Worthy.Bible » Parallel » Proverbs » Chapter 15 » Verse 1-33

Proverbs 15:1-33 King James Version (KJV)

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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 15:1-33 King James Version with Strong's Concordance (STRONG)

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1 A soft H7390 answer H4617 turneth H7725 away wrath: H2534 but grievous H6089 words H1697 stir up H5927 anger. H639

2 The tongue H3956 of the wise H2450 useth knowledge H1847 aright: H3190 but the mouth H6310 of fools H3684 poureth out H5042 foolishness. H200

3 The eyes H5869 of the LORD H3068 are in every place, H4725 beholding H6822 the evil H7451 and the good. H2896

4 A wholesome H4832 tongue H3956 is a tree H6086 of life: H2416 but perverseness H5558 therein is a breach H7667 in the spirit. H7307

5 A fool H191 despiseth H5006 his father's H1 instruction: H4148 but he that regardeth H8104 reproof H8433 is prudent. H6191

6 In the house H1004 of the righteous H6662 is much H7227 treasure: H2633 but in the revenues H8393 of the wicked H7563 is trouble. H5916

7 The lips H8193 of the wise H2450 disperse H2219 knowledge: H1847 but the heart H3820 of the foolish H3684 doeth not so.

8 The sacrifice H2077 of the wicked H7563 is an abomination H8441 to the LORD: H3068 but the prayer H8605 of the upright H3477 is his delight. H7522

9 The way H1870 of the wicked H7563 is an abomination H8441 unto the LORD: H3068 but he loveth H157 him that followeth H7291 after righteousness. H6666

10 Correction H4148 is grievous H7451 unto him that forsaketh H5800 the way: H734 and he that hateth H8130 reproof H8433 shall die. H4191

11 Hell H7585 and destruction H11 are before the LORD: H3068 how much more then the hearts H3826 of the children H1121 of men? H120

12 A scorner H3887 loveth H157 not one that reproveth H3198 him: neither will he go H3212 unto the wise. H2450

13 A merry H8056 heart H3820 maketh a cheerful H3190 countenance: H6440 but by sorrow H6094 of the heart H3820 the spirit H7307 is broken. H5218

14 The heart H3820 of him that hath understanding H995 seeketh H1245 knowledge: H1847 but the mouth H6310 H6440 of fools H3684 feedeth H7462 on foolishness. H200

15 All the days H3117 of the afflicted H6041 are evil: H7451 but he that is of a merry H2896 heart H3820 hath a continual H8548 feast. H4960

16 Better H2896 is little H4592 with the fear H3374 of the LORD H3068 than great H7227 treasure H214 and trouble H4103 therewith.

17 Better H2896 is a dinner H737 of herbs H3419 where love H160 is, than a stalled H75 ox H7794 and hatred H8135 therewith.

18 A wrathful H2534 man H376 stirreth up H1624 strife: H4066 but he that is slow H750 to anger H639 appeaseth H8252 strife. H7379

19 The way H1870 of the slothful H6102 man is as an hedge H4881 of thorns: H2312 but the way H734 of the righteous H3477 is made plain. H5549

20 A wise H2450 son H1121 maketh a glad H8055 father: H1 but a foolish H3684 man H120 despiseth H959 his mother. H517

21 Folly H200 is joy H8057 to him that is destitute H2638 of wisdom: H3820 but a man H376 of understanding H8394 walketh H3212 uprightly. H3474

22 Without counsel H5475 purposes H4284 are disappointed: H6565 but in the multitude H7230 of counsellors H3289 they are established. H6965

23 A man H376 hath joy H8057 by the answer H4617 of his mouth: H6310 and a word H1697 spoken in due season, H6256 how good H2896 is it!

