Proverbs 15:2

KJV

¶ The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.

KJV (with Strong's)

The tongue {H3956} of the wise {H2450} useth knowledge {H1847} aright {H3190}: but the mouth {H6310} of fools {H3684} poureth out {H5042} foolishness {H200}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The tongue of the wise presents knowledge well, but the mouth of a fool spews out folly.

Berean Standard Bible

The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly.

American Standard Version

The tongue of the wise uttereth knowledge aright; But the mouth of fools poureth out folly.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 15:2 presents a stark and profound contrast between the communication styles of the wise and the foolish, asserting that one's speech is a direct and undeniable reflection of their inner character. The verse teaches that wisdom manifests not merely as the possession of knowledge, but as the discerning and beneficial application of it through words, while folly inevitably erupts in a torrent of thoughtless and harmful utterances. This foundational proverb underscores the immense power of the tongue and the critical importance of cultivating a heart that produces edifying and truthful speech.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 15:2 is situated within the "Solomonic Collections" (Proverbs 10:1–22:16), a section predominantly characterized by **antithetical parallelism**. This literary device, where two opposing ideas are presented in parallel lines, serves to highlight the sharp distinctions between wisdom and folly, righteousness and wickedness, and their respective consequences. This particular verse exemplifies this structure by contrasting the wise tongue with the foolish mouth. Throughout the book of Proverbs, the theme of speech is paramount, with numerous passages emphasizing its power for good or ill, such as the declaration that "death and life are in the power of the tongue" found in [Proverbs 18:21](/proverbs/18-21 "Proverbs 18:21 - Life and Death in the Tongue"). The immediate context of Proverbs 15 continues this focus, with subsequent verses further exploring the impact of words on relationships, divine favor, and personal well-being.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel, like much of the ancient Near East, was largely an oral culture where spoken words carried immense weight and authority. Promises, blessings, curses, and legal pronouncements were binding and impactful. In such a society, the ability to speak wisely, judiciously, and effectively was highly valued and seen as a mark of true leadership and character. The "wise" (חָכָם, _châkâm_) were not merely intellectually astute but possessed practical, moral, and spiritual discernment, often serving as counselors and teachers. Conversely, the "fool" (כְּסִיל, _kᵉçîyl_) was not simply unintelligent but morally deficient, stubbornly resistant to instruction, and prone to self-destructive behavior. The proverb reflects the societal understanding that one's public discourse was a transparent window into their inner being and their standing within the community.
* **Key Themes:** This proverb contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Proverbs. Firstly, it underscores the central theme of **Wisdom vs. Folly**, presenting communication as a primary arena where this distinction is made evident. The wise demonstrate their wisdom through their measured and beneficial speech, while the foolish betray their folly through uncontrolled utterances. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Discretion in Speech**, emphasizing that true wisdom involves not just possessing knowledge but knowing how and when to apply it appropriately through words. The wise "use knowledge aright," implying careful consideration and beneficial application. Thirdly, the verse powerfully illustrates the theme of **Revelation of Character**, asserting that words are not merely external sounds but an outflow of the heart's true condition. As Jesus later taught in [Matthew 12:34](/matthew/12-34 "Matthew 12:34 - Out of the Abundance of the Heart"), "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh." Finally, it implicitly emphasizes **The Power of the Tongue**, portraying it as an instrument capable of either building up and guiding or scattering and destroying, a concept frequently revisited throughout the wisdom literature, including [Proverbs 12:18](/proverbs/12-18 "Proverbs 12:18 - Rash Words and Healing Words").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **tongue (Hebrew, _lâshôwn'_):** This word (H3956) refers literally to the anatomical organ, but frequently in Scripture, it serves as a **metonymy** for speech itself, language, or the act of speaking. In Proverbs 15:2, it represents the instrument through which wisdom or folly is expressed, emphasizing the direct connection between the inner person and their verbal output. It highlights that the words we speak are not incidental but are an extension of our character.
* **useth aright (Hebrew, _yâṭab'_):** The verb (H3190) carries the meaning "to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)." When combined with "knowledge" (H1847, _daʻath_, meaning "knowledge" or "discernment"), it signifies not just speaking knowledgeably, but speaking knowledge in a way that is beneficial, skillful, appropriate, and conducive to good outcomes. It implies a deliberate, thoughtful, and constructive application of understanding.
* **poureth out (Hebrew, _nâbaʻ'_):** This verb (H5042) means "to gush forth" or "to utter (good or bad words) abundantly." The imagery is vivid, suggesting an uncontrolled, unthinking, and often excessive outflow. Unlike the measured and intentional speech of the wise, the fool's words are depicted as an unrestrained deluge, revealing a lack of discretion, self-control, and inner substance. This "gushing forth" implies that the foolishness is inherent and flows freely from within.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright":** This clause describes the discerning individual whose speech is characterized by wisdom. The "tongue of the wise" is not merely eloquent or articulate, but it applies knowledge (H1847, _daʻath_) in a manner that is beneficial, skillful, and appropriate (H3190, _yâṭab_). This implies careful consideration, discernment of the situation, and an intention to edify, guide, or bring clarity. It's about speaking truth in love, at the right time, and in the right way, making knowledge a force for good.
* **"but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness":** In stark contrast, this clause depicts the speech of the "fools" (H3684, _kᵉçîyl_, implying moral and spiritual deficiency, not just intellectual). Their "mouth" (H6310, _peh_) is a conduit for an uncontrolled outpouring (H5042, _nâbaʻ_) of "foolishness" (H200, _ʼivveleth_). This imagery suggests a lack of restraint, discretion, and inner wisdom. The words of the fool are often rash, ill-timed, hurtful, or simply nonsensical, revealing an inner emptiness or corruption. There is no filter, no thoughtful application, only an unthinking release of what is within.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 15:2 effectively employs **Antithetical Parallelism**, a hallmark of Hebrew wisdom literature, to juxtapose the characteristics and outcomes of wise and foolish speech. The first half of the verse presents the positive example of the wise, while the second half offers the negative counterpoint of the fool, creating a clear and memorable contrast. The verse also utilizes **Metaphor** and **Imagery** to convey its message. The "tongue of the wise" is personified as actively "using knowledge aright," implying agency and skill. Conversely, the "mouth of fools" is depicted as a vessel that "poureth out foolishness," evoking the image of an uncontrolled, abundant gushing. This vivid imagery underscores the effortless and unthinking nature of the fool's communication, in contrast to the deliberate and beneficial application of knowledge by the wise. The overall effect is a powerful **Contrast** that highlights the profound difference between wisdom and folly as expressed through words.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 15:2 profoundly connects to the broader biblical understanding of the human heart as the wellspring of all life, including our words. It teaches that speech is not merely a superficial act but a direct manifestation of one's inner spiritual and moral condition. A wise heart, cultivated through reverence for God and adherence to His statutes, naturally produces words that are edifying, truthful, and beneficial. Conversely, a foolish heart, characterized by rebellion against divine wisdom and a lack of discernment, inevitably gives rise to speech that is destructive, deceitful, or utterly useless. This principle resonates throughout Scripture, emphasizing that true wisdom is not merely intellectual but deeply spiritual and practical, impacting every facet of life, especially our communication. Our words, therefore, serve as a barometer of our spiritual health and our alignment with God's character.

