Proverbs 15

1 A gentle answer turns anger away. But mean words stir up anger.

2 The tongues of wise people use knowledge well. But the mouths of foolish people pour out foolish words.

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

4 A tongue that brings healing is like a tree of life. But a tongue that tells lies produces a broken spirit.

5 A foolish person turns his back on how his father has trained him. But anyone who accepts being corrected shows understanding.

6 The houses of those who do what is right hold great wealth. But those who do what is wrong earn only trouble.

7 The lips of wise people spread knowledge. But that's not true of the hearts of foolish people.

8 The LORD hates the sacrifice of sinful people. But the prayers of honest people please him.

9 The LORD hates how sinners live. But he loves those who run after what is right.

10 Hard training is in store for anyone who leaves the right path. A person who hates to be corrected will die.

11 Death and the Grave lie open in front of the Lord. So the hearts of mere men certainly lie open to him!

12 Anyone who makes fun of others doesn't like to be corrected. He won't ask wise people for advice.

13 A happy heart makes a face look cheerful. But a sad heart produces a broken spirit.

14 A heart that understands what is right looks for knowledge. But the mouths of foolish people feed on what is foolish.

15 All the days of those who are crushed are filled with pain and suffering. But a cheerful heart enjoys a good time that never ends.

16 It is better to have respect for the LORD and have little than to be rich and have trouble.

17 A meal of vegetables where there is love is better than the finest meat where there is hatred.

18 A man who burns with anger stirs up fights. But a person who is patient calms things down.

19 The way of people who don't want to work is blocked with thorns. But the path of honest people is a wide road.

20 A wise son makes his father glad. But a foolish son hates his mother.

21 A person who has no sense enjoys doing foolish things. But a man who has understanding walks straight ahead.

22 Plans fail without good advice. But they succeed when there are many advisers.

23 Joy is found in giving the right answer. And how good is a word spoken at the right time!

24 The path of life leads up for those who are wise. It keeps them from going down to the grave.

25 The LORD tears down the proud person's house. But he keeps the widow's property safe.

26 The LORD hates the thoughts of sinful people. But the thoughts of pure people are pleasing to him.

27 Anyone who always wants more brings trouble to his family. But a person who refuses to be paid off will live.

28 The hearts of those who do right think about how they will answer. But the mouths of those who do wrong pour out evil.

29 The LORD is far away from those who do wrong. But he hears the prayers of those who do right.

30 A cheerful look brings joy to your heart. And good news gives health to your body.

31 If you listen to a warning, you will live. You will be at home among those who are wise.

32 Anyone who turns away from his training hates himself. But anyone who accepts being corrected gains understanding.

33 Having respect for the LORD teaches you how to live wisely. So don't be proud if you want to be honored.

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.