Proverbs 15

1 A gentle response deflects fury, but a harsh word makes tempers rise.

2 The tongue of the wise presents knowledge well, but the mouth of a fool spews out folly.

3 The eyes of ADONAI are everywhere, watching the evil and the good.

4 A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but when it twists things, it breaks the spirit.

5 A fool despises his father's discipline, but he who heeds warnings is prudent.

6 The home of the righteous is a storehouse of treasure, but the earnings of the wicked bring trouble.

7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools.

8 ADONAI detests the sacrifices of the wicked but delights in the prayers of the upright.

9 ADONAI detests the way of the wicked but loves anyone who pursues righteousness.

10 Discipline is severe for one who leaves the way, and whoever can't stand correction will die.

11 Sh'ol and Abaddon lie open to ADONAI; so how much more people's hearts!

12 A scorner does not like being corrected; he won't go to the wise [for advice].

13 A glad heart makes a face happy, but heartache breaks the spirit.

14 The mind of a person with discernment seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.

15 For the poor, every day is hard; but the good-hearted have a perpetual feast.

16 Better little with the fear of ADONAI than great wealth coupled with worry.

17 Better a vegetable dinner with love than a stall-fattened ox with hate.

18 Hot-tempered people stir up strife, but patient people quiet quarrels.

19 The lazy person's way seems overgrown by thorns, but the path of the upright is a level highway.

20 A wise son is a joy to his father, and only a fool despises his mother.

21 Folly appeals to one who lacks sense, but a person of discernment goes straight ahead.

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

23 People take pleasure in anything they say; but a word at the right time, how good it is!

24 For the prudent, the path of life goes upward; thus he avoids Sh'ol below.

25 ADONAI will pull down the houses of the proud, but preserves intact the widow's boundaries.

26 ADONAI detests plans to do evil, but kind words are pure.

27 The greedy for gain brings trouble to his home, but he who hates bribes will live.

28 The mind of the righteous thinks before speaking, but the mouth of the wicked spews out evil stuff.

29 ADONAI is far from the wicked, but he listens to the prayer of the righteous.

30 A cheerful glance brings joy to the heart, and good news invigorates the bones.

31 He who heeds life-giving correction will be at home in the company of the wise.

32 He who spurns discipline detests himself, but he who listens to correction grows in understanding.

33 The discipline of wisdom is fear of ADONAI, so before being honored, a person must be humble.

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.