Proverbs 15

1 A mild answer breaketh wrath: but a harsh word stirreth up fury.

2 The tongue of the wise adorneth knowledge: but the mouth of fools bubbleth out folly.

3 The eyes of the Lord in every place behold the good and the evil.

4 A peaceable tongue is a tree of life: but that which is immoderate, shall crush the spirit.

5 A fool laugheth at the instruction of his father: but he that regardeth reproofs shall become prudent. In abundant justice there is the greatest strength: but the devices of the wicked shall be rooted out.

6 The house of the just is very much strength: and in the fruits of the wicked is trouble.

7 The lips of the wise shall disperse knowledge: the heart of fools shall be unlike.

8 The victims of the wicked are abominable to the Lord: the vows of the just are acceptable.

9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord: he that followeth justice is beloved by him.

10 Instruction is grievous to him that forsaketh the way of life: he that hateth reproof shall die.

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

12 A corrupt man loveth not one that reproveth him: nor will he go to the wise.

13 A glad heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by grief of mind the spirit is cast down.

14 The heart of the wise seeketh instruction: and the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.

15 All the days of the poor are evil: a secure mind is like a continual feast.

16 Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, than great treasures without content.

17 It is better to be invited to herbs with love, than to a fatted calf with hatred.

18 A passionate man stirreth up strifes: he that is patient appeaseth those that are stirred up.

19 The way of the slothful is as a hedge of thorns: the way of the just is without offence.

20 A wise son maketh a father joyful: but the foolish man despiseth his mother.

21 Folly is joy to the fool: and the wise man maketh straight his steps.

22 Designs are brought to nothing where there is no counsel: but where there are many counsellors, they are established.

23 A man rejoiceth in the sentence of his mouth: and a word in due time is best.

24 The path of life is above for the wise, that he may decline from the lowest hell.

25 The Lord will destroy the house of the proud: and will strengthen the borders of the widow.

26 Evil thoughts are an abomination to the Lord: and pure words most beautiful shall be confirmed by him.

27 He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house: but he that hateth bribes shall live. By mercy and faith sins are purged away: and by the fear of the Lord every one declineth from evil.

28 The mind of the just studieth obedience: the mouth of the wicked overfloweth with evils.

29 The Lord is far from the wicked: and he will hear the prayers of the just.

30 The light of the eyes rejoiceth the soul: a good name maketh the bones fat.

31 The ear that heareth the reproofs of life, shall abide in the midst of the wise.

32 He that rejecteth instruction, despiseth his own soul: but he that yieldeth to reproof, possesseth understanding.

33 The fear of the Lord is the lesson of wisdom: and humility goeth before glory.

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.

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.