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Proverbs 25:15

Old Testament Wisdom/Poetry ASV (1901)

What does Proverbs 25:15 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “By long forbearing is a ruler persuaded, And a soft tongue breaketh the bone.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

By long forbearing is a ruler persuaded, And a soft tongue breaketh the bone.
Proverbs 25:15 — American Standard Version

Context — Proverbs 25

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
12[As] an ear-ring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, [So is] a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.
13As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, [So is] a faithful messenger to them that send him; For he refresheth the soul of his masters.
14[As] clouds and wind without rain, [So is] he that boasteth himself of his gifts falsely.
15By long forbearing is a ruler persuaded, And a soft tongue breaketh the bone.
16Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, Lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.
17Let thy foot be seldom in thy neighbor`s house, Lest he be weary of thee, and hate thee.
18A man that beareth false witness against his neighbor Is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.
← Proverbs 25:14Proverbs 25:16 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, etc.] To come into measures, and do that which his council and ministry advise him to, and to which he may seem at first very averse; but by a mild and gentle representation of things, by an humble submission of them to him, and by frequent remonstrances and patient waiting, his mind is softened, bent, and inclined to take their advice, and pursue the measures suggested to him; which, had they been pressed with heat, haughtiness, and haste, would have been rejected; and a soft tongue breaketh the bone; or “hardness”, as the Vulgate Latin version renders it; soft words, or words delivered in soft language, remove hardness and roughness from the minds…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Gentleness and kindness overcome the most powerful and obstinate. long forbearing--or, "slowness to anger" (Pro 14:29; Pro 15:18).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“A soft tongue - Winning and gentle speech does what it seems at first least capable of doing; it overcomes obstacles which are as bones that the strongest jaws would fail to crush. 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 · 18th-century historical commentary
“Forbearing - By patient submission and expectation. Breaketh - Softens the hardest heart. Proverbs 25:16”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“long: Pro 15:1, Pro 16:14; Gen. 32:4-21; Sa1 25:14, 24-44; Ecc 10:4 the bone: Rather, "a bone;" that is, soft and conciliating language will often accomplish the most difficult things. Proverbs 25:16”
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Keil & Delitzsch
C. F. Keil & F. Delitzsch · Commentary on the Old Testament · 19th-century historical commentary
“Three proverbs follow, which have this in common, that they exhort to moderation: 15 By forbearance is a judge won over, And a gentle tongue breaketh the bone. קצין (vid., Pro 6:7) does not denote any kind of distinguished person, but a judge or a person occupying a high official position. And פּתּה does not here mean, to talk over or delude; but, like Jer 20:7, to persuade, to win over, to make favourable to one; for ארך אפּים (vid., Pro 14:29) is dispassionate calmness, not breaking out into wrath, which finally makes it manifest that he who has become the object of accusation, suspicion, or of disgrace, is one who nevertheless has right on his side; for indecent, boisterous passion…”
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Related study paths

Read Proverbs 25 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification