Proverbs 15

1 A gentle answer turns away anger,^[a] but a harsh word stirs up wrath.

2 The tongue of the wise makes knowledge attractive, but the mouth of fools blurts out foolishness.^[b]

3 The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, observing the wicked and the good.^[c]

4 The tongue that heals is a tree of life,^[d] but a devious tongue^[e] breaks the spirit.

5 A fool despises his father's instruction, but a person who heeds correction is sensible.^[f]

6 The house of the righteous has great wealth, but trouble accompanies the income of the wicked.

7 The lips of the wise broadcast knowledge, but not so the heart of fools.

8 The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is His delight.^[g]

9 The Lord detests the way of the wicked, but He loves the one who pursues righteousness.^[h]

10 Discipline is harsh for the one who leaves the path; the one who hates correction will die.

11 Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the Lord ^[i]- how much more, human hearts.

12 A mocker doesn't love one who corrects him;^[j] he will not consult the wise.

13 A joyful heart makes a face cheerful, but a sad heart [produces] a broken spirit.^[k]

14 A discerning mind seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.^[l]

15 All the days of the oppressed are miserable, but a cheerful heart has a continual feast.

16 Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure with turmoil.

17 Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred.^[m]

18 A hot-tempered man stirs up conflict, but a man slow to anger calms strife.^[n]

19 A slacker's way is like a thorny hedge, but the path of the upright is a highway.^[o]

20 A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish one despises his mother.^[p]

21 Foolishness brings joy to one without sense, but a man with understanding walks a straight path.^[q]

22 Plans fail when there is no counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.^[r]

23 A man takes joy in giving an answer;^[s] and a timely word-how good that is!

24 For the discerning the path of life leads upward, so that he may avoid going down to Sheol.

25 The Lord destroys the house of the proud, but He protects the widow's territory.

26 The Lord detests the plans of an evil man, but pleasant words are pure.^[t]

27 The one who profits dishonestly troubles his household, but the one who hates bribes will live.^[u]

28 The mind of the righteous person thinks before answering, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil things.^[v]

