Proverbs 25:15

15 In long-suffering is prosperity to kings, and a soft tongue breaks the 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 As a fall of snow in the time of harvest is good against heat, so a faithful messenger those that send him; for he helps the souls of his employers.

14 As winds and clouds and rains are most evident , so is he that boasts of a false gift.

15 In long-suffering is prosperity to kings, and a soft tongue breaks the bones.

16 Having found honey, eat what is enough, lest haply thou be filled, and vomit it up.

17 Enter sparingly into thy friend's house, lest he be satiated with thy company, and hate thee.