Proverbs Chapter 15

From The Open Bible Project

15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

15:2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of fools gush out folly.

15:3 Yahweh's eyes are everywhere, keeping watch on the evil and the good.

15:4 A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but deceit in it crushes the spirit.

15:5 A fool despises his father's correction, but he who heeds reproof shows prudence.

15:6 In the house of the righteous is much treasure, but the income of the wicked brings trouble.

• (a) For though they have much yet it is full of trouble and care.

15:7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so with the heart of fools.

15:8 The sacrifice made by the wicked is an abomination to Yahweh, but the prayer of the upright is his delight.

• (b) That thing is abominable before God, which the wicked think to be most excellent, and by which they think most to be accepted.

15:9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to Yahweh, but he loves him who follows after righteousness.

15:10 There is stern discipline for one who forsakes the way: whoever hates reproof shall die.

• (c) He who swears from the word of God, cannot stand to be admonished.

15:11 [7] Sheol [See Proverbs Footnotes 7] and Abaddon are before Yahweh-- how much more then the hearts of the children of men!

• (d) There is nothing so deep or secret that can be hid from the eyes of God, much less man’s thoughts.

15:12 A scoffer doesn't love to be reproved; he will not go to the wise.

15:13 A glad heart makes a cheerful face; but an aching heart breaks the spirit.

15:14 The heart of one who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly.

15:15 All the days of the afflicted are wretched, but one who has a cheerful heart enjoys a continual feast.

15:16 Better is little, with the fear of Yahweh, than great treasure with trouble.

15:17 Better is a dinner of herbs, where love is, than a fattened calf with hatred.

15:18 A wrathful man stirs up contention, but one who is slow to anger appeases strife.

15:19 The way of the sluggard is like a thorn patch, but the path of the upright is a highway.

• (e) That is, he always finds some hinderance or stay, and dares not go forward.

15:20 A wise son makes a father glad, but a foolish man despises his mother.

15:21 Folly is joy to one who is void of wisdom, but a man of understanding keeps his way straight.

15:22 Where there is no counsel, plans fail; but in a multitude of counselors they are established.

• (f) Read (Proverbs 11:14).

15:23 Joy comes to a man with the reply of his mouth. How good is a word at the right time!

• (g) If we will that our talk be comfortable, we must wait for time and season.

15:24 The path of life leads upward for the wise, to keep him from going downward to [8] Sheol [See Proverbs Footnotes 8].

15:25 Yahweh will uproot the house of the proud, but he will keep the widow's borders intact.

15:26 Yahweh detests the thoughts of the wicked, but the thoughts of the pure are pleasing.

• (h) That is, wholesome and profitable to the hearers.

15:27 He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, but he who hates bribes will live.

15:28 The heart of the righteous weighs answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes out evil.

15:29 Yahweh is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.

15:30 The light of the eyes rejoices the heart. Good news gives health to the bones.

15:31 The ear that listens to reproof lives, and will be at home among the wise.

• (i) That suffers himself to be admonished by God’s word, which brings life: and so amends.

15:32 He who refuses correction despises his own soul, but he who listens to reproof gets understanding.

15:33 The fear of Yahweh teaches wisdom. Before honor is humility.

• (k) Meaning, that God exalts no one but them that are truly humbled.