Proverbs 15:28

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

The heart {H3820} of the righteous {H6662} studieth {H1897} to answer {H6030}: but the mouth {H6310} of the wicked {H7563} poureth {H5042} out evil things {H7451}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The mind of the righteous thinks before speaking, but the mouth of the wicked spews out evil stuff.

Berean Standard Bible

The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil.

American Standard Version

The heart of the righteous studieth to answer; But the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 15:28 presents a profound contrast between the communication habits of the righteous and the wicked, revealing the deep connection between one's inner character and outward speech. The righteous person approaches communication with thoughtful deliberation, carefully considering their words before speaking, aiming for wisdom and edification. In stark opposition, the wicked person's mouth impulsively and unrestrainedly spews forth harmful and destructive words, reflecting the corruption within their heart. This proverb underscores the vital importance of intentional, heart-governed speech as a hallmark of true righteousness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 15:28 is a classic example of **antithetical parallelism**, a hallmark literary device in the book of Proverbs, where two contrasting ideas or actions are presented to highlight a moral or theological truth. This verse is situated within a larger collection of proverbs (chapters 10-29) that primarily utilize this structure to delineate the path of wisdom versus folly, and righteousness versus wickedness. Specifically, within chapter 15, there is a recurring emphasis on the power and nature of speech, its impact on relationships, and its reflection of the heart. For instance, [Proverbs 15:23](/proverbs/15-23 "Proverbs 15:23 - A Word Fitly Spoken") speaks of the joy of a word fitly spoken, while [Proverbs 15:1](/proverbs/15-1 "Proverbs 15:1 - A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath") highlights how a gentle answer turns away wrath. The chapter also frequently touches on God's omnipresence and omniscience, as seen in [Proverbs 15:3](/proverbs/15-3 "Proverbs 15:3 - The Lord's Eyes Are Everywhere"), implying that all speech and thought are observed by the divine. Thus, our verse fits seamlessly into this thematic tapestry, reinforcing the idea that righteous living is inextricably linked to righteous communication.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East, the cultural milieu from which Proverbs emerged, placed a high value on wisdom, often personified and seen as a divine attribute. Oral communication was paramount in daily life, legal proceedings, and the transmission of knowledge and tradition. Speech was not merely a tool for conveying information but was understood to possess inherent power, capable of building up or tearing down, blessing or cursing. The wise person (חָכָם, _chakham_) was esteemed for their measured, insightful words, while the fool (אֱוִיל, _'evil_) was characterized by rash, destructive, and uncontrolled speech. Proverbs, as a genre, served as practical instruction for living well within the community and before God, emphasizing that one's words were a direct reflection of their inner character and a significant determinant of their destiny. The "heart" (לֵב, _leb_) in Hebrew thought was not just the seat of emotions but also the center of intellect, will, and moral decision-making, making the "heart of the righteous" the very core of their being, from which their deliberate speech flows.

* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 15:28 powerfully articulates several core themes prevalent throughout the wisdom literature. Firstly, it highlights the **contrast between deliberate and rash speech**, portraying the righteous as those who thoughtfully prepare their responses, while the wicked impulsively "pour out" words without consideration. This deliberate approach to communication is a hallmark of wisdom. Secondly, the verse emphasizes the profound connection between **character and communication**, asserting that one's words are a direct outflow of their inner moral condition. A righteous heart produces constructive, discerning speech, whereas a wicked heart manifests in harmful or destructive words, echoing the New Testament teaching that "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" ([Matthew 12:34](/matthew/12-34 "Matthew 12:34 - Jesus on the Heart and Speech")). Thirdly, the proverb underscores the **importance of wisdom in speech**, suggesting that true wisdom involves not only knowing what to say but also discerning when, how, and even if, to speak. The righteous "studieth to answer," implying a pursuit of divine wisdom in their communication. Finally, it implicitly speaks to the **power of words**, illustrating how words can be instruments of either edification or destruction, depending on the heart from which they originate. This theme is pervasive in Proverbs, where the tongue is often depicted as having the power of life and death ([Proverbs 18:21](/proverbs/18-21 "Proverbs 18:21 - Life and Death in the Power of the Tongue")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **heart (Hebrew, _lêb'_):** This term, H3820, refers to the innermost being of a person, encompassing not only emotions but also intellect, will, and moral faculty. In ancient Hebrew thought, the heart was considered the seat of understanding, decision-making, and character. Thus, "the heart of the righteous" signifies the very core of their being, which is aligned with God's will and wisdom, leading to thoughtful and intentional actions, including speech.
* **studieth (Hebrew, _hâgâh'_):** From H1897, this word is rich in meaning, implying much more than mere quick thinking. It denotes a deep process of meditation, contemplation, pondering, or even murmuring to oneself as one thoroughly considers a matter. It suggests a deliberate, unhurried, and profound engagement with the subject at hand, weighing words and their potential impact. The righteous person does not react impulsively but thoughtfully prepares their response, indicating a pursuit of wisdom and discernment in their communication.
* **poureth out (Hebrew, _nâbaʻ'_):** Derived from H5042, this vivid verb literally means "to gush forth," like water from a spring or fountain. Figuratively, it describes an uncontrolled, impulsive, and often abundant release of words. The imagery suggests a lack of restraint, a spontaneous eruption of speech that is unfiltered, unconsidered, and often reveals the underlying malice, folly, or thoughtlessness within the wicked heart. These words are not aimed at edification but burst forth, often causing harm.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The heart of the righteous studieth to answer":** This clause describes the internal disposition and external practice of the righteous. Their "heart," the core of their being, is engaged in a process of deep consideration and meditation ("studieth") before they "answer." This implies intentionality, wisdom, and a desire for their words to be constructive, truthful, and appropriate. It speaks to a disciplined mind and a character rooted in discernment, reflecting a desire to honor God and others in their communication.
* **"but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things":** This contrasting clause reveals the nature of the wicked. Their "mouth" acts as an uncontrolled conduit for the "evil things" that originate from their corrupt heart. The verb "poureth out" vividly illustrates the impulsive, unrestrained, and often abundant nature of their speech, which lacks forethought or filter. These "evil things" (H7451, _raʻ_) can encompass anything harmful, destructive, malicious, deceitful, or foolish, reflecting a character devoid of wisdom and righteousness.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Proverbs 15:28 is **antithetical parallelism**. This technique juxtaposes two contrasting lines or ideas to highlight a moral or theological truth, making the distinction between the righteous and the wicked clear and memorable. The first line describes the deliberate and thoughtful communication of the righteous, while the second line presents the impulsive and destructive speech of the wicked. This stark contrast emphasizes the profound difference in character and its manifestation in words. Additionally, the phrase "poureth out" functions as a **metaphor**, likening the unrestrained flow of words from the wicked to the gushing of water from a source, vividly conveying the lack of control and the abundance of harmful speech. There is also an element of **synecdoche**, where "heart" represents the entire person of the righteous, and "mouth" represents the entire person of the wicked in their mode of communication, highlighting that speech is a holistic reflection of one's inner being.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 15:28 profoundly articulates a core biblical truth: our words are not merely sounds but powerful expressions of our inner being, revealing the true condition of our hearts. The proverb elevates thoughtful communication to a spiritual discipline, contrasting it with the impulsive, destructive speech that flows from a wicked disposition. Theologically, this verse underscores God's concern with both our internal state and our external expressions. A righteous heart, aligned with God's wisdom, seeks to honor Him and edify others through its words, demonstrating a commitment to truth, love, and discernment. Conversely, unbridled, harmful speech is a symptom of a heart alienated from God, reflecting a disregard for His ways and the well-being of others. This principle resonates throughout Scripture, emphasizing that true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord and manifests in every aspect of life, especially in the careful stewardship of our tongue.

