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 an 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 counsellers 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.
Overview of Proverbs 15
Proverbs 15 is a chapter in the Book of Proverbs, traditionally attributed to King Solomon. This chapter emphasizes the importance of wise speech, the consequences of our words, and the value of a righteous life. It contrasts the behaviors and attitudes of the wise versus the foolish, providing practical wisdom for daily living.
Key Themes
- The Power of Words: The chapter highlights how words can either bring healing or destruction.
- Wisdom vs. Foolishness: It contrasts the behaviors of the wise and the foolish, emphasizing the outcomes of each.
- Divine Oversight: It reflects on God’s awareness of human actions and the moral order of the universe.
- Joy and Contentment: It discusses the emotional states resulting from wisdom and righteousness.
Detailed Analysis
Verses 1-3: The Impact of Speech
These verses open with a powerful statement about the nature of responses. A gentle answer is shown to defuse anger, while harsh words escalate conflict. This sets the tone for the importance of communication.
- Gentleness: A gentle response is a sign of wisdom and emotional intelligence.
- Harshness: Harsh words can lead to strife and conflict, illustrating the destructive power of unkind speech.
- God’s Awareness: The Lord sees all actions and words, reinforcing the idea that our speech is subject to divine scrutiny.
Verses 4-7: The Value of Wisdom
These verses emphasize the healing nature of wise speech and the folly of the wicked. The contrast between the wise and the foolish is pronounced, with wise words bringing life and foolish words leading to destruction.
- Healing Tongue: Wise words can uplift and heal, serving as a source of encouragement.
- Foolishness: The heart of the foolish is portrayed as lacking understanding, leading to harmful speech.
- Righteousness: The righteous are depicted as having a deeper understanding of truth, leading to wise decisions.
Verses 8-11: The Lord’s Perspective
These verses illustrate the Lord’s disapproval of the sacrifices of the wicked compared to the prayers of the upright. It emphasizes that God values the heart’s condition over mere ritualistic practices.
- True Worship: God desires genuine worship and righteousness over empty rituals.
- Divine Judgment: The fear of the Lord is presented as a guiding principle for life, highlighting the importance of moral integrity.
- Afterlife Awareness: The concept of Sheol (the grave) serves as a reminder of accountability beyond this life.
Verses 12-17: Attitudes and Emotions
These verses provide insight into the emotional states associated with wisdom and folly. The wise seek knowledge, while the foolish mock at it, leading to contrasting life experiences.
- Seeking Knowledge: The pursuit of wisdom is linked to humility and a desire for growth.
- Mockery: The foolish are characterized by their disdain for wisdom, which leads to their downfall.
- Contentment: A simple meal is portrayed as better than a feast with strife, emphasizing the value of peace over material abundance.
Verses 18-23: The Nature of Conflict and Resolution
Conflict resolution is a key focus in these verses, highlighting the importance of a calm spirit and the role of wise counsel in navigating disputes.
- Calmness: A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, while a patient individual brings peace.
- Wise Counsel: The joy found in wise counsel is emphasized, showcasing the benefits of seeking advice from the wise.
- Joy in Wisdom: A wise response brings joy, while foolishness leads to disappointment.
Verses 24-33: The Path of Life
The final verses of the chapter encapsulate the overarching theme of wisdom leading to life and understanding. They underscore the importance of humility and the fear of the Lord as foundational to a fulfilling life.
- Life’s Path: The path of the wise is likened to life, while the way of the foolish leads to destruction.
- Humility: Humility is portrayed as essential for gaining wisdom and favor with God.
- Divine Guidance: The fear of the Lord is presented as a source of wisdom and understanding, guiding one’s decisions and actions.
Conclusion
Proverbs 15 serves as a profound reminder of the importance of wise speech, the value of humility, and the necessity of seeking knowledge. The chapter encourages readers to reflect on their words and actions, highlighting the moral implications of their choices in the context of divine oversight.