24 The way H734 of life H2416 is above H4605 to the wise, H7919 that he may depart H5493 from hell H7585 beneath. H4295

25 The LORD H3068 will destroy H5255 the house H1004 of the proud: H1343 but he will establish H5324 the border H1366 of the widow. H490

26 The thoughts H4284 of the wicked H7451 are an abomination H8441 to the LORD: H3068 but the words of the pure H2889 are pleasant H5278 words. H561

27 He that is greedy H1214 of gain H1215 troubleth H5916 his own house; H1004 but he that hateth H8130 gifts H4979 shall live. H2421

28 The heart H3820 of the righteous H6662 studieth H1897 to answer: H6030 but the mouth H6310 of the wicked H7563 poureth H5042 out evil things. H7451

29 The LORD H3068 is far H7350 from the wicked: H7563 but he heareth H8085 the prayer H8605 of the righteous. H6662

30 The light H3974 of the eyes H5869 rejoiceth H8055 the heart: H3820 and a good H2896 report H8052 maketh H1878 the bones H6106 fat. H1878

31 The ear H241 that heareth H8085 the reproof H8433 of life H2416 abideth H3885 among H7130 the wise. H2450

32 He that refuseth H6544 instruction H4148 despiseth H3988 his own soul: H5315 but he that heareth H8085 reproof H8433 getteth H7069 understanding. H3820

33 The fear H3374 of the LORD H3068 is the instruction H4148 of wisdom; H2451 and before H6440 honour H3519 is humility. H6038

Proverbs 15:1-33 American Standard (ASV)

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1 A soft answer turneth away wrath; But a grievous word stirreth up anger.

2 The tongue of the wise uttereth knowledge aright; But the mouth of fools poureth out folly.

3 The eyes of Jehovah are in every place, Keeping watch upon the evil and the good.

4 A gentle tongue is a tree of life; But perverseness therein is a breaking of the spirit.

5 A fool despiseth his father's correction; But he that regardeth reproof getteth prudence.

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 Jehovah; But the prayer of the upright is his delight.

9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to Jehovah; But he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.

10 There is grievous correction for him that forsaketh the way; `And' he that hateth reproof shall die.

11 Sheol and Abaddon are before Jehovah: How much more then the hearts of the children of men!

12 A scoffer loveth not to be reproved; He will not go unto the wise.

13 A glad heart maketh a cheerful countenance; But by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken.

14 The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge; But the mouth of fools feedeth on folly.

15 All the days of the afflicted are evil; But he that is of a cheerful heart `hath' a continual feast.

16 Better is little, with the fear of Jehovah, 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 contention; But he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.

19 The way of the sluggard is as a hedge of thorns; But the path of the upright is made a highway.

20 A wise son maketh a glad father; But a foolish man despiseth his mother.

21 Folly is joy to him that is void of wisdom; But a man of understanding maketh straight his going.

22 Where there is no counsel, purposes are disappointed; But in the multitude of counsellors they are established.

23 A man hath joy in the answer of his mouth; And a word in due season, how good is it!

24 To the wise the way of life `goeth' upward, That he may depart from Sheol beneath.

25 Jehovah will root up the house of the proud; But he will establish the border of the widow.

26 Evil devices are an abomination to Jehovah; But pleasant words `are' pure.

27 He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; But he that hateth bribes shall live.

28 The heart of the righteous studieth to answer; But the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.

29 Jehovah is far from the wicked; But he heareth the prayer of the righteous.

30 The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart; `And' good tidings make the bones fat.

31 The ear that hearkeneth to the reproof of life Shall abide among the wise.

32 He that refuseth correction despiseth his own soul; But he that hearkeneth to reproof getteth understanding.

33 The fear of Jehovah is the instruction of wisdom; And before honor `goeth' humility.

Proverbs 15:1-33 Young's Literal Translation (YLT)

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1 A soft answer turneth back fury, And a grievous word raiseth up anger.

2 The tongue of the wise maketh knowledge good, And the mouth of fools uttereth folly.

3 In every place are the eyes of Jehovah, Watching the evil and the good.

4 A healed tongue `is' a tree of life, And perverseness in it -- a breach in the spirit.

5 A fool despiseth the instruction of his father, And whoso is regarding reproof is prudent.

6 `In' the house of the righteous `is' abundant strength, And in the increase of the wicked -- trouble.

