1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.
3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.
4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.
5 A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.
6 In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.
7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.
8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
9 The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.
10 Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.
11 Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?
12 A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.
13 A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
14 The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.
15 All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.
16 Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.
17 Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.
18 A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.
19 The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.
20 A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.
21 Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.
22 Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.
23 A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!
24 The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.
25 The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.
26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.
27 He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.
28 The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.
29 The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
30 The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.
31 The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.
32 He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.
33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.
Proverbs is a book of wisdom and guidance found in the Old Testament of the KJV Holy Bible. Chapter 15 is a continuation of the teachings and advice given in the previous chapters. This chapter focuses on the importance of using wise words and having a good character. It also emphasizes the consequences of our actions and the benefits of seeking wisdom. The main themes of this chapter include the power of words, the contrast between the wise and the foolish, and the value of seeking God's guidance. Let us dive deeper into these themes and explore the meaning of Proverbs chapter 15.
The first half of Proverbs chapter 15 highlights the power of words and the importance of using them wisely. Verse 1 states, "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." This verse reminds us that our words have the ability to either diffuse or escalate a situation. It is crucial to choose our words carefully and speak with kindness and gentleness, especially in times of conflict.
Verse 2 goes on to say, "The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, but the mouth of fools pours out foolishness." This verse emphasizes the importance of having wisdom and knowledge when we speak. It is not just about what we say, but how we say it. We must use our words wisely and with understanding, rather than speaking without thinking, like fools.
Furthermore, verse 4 states, "A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit." Our words have the power to bring life and healing to others. A wholesome tongue is one that speaks truth, encouragement, and love. On the other hand, perverse words can destroy relationships and break the spirit of the listener.
Verse 7 reminds us that, "The lips of the wise disperse knowledge, but the heart of the fool does not do so." Our words should be used to share knowledge and wisdom, rather than to boast or deceive. As followers of God, we are called to use our words to build others up and point them towards truth, rather than tearing them down with foolish talk.
Verse 23 also highlights the importance of using our words wisely, stating, "A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, and a word spoken in due season, how good it is!" Our words can bring joy and comfort to others when spoken at the right time and in the right manner. This verse reminds us to be mindful of our words and use them to bring goodness and blessing to those around us.
Throughout Proverbs, there is a clear distinction between the wise and the foolish. Chapter 15 continues to highlight this contrast and the consequences of living a foolish life. Verse 7 states, "The lips of the wise disperse knowledge, but the heart of the fool does not do so." The wise use their words to share knowledge and understanding, while the foolish do not have the desire or ability to do so.
Verse 14 says, "The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness." The wise are always seeking knowledge and understanding, while the foolish are content with feeding on foolishness. This verse reminds us that we should never stop seeking wisdom and growth in our lives.
Verse 22 also highlights the contrast between the wise and the foolish, stating, "Without counsel, plans go awry, but in the multitude of counselors they are established." The wise seek counsel and listen to the advice of others, while the foolish rely on their own understanding and often make mistakes. This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom and guidance from others, rather than relying solely on our own knowledge and understanding.
Lastly, verse 28 says, "The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil." The wise are intentional about their words and think before they speak, while the foolish speak without thinking and often say hurtful things. This verse reminds us to be mindful of our words and use them to bring life and goodness, rather than evil and destruction.
The final theme in Proverbs chapter 15 is the value of seeking God's guidance in our lives. Verse 3 states, "The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good." This verse reminds us that God sees and knows everything. We should seek His guidance and follow His ways, rather than relying on our own understanding.
Verse 8 also emphasizes the importance of seeking God's guidance, stating, "The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is His delight." The wicked may offer sacrifices, but their hearts are not in the right place. On the other hand, the upright offer prayers that are pleasing to God. This verse reminds us that true worship and righteousness come from a heart that seeks God's guidance and follows His ways.
Verse 29 also highlights the value of seeking God's guidance in our lives, stating, "The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous." The wicked may try to call on God, but He is far from them. However, the Lord hears the prayers of the righteous who seek His guidance and follow His ways. This verse reminds us that God is near to those who seek Him and call upon His name.
Proverbs chapter 15 teaches us the importance of using wise words, having a good character, and seeking God's guidance in our lives. Our words have the power to bring life or death, and we must use them wisely and with understanding. The contrast between the wise and the foolish is also emphasized, reminding us to seek knowledge and counsel, rather than relying on our own understanding. Lastly, this chapter reminds us of the value of seeking God's guidance and following His ways, as He is near to those who seek Him.
As we continue to read and study Proverbs, let us apply these teachings in our lives and strive to be wise and righteous individuals who seek God's guidance in all things. May we use our words to bring life and blessing to others, and may we always seek wisdom and understanding from the Lord.
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