Proverbs 15

1 responsio mollis frangit iram sermo durus suscitat furorem

2 lingua sapientium ornat scientiam os fatuorum ebullit stultitiam

3 in omni loco oculi Domini contemplantur malos et bonos

4 lingua placabilis lignum vitae quae inmoderata est conteret spiritum

5 stultus inridet disciplinam patris sui qui autem custodit increpationes astutior fiet

6 domus iusti plurima fortitudo et in fructibus impii conturbatur

7 labia sapientium disseminabunt scientiam cor stultorum dissimile erit

8 victimae impiorum abominabiles Domino vota iustorum placabilia

9 abominatio est Domino via impii qui sequitur iustitiam diligetur ab eo

10 doctrina mala deserenti viam qui increpationes odit morietur

11 infernus et perditio coram Domino quanto magis corda filiorum hominum

12 non amat pestilens eum qui se corripit nec ad sapientes graditur

13 cor gaudens exhilarat faciem in maerore animi deicitur spiritus

14 cor sapientis quaerit doctrinam et os stultorum pascetur inperitia

15 omnes dies pauperis mali secura mens quasi iuge convivium

16 melius est parum cum timore Domini quam thesauri magni et insatiabiles

17 melius est vocare ad holera cum caritate quam ad vitulum saginatum cum odio

18 vir iracundus provocat rixas qui patiens est mitigat suscitatas

19 iter pigrorum quasi sepes spinarum via iustorum absque offendiculo

20 filius sapiens laetificat patrem et stultus homo despicit matrem suam

21 stultitia gaudium stulto et vir prudens dirigit gressus

22 dissipantur cogitationes ubi non est consilium ubi vero plures sunt consiliarii confirmantur

23 laetatur homo in sententia oris sui et sermo oportunus est optimus

24 semita vitae super eruditum ut declinet de inferno novissimo

25 domum superborum demolietur Dominus et firmos facit terminos viduae

26 abominatio Domini cogitationes malae et purus sermo pulcherrimus

27 conturbat domum suam qui sectatur avaritiam qui autem odit munera vivet

28 mens iusti meditatur oboedientiam os impiorum redundat malis

29 longe est Dominus ab impiis et orationes iustorum exaudiet

30 lux oculorum laetificat animam fama bona inpinguat ossa

31 auris quae audit increpationes vitae in medio sapientium commorabitur

32 qui abicit disciplinam despicit animam suam qui adquiescit increpationibus possessor est cordis

33 timor Domini disciplina sapientiae et gloriam praecedit humilitas

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.