7 The lips of the wise scatter knowledge, And the heart of fools `is' not right.

8 The sacrifice of the wicked `is' an abomination to Jehovah, And the prayer of the upright `is' His delight.

9 An abomination to Jehovah `is' the way of the wicked, And whoso is pursuing righteousness He loveth.

10 Chastisement `is' grievous to him who is forsaking the path, Whoso is hating reproof dieth.

11 Sheol and destruction `are' before Jehovah, Surely also the hearts of the sons of men.

12 A scorner loveth not his reprover, Unto the wise he goeth not.

13 A joyful heart maketh glad the face, And by grief of heart is the spirit smitten.

14 The heart of the intelligent seeketh knowledge, And the mouth of fools enjoyeth folly.

15 All the days of the afflicted `are' evil, And gladness of heart `is' a perpetual banquet.

16 Better `is' a little with the fear of Jehovah, Than much treasure, and tumult with it.

17 Better `is' an allowance of green herbs and love there, Than a fatted ox, and hatred with it.

18 A man of fury stirreth up contention, And the slow to anger appeaseth strife.

19 The way of the slothful `is' as a hedge of briers, And the path of the upright is raised up.

20 A wise son rejoiceth a father. And a foolish man is despising his mother.

21 Folly is joy to one lacking heart, And a man of intelligence directeth `his' going.

22 Without counsel `is' the making void of purposes, And in a multitude of counsellors it is established.

23 Joy `is' to a man in the answer of his mouth, And a word in its season -- how good!

24 A path of life `is' on high for the wise, To turn aside from Sheol beneath.

25 The house of the proud Jehovah pulleth down, And He setteth up the border of the widow.

26 An abomination to Jehovah `are' thoughts of wickedness, And pure `are' sayings of pleasantness.

27 A dishonest gainer is troubling his house, And whoso is hating gifts liveth.

28 The heart of the righteous meditateth to answer, And the mouth of the wicked uttereth evil things.

29 Far `is' Jehovah from the wicked, And the prayer of the righteous He heareth.

30 The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart, A good report maketh fat the bone.

31 An ear that is hearing the reproof of life Doth lodge among the wise.

32 Whoso is refusing instruction is despising his soul, And whoso is hearing reproof Is getting understanding.

33 The fear of Jehovah `is' the instruction of wisdom, And before honour `is' humility!

Proverbs 15:1-33 Darby English Bible (DARBY)

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1 A soft answer turneth away fury; but a grievous word stirreth up anger.

2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright; but the mouth of the foolish poureth out folly.

3 The eyes of Jehovah are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.

4 Gentleness of tongue is a tree of life; but crookedness therein is a breaking of the spirit.

5 A fool despiseth his father's instruction; but he that regardeth reproof becometh prudent.

6 In the house of a righteous [man] is much treasure; but in the revenue of a wicked [man] is disturbance.

7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge, but not so the heart of the foolish.

8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to Jehovah; but the prayer of the upright is his delight.

9 The way of a wicked [man] is an abomination to Jehovah; but him that pursueth righteousness he loveth.

10 Grievous correction is for him that forsaketh the path; he that hateth reproof shall die.

11 Sheol and destruction are before Jehovah; how much more then the hearts of the children of men!

12 A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him; he will not go unto the wise.

13 A joyful heart maketh a cheerful countenance; but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken.

14 The heart of an intelligent [man] seeketh knowledge; but the mouth of the foolish feedeth on folly.

15 All the days of the afflicted are evil; but a cheerful heart is a continual feast.

16 Better is little with the fear of Jehovah than great store and disquietude therewith.

17 Better is a meal of herbs where love is, than a fatted ox and hatred therewith.

18 A furious man stirreth up contention; but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.

19 The way of the sluggard is as a hedge of thorns; but the path of the upright 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 void of sense; but a man of understanding regulateth his walk.

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 in its season, how good is it!

