Proverbs 15

1 A gentle answer will calm a person's anger, but an unkind answer will cause more anger.

2 Wise people use knowledge when they speak, but fools pour out foolishness.

3 The Lord's eyes see everything; he watches both evil and good people.

4 As a tree gives fruit, healing words give life, but dishonest words crush the spirit.

5 Fools reject their parents' correction, but anyone who accepts correction is wise.

6 Much wealth is in the houses of good people, but evil people get nothing but trouble.

7 Wise people use their words to spread knowledge, but there is no knowledge in the thoughts of fools.

8 The Lord hates the sacrifice that the wicked offer, but he likes the prayers of honest people.

9 The Lord hates what evil people do, but he loves those who do what is right.

10 The person who quits doing what is right will be punished, and the one who hates to be corrected will die.

11 The Lord knows what is happening in the world of the dead, so he surely knows the thoughts of the living.

12 Those who make fun of wisdom don't like to be corrected; they will not ask the wise for advice.

13 Happiness makes a person smile, but sadness can break a person's spirit.

14 People with understanding want more knowledge, but fools just want more foolishness.

15 Every day is hard for those who suffer, but a happy heart is like a continual feast.

16 It is better to be poor and respect the Lord than to be wealthy and have much trouble.

17 It is better to eat vegetables with those who love you than to eat meat with those who hate you.

18 People with quick tempers cause trouble, but those who control their tempers stop a quarrel.

19 A lazy person's life is like a patch of thorns, but an honest person's life is like a smooth highway.

20 A wise son makes his father happy, but a foolish son disrespects his mother.

21 A person without wisdom enjoys being foolish, but someone with understanding does what is right.

22 Plans fail without good advice, but they succeed with the advice of many others.

23 People enjoy giving good advice. Saying the right word at the right time is so pleasing.

24 Wise people's lives get better and better. They avoid whatever would cause their death.

25 The Lord will tear down the proud person's house, but he will protect the widow's property.

26 The Lord hates evil thoughts but is pleased with kind words.

27 Greedy people bring trouble to their families, but the person who can't be paid to do wrong will live.

28 Good people think before they answer, but the wicked simply pour out evil.

29 The Lord does not listen to the wicked, but he hears the prayers of those who do right.

30 Good news makes you feel better. Your happiness will show in your eyes.

31 If you listen to correction to improve your life, you will live among the wise.

32 Those who refuse correction hate themselves, but those who accept correction gain understanding.

33 Respect for the Lord will teach you wisdom. If you want to be honored, you 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.