* [Matthew 12:34](/matthew/12-34 "Matthew 12:34 - Out of the Abundance of the Heart the Mouth Speaks")
* [James 1:19](/james/1-19 "James 1:19 - Be Quick to Hear, Slow to Speak, Slow to Anger")
* [Proverbs 18:21](/proverbs/18-21 "Proverbs 18:21 - Life and Death Are in the Power of the Tongue")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 15:28 offers timeless and highly relevant guidance for our daily interactions, particularly in an age dominated by instant communication and social media. The call for the righteous heart to "study to answer" is an invitation to cultivate intentionality, wisdom, and self-control in our speech. This means pausing before we speak, especially in moments of tension or when addressing sensitive topics, to consider the truthfulness, necessity, kindness, and helpfulness of our words. It challenges us to examine the wellspring of our communication—our heart—recognizing that if our words are consistently harsh, impulsive, or negative, it signals a deeper spiritual need for transformation and alignment with God's character. Embracing this proverb means striving to use our words to build up, to offer grace, to speak truth in love, and to contribute positively to every conversation, reflecting the wisdom and righteousness that God desires to cultivate within us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you tend to speak impulsively rather than "studying to answer"?**
* **What does your typical communication style reveal about the condition of your heart?**
* **How can you cultivate a more deliberate and thoughtful approach to your words, especially in challenging situations or on social media?**
* **What "evil things" might you be prone to "pour out," and what steps can you take to guard your heart against them?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for the "heart of the righteous studieth to answer"?**

Answer: It means that the righteous person's inner being—their intellect, will, and emotions—is actively engaged in a process of thoughtful consideration, meditation, and careful preparation before they respond or speak. They don't react impulsively but weigh their words, considering their truthfulness, impact, and appropriateness. This "studying" implies a desire for wisdom, discernment, and a commitment to speak words that are constructive and aligned with God's will. It's about intentional, rather than accidental, communication.

**How does this proverb apply to modern communication, especially on social media?**

Answer: This proverb is incredibly relevant for modern communication. In an era of instant messaging, rapid-fire comments, and viral content, it's easy to "pour out" words without thought. Proverbs 15:28 serves as a vital reminder to pause, reflect, and "study" our responses before posting, tweeting, or commenting. The impulsivity and anonymity of online platforms can often lead to the "wicked pouring out evil things" (e.g., hate speech, slander, unverified accusations). For the righteous, it's a call to digital discernment, ensuring that our online presence reflects a heart committed to truth, grace, and thoughtful engagement, rather than contributing to the noise or negativity.

**Is silence always the best response according to this proverb?**

Answer: While the proverb emphasizes thoughtful deliberation over impulsive speech, it does not necessarily advocate for silence in all situations. Rather, it promotes *intentional* speech. Sometimes, the most righteous answer, after studying the situation, might indeed be silence, especially if speaking would be unhelpful, inflammatory, or premature. However, at other times, "studying to answer" means preparing to speak a difficult truth in love, offering wise counsel, or providing a timely word of encouragement, as suggested in [Proverbs 25:11](/proverbs/25-11 "Proverbs 25:11 - A Word Fitly Spoken Like Apples of Gold"). The key is not the quantity of words, but their quality and the heart from which they originate.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 15:28 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the perfectly righteous One, whose heart always "studieth to answer" with divine wisdom and grace. Unlike the wicked, who "pour out evil things," Jesus' mouth consistently uttered words of life, truth, and healing. His teaching, particularly in the [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Sermon on the Mount"), exemplified a profound understanding of the heart's connection to speech, challenging His followers to move beyond mere external obedience to internal transformation. When faced with accusations, Jesus often responded with profound, deliberate silence ([John 19:9](/john/19-9 "John 19:9 - Jesus' Silence Before Pilate")), demonstrating the ultimate wisdom of knowing when not to speak, or when His response would be His very presence. His words were always measured, purposeful, and aimed at revealing the Father's truth and love, even when confronting sin. Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ makes it possible for our own hearts, once prone to "pour out evil things," to be transformed. The new covenant promise of a [new heart and a new spirit](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - A New Heart and a New Spirit") empowers believers, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, to cultivate the fruit of the Spirit, including self-control and patience ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")). This enables us to increasingly reflect Christ's example, learning to "speak the truth in love" ([Ephesians 4:15](/ephesians/4-15 "Ephesians 4:15 - Speaking the Truth in Love")) and to use our words for edification and grace, mirroring the perfect communication of our Savior.

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

1 Peter 3:15

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and [be] ready always to [give] an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

Proverbs 29:11

¶ A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise [man] keepeth it in till afterwards.

James 3:6

And the tongue [is] a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

James 3:8

But the tongue can no man tame; [it is] an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

Proverbs 15:2

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

Ecclesiastes 5:2

Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter [any] thing before God: for God [is] in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.

Ecclesiastes 10:12

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