29 The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous.^[w]

30 Bright eyes cheer the heart; good news strengthens^[x] the bones.^[y]

31 An ear that listens to life-giving rebukes will be at home among the wise.

32 Anyone who ignores instruction despises himself, but whoever listens to correction acquires good sense.^{[z] [aa]}

33 The fear of the Lord is wisdom's instruction, and humility comes before honor.^[ab]

Proverbs 15 Commentary

Chapter 15

Verse 1 A right cause will be better pleaded with meekness than with passion. Nothing stirs up anger like grievous words. Verse 2 . He that has knowledge, is to use it aright, for the good of others. Verse 3 . Secret sins, services, and sorrows, are under God's eye. This speaks comfort to saints, and terror to sinners. Verse 4 . A good tongue is healing to wounded consciences, by comforting them; to sin-sick souls, by convincing them; and it reconciles parties at variance. Verse 5 . If instruction is despised, reprove men rather than suffer them to go on undisturbed in the way to ruin. Verse 6 . The wealth of worldly men increases their fears and suspicions, adds strength to their passions, and renders the fear of death more distressing. Verse 7 . We use knowledge aright when we disperse it; but the heart of the foolish has nothing to ( proverbs 15:8-9 ) stead of Christ's atonement, or in the place of holy obedience. Praying graces are his gift, and the work of his Spirit, with which he is well pleased. Verse 10 . He that hates reproof shall perish in his sins, since he would not be parted from them. Verse 11 . There is nothing that can be hid from the eyes of God, not even man's thoughts. Verse 12 . A scorner cannot bear to reflect seriously within his own heart. Verse 13 . A gloomy, impatient, unthankful spirit, springing from pride and undue attachment to worldly objects, renders a man uneasy to himself and others. Verse 14 . A wise man seeks to gain more wisdom, growing in grace and in the knowledge of Christ. But a carnal mind rests contented, flattering itself. Verse 15 . Some are much in affliction, and of a sorrowful spirit. Such are to be pitied, prayed for, and comforted. And others serve God with gladness of heart, and it prompts their obedience, yet they should rejoice with trembling. ( proverbs 15:16-17 ) little; the Lord is with them, without the cares, troubles, and temptations which are with the wealth of the wicked. Verse 18 . He that is slow to anger, not only prevents strife, but appeases it, if kindled. Verse 19 . Those who have no heart to their work, pretend that they cannot do their work without hardship and danger. And thus many live always in doubt about their state, because always in neglect of some duty. Verse 20 . Those who treat an aged mother or a father with contempt or neglect, show their own folly. Verse 21 . Such as are truly wise, study that their thoughts, words, and actions should be regular, sincere, and holy. Verse 22 . If men will not take time and pains to deliberate, they are not likely to bring any thing to pass. Verse 23 . Wisdom is needed to suit our discourse to the occasions. Verse 24 . A good man sets his affections on things above; his way leads directly thither. Verse 25 . Pride is the ruin of multitudes. But those who are in affliction God will support. Verse 26 . The thoughts of wicked men offend Him who knows the heart. Verse 27 . The covetous man lets none of his family have rest or enjoyment. And greediness of gain often tempts to projects that bring ruin. Verse 28 . A good man is proved to be a wise man by this; he governs his tongue well. Verse 29 . God sets himself at a distance from those who set him at defiance. Verse 30 . How delightful to the humbled soul to hear the good report of salvation by the Lord Jesus Christ! Verse 31 . Faithful, friendly reproofs help spiritual life, and lead to eternal life. Verse 32 . Sinners undervalue their own souls; therefore they prefer the body before the soul, and wrong the soul to please the body. Verse 33 . The fear of the Lord will dispose us to search the Scriptures with reverence; and it will cause us to follow the leadings of the Holy Spirit. While we humbly place all our dependence on the grace of God, we are exalted in the righteousness of Christ.

Footnotes

• [a]. Pr 25:15; Ec 10:4
• [b]. Pr 15:28
• [c]. 2 Ch 16:9; Zch 4:10
• [d]. Pr 11:30; 13:12
• [e]. Lit but crookedness in it
• [f]. Pr 3:11; 12:1; 15:31-33
• [g]. Pr 15:29; 21:27; 28:9
• [h]. Pr 3:32; 11:20; 12:22
• [i]. Jb 26:6
• [j]. Pr 9:8
• [k]. Pr 14:30; 15:30; 17:22; 18:14
• [l]. Pr 14:33; 18:15; Mt 12:34
• [m]. Ps 37:16; 16:8,19; 17:1
• [n]. Pr 19:19; 22:24-25; 29:22
• [o]. Pr 16:17,31; 22:5-6
• [p]. Pr 10:1; 23:24-25; 29:3,15
• [q]. Pr 4:11,25; 10:23
• [r]. Pr 8:14-16; 11:14; 24:6
• [s]. Lit in an answer of his mouth
• [t]. Pr 11:20; 15:8-9; 16:24
• [u]. Pr 1:19; 17:23; 28:16; Ps 15:5
• [v]. Pr 15:2; 18:13
• [w]. Pr 15:8; 28:9
• [x]. Lit makes fat
• [y]. Pr 14:30; 15:13; 17:22
• [z]. Lit acquires a heart
• [aa]. Pr 3:11; 5:12-14; 12:1
• [ab]. Pr 18:12; 22:4; 29:23

Chapter Summary

INTRODUCTION TO FIRST KINGS 5

This chapter relates Solomon's preparation for building the temple: on Hiram, king of Tyre, sending a congratulatory letter to him, he returned another to him, signifying his intention to build an house for God, and requesting him to supply him with timber, and men to work it, 1Ki 5:1-6; to which Hiram readily agreed, and sent him cedar and fir, and Solomon in return sent him food for his household; and things went on very amicably between them, 1Ki 5:7-12; the chapter concludes with an account of Solomon's workmen, where, how, and in what they were employed, 1Ki 5:13-18.