Proverbs15

Proverbs 15 emphasizes the profound impact of speech, contrasting soft answers that turn away wrath with grievous words that stir anger. It highlights the distinction between the wise, who use knowledge aright and seek understanding, and fools, who pour out foolishness and despise instruction. The chapter also asserts the LORD's omnipresence, beholding both good and evil, and His favor towards the righteous while abhorring the wicked.
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The Power of Gentle and Grievous Words

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.

God’s Preference for Righteousness

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.

Attitude and Emotional Health

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. ​

Contentment Over Material Wealth

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. ​

The Importance of Counsel and Diligence

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. ​

God’s Judgment and Protection

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.

The Light of Joy and Instruction

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. ​

Study Notes for Proverbs 15

Verse 1

The 'soft answer' (Heb. ma'aneh rakh) is a gentle, well-thought-out reply, emphasizing that effective communication often requires humility and control, not just speaking the truth.

Verse 3

This verse establishes God's absolute omniscience ('the eyes of the LORD are in every place'), serving as the theological foundation for why moral behavior—both good and evil—matters.

Verse 4

A 'wholesome tongue' (a tongue of healing or remedy) is likened to the 'tree of life,' symbolizing vitality and restoration, contrasting sharply with the destructive power of perverse speech.

Verse 8

This proverb clarifies that outward religious acts (sacrifices) are worthless if the heart is wicked; God prefers the sincere, heartfelt communication (prayer) of the upright over mere ritual observance.

Verse 11

Sheol (Hell) and Abaddon (Destruction, the deepest parts of the underworld) are fully exposed to God. If He sees the unseen realms of death, He certainly scrutinizes the hidden motives ('hearts') of men.

Verse 13

Proverbs emphasizes the psychosomatic connection: inner joy produces outward cheerfulness, highlighting the importance of emotional well-being for spiritual and physical health.

Verse 15

This contrast shows that happiness is not dependent on external prosperity (affliction) but on one’s internal disposition and perspective ('a merry heart').

Verse 16

Fear of the Lord (reverent obedience) is presented as the greatest asset, providing security and peace that cannot be matched by vast, anxiety-ridden wealth.

Verse 17

This proverb elevates love and communal harmony above luxury. A simple meal shared in peace is superior to a lavish banquet (stalled ox) marred by hatred and strife.

Verse 19

The 'hedge of thorns' illustrates the difficulty and frustration experienced by the lazy person, whose lack of effort creates self-imposed obstacles, while the diligent finds a clear path.

Verse 22

This highlights the practical value of seeking multiple, diverse perspectives (multitude of counsellors) to ensure plans are robust, well-vetted, and successfully fulfilled.

Verse 23

Joy comes not just from speaking, but from speaking appropriately ('in due season'). Timeliness and relevance are key components of wise communication.

Verse 24

The 'way of life is above' suggests that the path of wisdom is upward-looking, leading away from the destructive paths of Sheol (hell beneath).

Verse 25

This illustrates God’s role as the defender of the vulnerable (the widow) and the punisher of the arrogant (the proud), demonstrating His commitment to social equity.

Verse 27

Greed for illicit gain (often through bribery or unjust means) brings turmoil to one’s household, emphasizing the devastating family impact of unethical choices.

Verse 28

The wise person 'studies' or meditates before answering, reflecting careful deliberation, while the wicked speak carelessly and impulsively.

Verse 30

'Light of the eyes' refers to pleasant news or positive stimulation, which brings inner joy ('rejoiceth the heart') and physical health ('maketh the bones fat,' symbolizing vitality).

Verse 32

To refuse instruction is self-destructive ('despiseth his own soul'). The proverb connects accepting correction directly with gaining practical understanding (tēbûnâh).

Verse 33

This concluding verse serves as a summary principle: the foundation of all wisdom is the 'fear of the LORD,' and humility is the necessary prerequisite for receiving honor and true elevation.

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