Proverbs 15

1 A sensitive answer turns back wrath, but an offensive word stirs up anger.

2 The tongue of the wise enhances knowledge, but the mouth of a fool gushes with stupidity.

3 The LORD's eyes are everywhere, keeping watch on evil and good people.

4 Wholesome speech is a tree of life, but dishonest talk breaks the spirit.

5 A fool doesn't like a father's instruction, but those who heed correction are mature.

6 Great treasure is in the house of the righteous, but the gain of the wicked brings trouble.

7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but the hearts of fools have none.

8 The LORD detests the sacrifices of the wicked, but favors the prayers of those who do right.

9 The LORD detests the path of the wicked, but loves those who pursue righteousness.

10 Discipline is severe for those who abandon the way; those who hate correction will die.

11 The grave and the underworld lie open before the LORD; how much more the hearts of human beings!

12 Mockers don't like those who correct them. They won't go to the wise.

13 A joyful heart brightens one's face, but a troubled heart breaks the spirit.

14 An understanding heart seeks knowledge; but fools feed on folly.

15 All the days of the needy are hard, but a happy heart has a continual feast.

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

17 Better a meal of greens with love than a plump calf with hate.

18 Hotheads stir up conflict, but patient people calm down strife.

19 The path of the lazy is like a hedge of thorns, but the way of those who do right is a clear road.

20 A wise child brings joy to a father, but fools despise their mothers.

21 Folly is joy to those who lack sense, but those with understanding walk straight ahead.

22 Plans fail with no counsel, but with many counselors they succeed.

23 To give an appropriate answer is a joy; how good is a word at the right time!

24 For those with insight, life is an upward path, avoiding the grave below.

25 The LORD snatches away the arrogant one's house, but he preserves the widow's boundaries.

26 The LORD detests evil plans, but gracious words are pure.

27 Those who acquire things unjustly gain trouble for their house, but those who hate bribes will live.

28 The righteous heart reflects before answering, but the wicked mouth blurts out evil.

29 The LORD is far from the wicked, but he listens to the prayers of the righteous.

30 Bright eyes give joy to the heart; good news strengthens the bones.

31 The ear that listens to life-giving correction dwells among the wise.

32 Those who refuse discipline despise themselves, but those who listen to correction gain understanding.

33 The fear of the LORD is wise instruction, and humility comes before respect.

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.

Footnotes

• [a]. Heb Sheol
• [b]. Heb Abaddon
• [c]. Heb Sheol

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.