Proverbs 25:15

15 With patience a ruler may be won over, and a gentle tongue can break bones.

Proverbs 25:15 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 25:15

By long forbearing is a prince persuaded
To come into measures, and do that which his council and ministry advise him to, and to which he may seem at first very averse; but by a mild and gentle representation of things, by an humble submission of them to him, and by frequent remonstrances and patient waiting, his mind is softened, bent, and inclined to take their advice, and pursue the measures suggested to him; which, had they been pressed with heat, haughtiness, and haste, would have been rejected; and a soft tongue breaketh the bone;
or "hardness", as the Vulgate Latin version renders it; soft words, or words delivered in soft language, remove hardness and roughness from the minds of men; and work upon, influence, and bend men, whose wills are obstinate and stubborn, and make them pliable and tractable: so David, with a soft tongue, wrought upon Saul, his enemy; and Abigail, by her soft language, turned the mind of David, who was bent upon the destruction of Nabal, ( 1 Samuel 24:16 ) ( 25:32 ) ; see ( Proverbs 15:1 ) . Jarchi interprets this soft tongue of prayer and supplication, by which severe things against sinners are removed from them; and so he understands the former clause of the forbearance of God, which gives encouragement to sinners, to persuade him in their favour by repentance and prayer; see ( Matthew 18:26 Matthew 18:27 ) .

Proverbs 25:15 In-Context

13 Like the coldness of snow in the heat of the harvest is a faithful messenger to the one who sends him; he refreshes his master's spirit.

14 Like clouds and wind that bring no rain is he who boasts of gifts he never gives.

15 With patience a ruler may be won over, and a gentle tongue can break bones.

16 If you find honey, eat only what you need; for if you eat too much of it, you may throw it up;

17 so don't visit your neighbor too much, or he may get his fill of you and come to hate you.