* [Proverbs 18:21](/proverbs/18-21 "Proverbs 18:21 - Life and Death in the Tongue")
* [Matthew 12:34](/matthew/12-34 "Matthew 12:34 - Out of the Abundance of the Heart")
* [Ephesians 4:29](/ephesians/4-29 "Ephesians 4:29 - Edifying Speech")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In an age saturated with instant communication, social media, and constant interaction, the wisdom of Proverbs 15:2 is more pertinent than ever. This proverb challenges us to move beyond superficial communication and to consider the source and impact of our words. It calls us to cultivate not just intellectual knowledge, but practical wisdom that enables us to apply truth appropriately and beneficially in every conversation. Our words have immense power—to build up or tear down, to heal or wound, to clarify or confuse. Therefore, we are urged to exercise profound discretion, to think before we speak, and to ensure that our speech reflects a heart transformed by God's wisdom. This requires intentional self-reflection, a willingness to listen more than we speak, and a commitment to using our tongues as instruments of grace, truth, and edification in a world desperately in need of both.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How often do my words reflect a deliberate application of knowledge for good, rather than an impulsive outpouring of thoughtlessness?**
* **What does my regular pattern of speech reveal about the condition of my heart?**
* **In what specific situations do I find myself most tempted to "pour out foolishness," and how can I cultivate greater self-control and wisdom in those moments?**
* **How can I intentionally use my words today to build up, encourage, or bring clarity to others, rather than to tear down or spread negativity?**