24 The path of life is upwards for the wise, that he may depart from Sheol beneath.

25 Jehovah plucketh up the house of the proud; but he establisheth the boundary of the widow.

26 The thoughts of the evil [man] are an abomination to Jehovah; but pure words are pleasant.

27 He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.

28 The heart of a righteous [man] studieth to answer; but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.

29 Jehovah is far from the wicked; but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.

30 That which enlighteneth the eyes rejoiceth the heart; good tidings make the bones fat.

31 The ear that heareth the reproof of life shall abide among the wise.

32 He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul; but he that heareth reproof getteth sense.

33 The fear of Jehovah is the discipline of wisdom, and before honour [goeth] humility.

Proverbs 15:1-33 World English Bible (WEB)

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1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.

2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, But the mouth of fools gush out folly.

3 Yahweh's eyes are everywhere, Keeping watch on the evil and the good.

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

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

6 In the house of the righteous is much treasure, But the income of the wicked brings trouble.

7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge; Not so with the heart of fools.

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

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

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

11 Sheol and Abaddon are before Yahweh-- How much more then the hearts of the children of men!

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

13 A glad heart makes a cheerful face; But an aching heart breaks the spirit.

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

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

16 Better is little, with the fear of Yahweh, Than great treasure with trouble.

17 Better is a dinner of herbs, where love is, Than a fattened calf with hatred.

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

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

20 A wise son makes a father glad, But a foolish man despises his mother.

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

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

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

24 The path of life leads upward for the wise, To keep him from going downward to Sheol.

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

26 Yahweh detests the thoughts of the wicked, But the thoughts of the pure are pleasing.

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

28 The heart of the righteous weighs answers, But the mouth of the wicked gushes out evil.

29 Yahweh is far from the wicked, But he hears the prayer of the righteous.

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

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

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

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

Proverbs 15:1-33 Bible in Basic English (BBE)

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1 By a soft answer wrath is turned away, but a bitter word is a cause of angry feelings.

2 Knowledge is dropping from the tongue of the wise; but from the mouth of the foolish comes a stream of foolish words.

3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.

4 A comforting tongue is a tree of life, but a twisted tongue is a crushing of the spirit.

5 A foolish man puts no value on his father's training; but he who has respect for teaching has good sense.

6 In the house of the upright man there is a great store of wealth; but in the profits of the sinner there is trouble.

7 The lips of the wise keep knowledge, but the heart of the foolish man is not right.

8 The offering of the evil-doer is disgusting to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright man is his delight.

9 The way of the evil-doer is disgusting to the Lord, but he who goes after righteousness is dear to him.

10 There is bitter punishment for him who is turned from the way; and death will be the fate of the hater of teaching.

11 Before the Lord are the underworld and destruction: how much more, then, the hearts of the children of men!

12 The hater of authority has no love for teaching: he will not go to the wise.

13 A glad heart makes a shining face, but by the sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.

14 The heart of the man of good sense goes in search of knowledge, but foolish things are the food of the unwise.

15 All the days of the troubled are evil; but he whose heart is glad has an unending feast.

16 Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, than great wealth together with trouble.

17 Better is a simple meal where love is, than a fat ox and hate with it.

18 An angry man makes men come to blows, but he who is slow to get angry puts an end to fighting.

19 Thorns are round the way of the hater of work; but the road of the hard worker becomes a highway.

20 A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish man has no respect for his mother.

21 Foolish behaviour is joy to the unwise; but a man of good sense makes his way straight.

22 Where there are no wise suggestions, purposes come to nothing; but by a number of wise guides they are made certain.

23 A man has joy in the answer of his mouth: and a word at the right time, how good it is!

24 Acting wisely is the way of life, guiding a man away from the underworld.

25 The house of the man of pride will be uprooted by the Lord, but he will make safe the heritage of the widow.

26 Evil designs are disgusting to the Lord, but the words of the clean-hearted are pleasing.

27 He whose desires are fixed on profit is a cause of trouble to his family; but he who has no desire for offerings will have life.

