Proverbs Chapter 15

Proverbs Chapter 15
(English Standard Version - ESV)
(Full Chapter)

1. A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
2. The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.
3. The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.
4. A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.
5. A fool despises his father's instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is prudent.
6. In the house of the righteous there is much treasure, but trouble befalls the income of the wicked.
7. The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools.
8. The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is acceptable to him.
9. The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but he loves him who pursues righteousness.
10. There is severe discipline for him who forsakes the way; whoever hates reproof will die.
11. Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the Lord; how much more the hearts of the children of man!
12. A scoffer does not like to be reproved; he will not go to the wise.
13. A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed.
14. The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly.
15. All the days of the afflicted are evil, but the cheerful of heart has a continual feast.
16. Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble with it.
17. Better is a dinner of herbs where love is than a fattened ox and hatred with it.
18. A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.
19. The way of a sluggard is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a level highway.
20. A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish man despises his mother.
21. Folly is a joy to him who lacks sense, but a man of understanding walks straight ahead.
22. Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.
23. To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is!
24. The path of life leads upward for the prudent, that he may turn away from Sheol beneath.
25. The Lord tears down the house of the proud but maintains the widow's boundaries.
26. The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord, but gracious words are pure.
27. Whoever is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own household, but he who hates bribes will live.
28. The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.
29. The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.
30. The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and good news refreshes the bones.
31. The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise.
32. Whoever ignores instruction despises himself, but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence.
33. The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor.

1. Charles Spurgeon
"Humility is the soul of wisdom; Proverbs reminds us that the way to honor is by first learning to bow low before God."

• Charles Haddon Spurgeon, "Proverbs Commentary," Sermons (1880)

2. John Calvin
"The fear of the Lord is not merely the beginning of wisdom, but the thread by which all wisdom is held together."

• John Calvin, "Commentary on Proverbs" (1563), addressing the chapter's theological focus on reverence for God.

3. Matthew Henry
"Proverbs 15 warns against pride and hastiness, showing us that God values the state of our heart over the abundance of our deeds."

• Matthew Henry, "Concise Commentary on the Bible" (1708).

Historical Setting and Author Background

Proverbs is traditionally attributed to Solomon, who is renowned for his wisdom. This chapter reflects Solomon's insights into human behavior and divine principles. Written in the 10th century BCE, the Proverbs were a guide for moral living and understanding God's ways during Israel's peak prosperity under Solomon's reign.

Hebrew Word Origins and Pronunciations

1. Sheol (שְׁאוֹל) - Sheh-ohl: Referring to the realm of the dead.
2. Abaddon (אֲבַדּוֹן) - Ah-bah-dohn: Destruction or ruin.
3. Fear (יִרְאָה, Yirah) - Yeer-ah: Reverence or awe of the Lord.

Greek and Hebrew Meanings of Significant Terms

• Wisdom (חָכְמָה, Chokmah) - Practical application of divine knowledge.
• Heart (לֵב, Lev) - Represents the inner self, emotions, and will.

Major and Minor Themes

Major Themes:

• The power of words (gentle vs. harsh speech).
• The value of humility and wisdom.
• God's omnipresence and awareness of human hearts.

Minor Themes:

• Contentment and simplicity.
• The role of discipline in spiritual growth.

Modern Day Example of Applying This Verse

A leader in a workplace diffuses tension by responding to an irate colleague with calmness and understanding (Proverbs 15:1). This illustrates the timeless principle of turning away wrath through gentle communication.

Connections to Other Biblical Passages

Old Testament Connections:

• Psalm 34:13: "Keep your tongue from evil..." aligns with the emphasis on wise speech.
• Deuteronomy 10:12: The fear of the Lord as central to wisdom.

New Testament Connections:

• James 3:17: Wisdom from above being pure and gentle parallels Proverbs' praise for righteous living.
• Matthew 5:5: "Blessed are the meek..." echoes the virtue of humility in Proverbs 15.

Summary

Proverbs 15 teaches the value of humility, wisdom, and godly fear. The chapter emphasizes that our words and attitudes reflect our inner spiritual state. These truths are timeless, guiding believers toward lives of righteousness and peace.

1. How can you practice humility in your daily interactions, and how does this reflect God's wisdom?

• Application: Reflect on Proverbs 15:33 and seek ways to serve others selflessly.

2. What areas in your life require gentleness to turn away wrath?

• Application: Memorize Proverbs 15:1 and pray for wisdom to respond with grace.

Heavenly Father,
We thank You for Your Word that reminds us to pursue wisdom and humility. May we, as men, lead with gentleness, consider our words carefully, and walk in the fear of the Lord. Guide us to reflect Your character in all we do, bringing peace and righteousness into our homes, workplaces, and communities. In Jesus' name, Amen.