Proverbs 15
Proverbs 15 teaches lessons centered on the contrast between wisdom and foolishness, and between the righteous and the wicked in various areas of life. Overall, it repeatedly emphasizes how important “wise speech and actions” and “attitudes of the heart” are. In the beginning of the chapter (verses 1–7), it speaks about how a gentle answer calms anger and the benefits of good words that come from the lips of the wise. In the middle (verses 8–21), it discusses the human heart and way of life as God sees them, and the importance of justice and honesty. In the latter part (verses 22–33), it covers the benefits of seeking advice and learning with humility, as well as the posture of growing in wisdom.
1verseA gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
2verseThe tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools gush out folly.
3verseThe LORD’s eyes are everywhere, keeping watch on the evil and the good.
4verseA gentle tongue is a tree of life, but deceit in it crushes the spirit.
5verseA fool despises his father’s correction, but he who heeds reproof shows prudence.
6verseIn the house of the righteous is much treasure, but the income of the wicked brings trouble.
7verseThe lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so with the heart of fools.
8verseThe sacrifice made by the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
9verseThe way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but he loves him who follows after righteousness.
10verseThere is stern discipline for one who forsakes the way. Whoever hates reproof shall die.
11verseSheol and Abaddon are before the LORD— how much more then the hearts of the children of men!
12verseA scoffer doesn’t love to be reproved; he will not go to the wise.
13verseA glad heart makes a cheerful face, but an aching heart breaks the spirit.
14verseThe heart of one who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly.
15verseAll the days of the afflicted are wretched, but one who has a cheerful heart enjoys a continual feast.
16verseBetter is little, with the fear of the LORD, than great treasure with trouble.
17verseBetter is a dinner of herbs, where love is, than a fattened calf with hatred.
18verseA wrathful man stirs up contention, but one who is slow to anger appeases strife.
19verseThe way of the sluggard is like a thorn patch, but the path of the upright is a highway.
20verseA wise son makes a father glad, but a foolish man despises his mother.
21verseFolly is joy to one who is void of wisdom, but a man of understanding keeps his way straight.
22verseWhere there is no counsel, plans fail; but in a multitude of counselors they are established.
23verseJoy comes to a man with the reply of his mouth. How good is a word at the right time!
24verseThe path of life leads upward for the wise, to keep him from going downward to Sheol.
25verseThe LORD will uproot the house of the proud, but he will keep the widow’s borders intact.
26verseThe LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked, but the thoughts of the pure are pleasing.
27verseHe who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, but he who hates bribes will live.
28verseThe heart of the righteous weighs answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes out evil.
29verseThe LORD is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.
30verseThe light of the eyes rejoices the heart. Good news gives health to the bones.
31verseThe ear that listens to reproof lives, and will be at home among the wise.
32verseHe who refuses correction despises his own soul, but he who listens to reproof gets understanding.
33verseThe fear of the LORD teaches wisdom. Before honor is humility.
Key Content and Lessons
- The power of words: Proverbs 15 emphasizes that speech is a tool for regulating conflicts between people and leading them toward peace (verses 1 and 4).
- Attitudes of the heart: It teaches that a humble willingness to learn, along with a reverent attitude toward God, enriches life (verses 16 and 33).
- Justice and honesty: It says that God is not pleased with the sacrifices of the wicked but hears the prayers of the upright, stressing the importance of a just life (verses 8–9).
- The value of correction: It repeatedly states that listening to and accepting the right counsel is the path to growing in wisdom (verses 22, 31–32).
Points to Reflect On
- As you reflect, consider what kinds of words you usually use, and think about whether you practice conversation that pays attention to the other person’s heart.
- Before God, check whether your heart and attitude are humble, and whether you have the wisdom to accept advice with humility.
Try Applying It to Yourself
- Be careful when choosing your words: Instead of speaking too much according to your feelings, try to consider the other person and practice speaking gently.
- Grow by listening to correction: When criticism or advice comes, don’t be defensive; think about the benefits it may give you and adopt an attitude of receiving it with an open mind.
