Proverbs 15

1 A soft answer turneth back fury, And a grievous word raiseth up anger.

2 The tongue of the wise maketh knowledge good, And the mouth of fools uttereth folly.

3 In every place are the eyes of Jehovah, Watching the evil and the good.

4 A healed tongue [is] a tree of life, And perverseness in it -- a breach in the spirit.

5 A fool despiseth the instruction of his father, And whoso is regarding reproof is prudent.

6 [In] the house of the righteous [is] abundant strength, And in the increase of the wicked -- trouble.

7 The lips of the wise scatter knowledge, And the heart of fools [is] not right.

8 The sacrifice of the wicked [is] an abomination to Jehovah, And the prayer of the upright [is] His delight.

9 An abomination to Jehovah [is] the way of the wicked, And whoso is pursuing righteousness He loveth.

10 Chastisement [is] grievous to him who is forsaking the path, Whoso is hating reproof dieth.

11 Sheol and destruction [are] before Jehovah, Surely also the hearts of the sons of men.

12 A scorner loveth not his reprover, Unto the wise he goeth not.

13 A joyful heart maketh glad the face, And by grief of heart is the spirit smitten.

14 The heart of the intelligent seeketh knowledge, And the mouth of fools enjoyeth folly.

15 All the days of the afflicted [are] evil, And gladness of heart [is] a perpetual banquet.

16 Better [is] a little with the fear of Jehovah, Than much treasure, and tumult with it.

17 Better [is] an allowance of green herbs and love there, Than a fatted ox, and hatred with it.

18 A man of fury stirreth up contention, And the slow to anger appeaseth strife.

19 The way of the slothful [is] as a hedge of briers, And the path of the upright is raised up.

20 A wise son rejoiceth a father. And a foolish man is despising his mother.

21 Folly is joy to one lacking heart, And a man of intelligence directeth [his] going.

22 Without counsel [is] the making void of purposes, And in a multitude of counsellors it is established.

23 Joy [is] to a man in the answer of his mouth, And a word in its season -- how good!

24 A path of life [is] on high for the wise, To turn aside from Sheol beneath.

25 The house of the proud Jehovah pulleth down, And He setteth up the border of the widow.

26 An abomination to Jehovah [are] thoughts of wickedness, And pure [are] sayings of pleasantness.

27 A dishonest gainer is troubling his house, And whoso is hating gifts liveth.

28 The heart of the righteous meditateth to answer, And the mouth of the wicked uttereth evil things.

29 Far [is] Jehovah from the wicked, And the prayer of the righteous He heareth.

30 The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart, A good report maketh fat the bone.

31 An ear that is hearing the reproof of life Doth lodge among the wise.

32 Whoso is refusing instruction is despising his soul, And whoso is hearing reproof Is getting understanding.

33 The fear of Jehovah [is] the instruction of wisdom, And before honour [is] humility!

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.