Proverbs 15

1 A gentle answer turns away rage, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

2 The tongues of wise people give good expression to knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out a flood of stupidity.

3 The eyes of the LORD are everywhere. They watch evil people and good people.

4 A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue breaks the spirit.

5 A stubborn fool despises his father's discipline, but whoever appreciates a warning shows good sense.

6 Great treasure is in the house of a righteous person, but trouble comes along with the income of a wicked person.

7 The lips of wise people spread knowledge, but a foolish attitude does not.

8 A sacrifice brought by wicked people is disgusting to the LORD, but the prayers of decent people please him.

9 The way of wicked people is disgusting to the LORD, but he loves those who pursue righteousness.

10 Discipline is a terrible [burden] to anyone who leaves the [right] path. Anyone who hates a warning will die.

11 If Sheol and Abaddon lie open in front of the LORD how much more the human heart!

12 A mocker does not appreciate a warning. He will not go to wise people.

13 A joyful heart makes a cheerful face, but with a heartache comes depression.

14 The mind of a person who has understanding searches for knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on stupidity.

15 Every day is a terrible day for a miserable person, but a cheerful heart has a continual feast.

16 Better to have a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and turmoil.

17 Better to have a dish of vegetables where there is love than juicy steaks where there is hate.

18 A hothead stirs up a fight, but one who holds his temper calms disputes.

19 The path of lazy people is like a thorny hedge, but the road of decent people is an [open] highway.

20 A wise son makes his father happy, but a foolish child despises its mother.

21 Stupidity is fun to the one without much sense, but a person who has understanding forges straight ahead.

22 Without advice plans go wrong, but with many advisers they succeed.

23 A person is delighted to hear an answer from his own mouth, and a timely word--oh, how good!

24 The path of life for a wise person leads upward in order to turn him away from hell below.

25 The LORD tears down the house of an arrogant person, but he protects the property of widows.

26 The thoughts of evil people are disgusting to the LORD, but pleasant words are pure to him.

27 Whoever is greedy for unjust gain brings trouble to his family, but whoever hates bribes will live.

28 The heart of a righteous person carefully considers how to answer, but the mouths of wicked people pour out a flood of evil things.

29 The LORD is far from wicked people, but he hears the prayers of righteous people.

30 A twinkle in the eye delights the heart. Good news refreshes the body.

31 The ear that listens to a life-giving warning will be at home among wise people.

32 Whoever ignores discipline despises himself, but the person who listens to warning gains understanding.

33 The fear of the LORD is discipline [leading to] wisdom, and humility comes before honor.

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.