### FAQ

**What is the core difference between the wise and the fool in this proverb?**

Answer: The core difference lies in their relationship to knowledge and their exercise of discretion. The wise person possesses knowledge and, more importantly, knows how to "use it aright" (H3190, _yâṭab_), meaning they apply it skillfully, appropriately, and beneficially through their speech. Their words are measured, thoughtful, and constructive. In contrast, the fool, often characterized by moral and spiritual deficiency, lacks discretion and pours out "foolishness" (H200, _ʼivveleth_) without restraint. Their speech is impulsive, unthinking, and often destructive, revealing an inner emptiness or corruption rather than a lack of mere intelligence. It's a difference of character and intentionality in communication.

**How does this verse relate to the idea of the heart?**

Answer: This proverb implicitly but powerfully connects speech to the condition of the heart, a recurring theme in biblical wisdom. The "tongue of the wise" and the "mouth of fools" are not merely external organs but are presented as conduits for what originates within a person's inner being. The wisdom or foolishness expressed through words is a direct outflow of the heart's abundance. As Jesus taught in [Matthew 12:34](/matthew/12-34 "Matthew 12:34 - Out of the Abundance of the Heart"), "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh." Therefore, to speak wisely is to have a wise heart, and to pour out foolishness is to have a foolish heart. The verse underscores that true change in communication begins with a transformation of the inner person.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 15:2 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the embodiment of divine wisdom and the perfect example of speech. Unlike the foolish who pour out foolishness, Jesus's words were always truth, grace, and life, perfectly "using knowledge aright." He is the very **Logos**, the Word of God, through whom all things were made ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Became Flesh")), and in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge")). His teachings were delivered with unparalleled authority and discernment, consistently building up, challenging sin, and revealing the Father's heart. He warned against every careless word ([Matthew 12:36-37](/matthew/12-36 "Matthew 12:36-37 - Account for Every Careless Word")) and demonstrated the power of words to heal, deliver, and transform. For believers, our call is to be conformed to Christ's image, allowing the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts so that our "tongues" and "mouths" become instruments of His wisdom and grace, speaking only what is "good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear" ([Ephesians 4:29](/ephesians/4-29 "Ephesians 4:29 - Wholesome Speech")). In Christ, the ideal of the wise tongue is fully realized, and through Him, we are empowered to speak wisely for God's glory.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 12:23

¶ A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.

Proverbs 15:28

¶ The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.

Proverbs 13:16

¶ Every prudent [man] dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open [his] folly.

Ecclesiastes 10:12

¶ The words of a wise man's mouth [are] gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.

Ecclesiastes 10:13

The beginning of the words of his mouth [is] foolishness: and the end of his talk [is] mischievous madness.

Psalms 59:7

Behold, they belch out with their mouth: swords [are] in their lips: for who, [say they], doth hear?

Proverbs 15:23

¶ A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word [spoken] in due season, how good [is it]!