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Proverbs Chapter 15

Old Testament Wisdom/Poetry 33 Verses

What is Proverbs 15 about?

Practical wisdom for daily life, family, work, and worship, all rooted in the fear of the LORD. The complete chapter text below provides the immediate literary context for study.

Text — American Standard Version (1901)

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. For original Hebrew/Greek interlinear text, open in BibleWord.ai.
1A soft answer turneth away wrath; But a grievous word stirreth up anger.
2The tongue of the wise uttereth knowledge aright; But the mouth of fools poureth out folly.
3The eyes of Jehovah are in every place, Keeping watch upon the evil and the good.
4A gentle tongue is a tree of life; But perverseness therein is a breaking of the spirit.
5A fool despiseth his father`s correction; But he that regardeth reproof getteth prudence.
6In the house of the righteous is much treasure; But in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.
7The lips of the wise disperse knowledge; But the heart of the foolish [doeth] not so.
8The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to Jehovah; But the prayer of the upright is his delight.
9The way of the wicked is an abomination to Jehovah; But he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.
10There is grievous correction for him that forsaketh the way; [And] he that hateth reproof shall die.
11Sheol and Abaddon are before Jehovah: How much more then the hearts of the children of men!
12A scoffer loveth not to be reproved; He will not go unto the wise.
13A glad heart maketh a cheerful countenance; But by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken.
14The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge; But the mouth of fools feedeth on folly.
15All the days of the afflicted are evil; But he that is of a cheerful heart [hath] a continual feast.
16Better is little, with the fear of Jehovah, Than great treasure and trouble therewith.
17Better is a dinner of herbs, where love is, Than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.
18A wrathful man stirreth up contention; But he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.
19The way of the sluggard is as a hedge of thorns; But the path of the upright is made a highway.
20A wise son maketh a glad father; But a foolish man despiseth his mother.
21Folly is joy to him that is void of wisdom; But a man of understanding maketh straight his going.
22Where there is no counsel, purposes are disappointed; But in the multitude of counsellors they are established.
23A man hath joy in the answer of his mouth; And a word in due season, how good is it!
24To the wise the way of life [goeth] upward, That he may depart from Sheol beneath.
25Jehovah will root up the house of the proud; But he will establish the border of the widow.
26Evil devices are an abomination to Jehovah; But pleasant words [are] pure.
27He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; But he that hateth bribes shall live.
28The heart of the righteous studieth to answer; But the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.
29Jehovah is far from the wicked; But he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
30The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart; [And] good tidings make the bones fat.
31The ear that hearkeneth to the reproof of life Shall abide among the wise.
32He that refuseth correction despiseth his own soul; But he that hearkeneth to reproof getteth understanding.
33The fear of Jehovah is the instruction of wisdom; And before honor [goeth] humility.
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What do historical commentaries say about this chapter?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · on verse 1
“A soft answer turneth away wrath, etc.] Mild words, gentle expressions, delivered with kindness and tenderness, humility and submission; these will work upon a man’s passions, weaken his resentments, and break and scatter the storm of wrath raised in his breast, just breaking forth in a very boisterous and blustering manner; so high winds are sometimes laid by soft showers. Thus the Ephraimites were pacified by Gideon’s mild answer; and David by Abigail’s very submissive and respectful address, (<070801>Judges 8:1-3 <092525>1 Samuel 25:25-32); but grievous words stir up anger; such as are rough and menacing,…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · on verse 1
“(Pro. 15:1-33) soft--tender or gentle. turneth . . . wrath--from any one. stir up--as a smouldering fire is excited.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · on verse 2
“Useth knowledge aright - Rather, makes knowledge goodly. The power of well-considered speech to commend true wisdom, is contrasted with the pouring (literally as in the margin) forth of folly. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · on verse 2
“Aright - Expressing what he knows prudently and gracefully. Poureth out - Plentifully, continually, and vehemently, as a fountain does waters. Proverbs 15:4”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · on verse 1
“15:1 Moderating emotions and suiting them to the context helps others listen to what we say without reacting.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · on verse 1
“soft: Pro 25:15; Jdg 8:1-3; Sa1 25:21-33 grievous: Pro 15:18, Pro 10:12, Pro 28:25, Pro 29:22; Jdg 12:3-6; Sa1 25:10, Sa1 25:11, Sa1 25:21, Sa1 25:22; Sa2 19:43; Kg1 12:13-16 Proverbs 15:2”
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Keil & Delitzsch
C. F. Keil & F. Delitzsch · Commentary on the Old Testament · on verse 1
“We take these verses together as forming a group which begins with a proverb regarding the good and evil which flows from the tongue, and closes with a proverb regarding the treasure in which blessing is found, and that in which no blessing is found. Pro 15:1 1 A soft answer turneth away wrath, And a bitter word stirreth up anger. In the second line, the common word for anger (אף, from the breathing with the nostrils, Pro 14:17) is purposely placed, but in the first, that which denotes anger in the highest degree (חמה from יחם, cogn. חמם, Arab. hamiya, to glow, like שׁנה from ישׁן): a mild, gentle word turns away…”
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