:10, 12).
Practical Wisdom for Daily Living (Proverbs 15:13-33)
The majority of Proverbs 15 is composed of individual nuggets of wisdom, addressing a variety of life situations. Solomon emphasizes the importance of perspective, noting that a cheerful heart leads to a radiant face, while a heavy heart crushes the spirit (Proverbs 15:13). Happiness, therefore, is not dependent on wealth but on inner disposition. The chapter commends careful planning, seeking advice, hard work, and righteousness. Laziness, impatience, arrogance, and hypocrisy are condemned. Verses like Proverbs 15:22, "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed," highlight the value of seeking wisdom from others.
God's all-encompassing knowledge is emphasized in Proverbs 15:3, where it says, "The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good." God is omnipresent and omniscient, seeing and knowing all, including every sin and every righteous deed. This comprehensive knowledge should inspire us to live with integrity and awareness of His constant observation.
There are two distinct paths in life, each leading to a vastly different destination (Proverbs 15:24). This verse reminds us to choose wisely the path we take, because our choices have eternal consequences. Furthermore, while hate is often considered a negative emotion, Proverbs 15:26-27 suggests that hating evil is not only acceptable but necessary. God detests the plans of the evil, and His people should share that aversion to wickedness.
Prayer is presented as a key to accessing God's presence and power. The Lord hears the prayer of the righteous (Proverbs 15:29), but the wicked have no such access. This underscores the importance of living a righteous life in order to have an open line of communication with God.
The chapter closes with proverbs echoing the recurring theme that sensible persons listen to godly wisdom, which is only attainable through a reverent honor of God (Proverbs 15:31-33). This section emphasizes the importance of heeding correction and embracing humility as pathways to understanding and spiritual growth.
In conclusion, Proverbs 15 offers a wealth of practical wisdom for navigating the complexities of life. By embracing self-control, humility, righteousness, and a reverent fear of the Lord, we can experience the blessings of a life lived in accordance with God's will.
A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.
The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.
A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.
A fool despiseth his father’s instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.
In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.
The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the Lord: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.
Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.
Hell and destruction are before the Lord: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?
A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.
A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.
All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.
Better is little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble therewith.
Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.
A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.
The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.
A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.
Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.
Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.
A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!
The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.
The Lord will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.
The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.
He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.
The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.
The Lord is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.
The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.
He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.
The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.
Proverbs 15, nestled within the larger collection of Solomon's wisdom sayings that began in Proverbs 10 and extends through Proverbs 22:16, offers a rich tapestry of practical guidance for navigating daily life. This chapter emphasizes the power of self-control, the contrasts between the righteous and the wicked, and the profound importance of seeking godly wisdom. It is a call to live intentionally, choosing our words and actions with care, and recognizing God's constant presence in our lives. The overarching theme encourages us to embrace humility, hard work, and righteousness, while shunning laziness, impatience, arrogance, and hypocrisy.
The Power of Gentle Words (Proverbs 15:1-5)
The chapter opens by highlighting the transformative power of gentle communication. "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger" (Proverbs 15:1). This proverb underscores the importance of self-control in our speech. A well-chosen, gentle response can diffuse tension and prevent escalation, while a rash, harsh word can ignite conflict. Wisdom dictates that we carefully consider our responses rather than blurting out the first thing that comes to mind. This section emphasizes the need to humbly accept correction, recognizing that it is a pathway to growth and understanding. See Proverbs 1:8-9, 4:10-13, 13:1.
Contrasts Between the Righteous and the Wicked (Proverbs 15:6-12)
Proverbs 15 presents stark contrasts between the righteous and the wicked, the wise and the foolish. These verses echo themes of life versus death, wisdom versus folly, and humility versus pride. The way of the wicked and their sacrifices are detestable to the Lord (Proverbs 15:8-9). Neither their lives nor their religious acts hold value in His eyes. Conversely, the house of the righteous contains much treasure (Proverbs 15:6), and the lips of the wise spread knowledge (Proverbs 15:7). These proverbs emphasize the life-giving nature of godly wisdom, the disastrous consequences of sin, and the importance of humility. The chapter also warns against scorning correction, highlighting the painful consequences that await those who reject guidance (Proverbs 15:10, 12).
Practical Wisdom for Daily Living (Proverbs 15:13-33)
The majority of Proverbs 15 is composed of individual nuggets of wisdom, addressing a variety of life situations. Solomon emphasizes the importance of perspective, noting that a cheerful heart leads to a radiant face, while a heavy heart crushes the spirit (Proverbs 15:13). Happiness, therefore, is not dependent on wealth but on inner disposition. The chapter commends careful planning, seeking advice, hard work, and righteousness. Laziness, impatience, arrogance, and hypocrisy are condemned. Verses like Proverbs 15:22, "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed," highlight the value of seeking wisdom from others.
God's all-encompassing knowledge is emphasized in Proverbs 15:3, where it says, "The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good." God is omnipresent and omniscient, seeing and knowing all, including every sin and every righteous deed. This comprehensive knowledge should inspire us to live with integrity and awareness of His constant observation.
There are two distinct paths in life, each leading to a vastly different destination (Proverbs 15:24). This verse reminds us to choose wisely the path we take, because our choices have eternal consequences. Furthermore, while hate is often considered a negative emotion, Proverbs 15:26-27 suggests that hating evil is not only acceptable but necessary. God detests the plans of the evil, and His people should share that aversion to wickedness.
Prayer is presented as a key to accessing God's presence and power. The Lord hears the prayer of the righteous (Proverbs 15:29), but the wicked have no such access. This underscores the importance of living a righteous life in order to have an open line of communication with God.
The chapter closes with proverbs echoing the recurring theme that sensible persons listen to godly wisdom, which is only attainable through a reverent honor of God (Proverbs 15:31-33). This section emphasizes the importance of heeding correction and embracing humility as pathways to understanding and spiritual growth.
In conclusion, Proverbs 15 offers a wealth of practical wisdom for navigating the complexities of life. By embracing self-control, humility, righteousness, and a reverent fear of the Lord, we can experience the blessings of a life lived in accordance with God's will.