Proverbs 15:1-4

Contrast the Upright and the Wicked

1 A ¹gentle answer turns away wrath, But a ²harsh word stirs up anger.

2 The ³tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable, But the ⁴mouth of fools spouts folly.

3 The ⁵eyes of the LORD are in every place, Watching the evil and the good.

4 A soothing tongue is a tree of life, But perversion in it crushes the spirit.

Proverbs 15:1-4 Meaning and Commentary

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.

Cross References

• 1. Judges 8:1-3; Proverbs 15:18; Proverbs 25:15
• 2. 1 Samuel 25:10-13
• 3. Proverbs 15:7
• 4. Proverbs 12:23; Proverbs 13:16; Proverbs 15:28
• 5. 2 Chronicles 16:9; Job 31:4; Jeremiah 16:17; Zechariah 4:10; Hebrews 4:13

Footnotes

• [a] Lit "painful"
• [b] Lit "good"
• [c] Lit "healing"
• [d] Lit "is the crushing of the spirit"