Proverbs 15:7

7 The lips of the wise are bound by discretion: but the hearts of the foolish are not safe.

Proverbs 15:7 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 15:7

The lips of the wise disperse knowledge
Scatter it about for the benefit of others; they are communicative and diffusive of it unto others, that fruit may abound to their account: so the first ministers of the Gospel diffused the savour of the knowledge of Christ and his Gospel in every place; their words went into all the earth, and their sound to the end of the world; and so every Gospel minister will speak according to the oracles of God, and according to the abilities and measure of the gift which he has received; and to the utmost of his power feeds souls with knowledge and understanding; but the heart of the foolish [doth] not so;
does not disperse knowledge, for he has no solid substantial knowledge in him: or, "the heart of the foolish [is] not right" ^F24; it is full of folly and wickedness: or "the heart of the foolish [does] not [disperse that which is] right" ^F25; true and right things, and the knowledge of them; but, on the contrary, as in ( Proverbs 15:2 ) , "pours out foolishness".

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FOOTNOTES:

F24 (Nk al) "non erit rectum", Pagninus, Baynus; "non est rectum", Piscator, Mercerus.
F25 "Spargit quod abest a recto", Junius & Tremellius, Amama; "eventilant non rectum", Schultens, Cocceius.

Proverbs 15:7 In-Context

5 A fool scorns his father's instruction; but he that keeps his commandments is more prudent. In abounding righteousness is great strength: but the ungodly shall utterly perish from the earth.

6 In the houses of the righteous is much strength: but the fruits of the ungodly shall perish.

7 The lips of the wise are bound by discretion: but the hearts of the foolish are not safe.

8 The sacrifices of the ungodly are an abomination to the Lord; but the prayers of them that walk honestly are acceptable with him.

9 The ways of an ungodly are an abomination to the Lord; but he loves those that follow after righteousness.