28 The heart of the upright gives thought to his answer; but from the mouth of the evil-doer comes a stream of evil things.

29 The Lord is far from sinners, but his ear is open to the prayer of the upright.

30 The light of the eyes is a joy to the heart, and good news makes the bones fat.

31 The man whose ear is open to the teaching of life will have his place among the wise.

32 He who will not be controlled by training has no respect for his soul, but he who gives ear to teaching will get wisdom.

33 The fear of the Lord is the teaching of wisdom; and a low opinion of oneself goes before honour.

Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Matthew Henry Commentary » Commentary on Proverbs 15

Commentary on Proverbs 15 Matthew Henry Commentary

John Gill   Keil & Delitzsch   Robert Jamieson: Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible  

Chapter 15

Pro 15:1

Solomon, as conservator of the public peace, here tells us,

  • 1. How the peace may be kept, that we may know how in our places to keep it; it is by soft words. If wrath be risen like a threatening cloud, pregnant with storms and thunder, a soft answer will disperse it and turn it away. When men are provoked, speak gently to them, and give them good words, and they will be pacified, as the Ephraimites were by Gideon's mildness (Jdg. 8:1-3); whereas, upon a like occasion, by Jephthah's roughness, they were exasperated, and the consequences were bad, Jdg. 12:1-3. Reason will be better spoken, and a righteous cause better pleaded, with meekness then with passion; hard arguments do best with soft words.
  • 2. How the peace will be broken, that we, for our parts, may do nothing towards the breaking of it. Nothing stirs up anger, and sows discord, like grievous words, calling foul names, as Raca, and Thou fool, upbraiding men with their infirmities and infelicities, their extraction or education, or any thing that lessens them and makes them mean; scornful spiteful reflections, by which men affect to show their wit and malice, stir up the anger of others, which does but increase and inflame their own anger. Rather than lose a jest some will lose a friend and make an enemy.

Pro 15:2

Note,

  • 1. A good heart by the tongue becomes very useful. He that has knowledge is not only to enjoy it, for his own entertainment, but to use it, to use it aright, for the edification of others; and it is the tongue that must make use of it in pious profitable discourse, in giving suitable and seasonable instructions, counsels, and comforts, with all possible expressions of humility and love, and then knowledge is used aright; and to him that has, and thus uses what he has, more shall be given.
  • 2. A wicked heart by the tongue becomes very hurtful; for the mouth of fools belches out foolishness, which is very offensive; and the corrupt communication which proceeds from an evil treasure within (the filthiness, and foolish talking, and jesting) corrupts the good manners of some and debauches them, and grieves the good hearts of others and disturbs them.

Pro 15:3

The great truths of divinity are of great use to enforce the precepts of morality, and none more than this-That the eye of God is always upon the children of men.

  • 1. An eye to discern all, not only from which nothing can be concealed, but by which every thing is actually inspected, and nothing overlooked or looked slightly upon: The eyes of the Lord are in every place; for he not only sees all from on high (Ps. 33:13), but he is every where present. Angels are full of eyes (Rev. 4:8), but God is all eye. It denotes not only his omniscience, that he sees all, but his universal providence, that he upholds and governs all. Secret sins, services, and sorrows, are under his eye.
  • 2. An eye to distinguish both persons and actions. He beholds the evil and the good, is displeased with the evil and approves of the good, and will judge men according to the sight of his eyes, Ps. 1:6; 11:4. The wicked shall not go unpunished, nor the righteous unrewarded, for God has his eye upon both and knows their true character; this speaks as much comfort to saints as terror to sinners.

Pro 15:4

Note,

  • 1. A good tongue is healing, healing to wounded consciences by comforting them, to sin-sick souls by convincing them, to peace and love when it is broken by accommodating differences, compromising matters in variance, and reconciling parties at variance; this is the healing of the tongue, which is a tree of life, the leaves of which have a sanative virtue, Rev. 22:2. He that knows how to discourse will make the place he lives in a paradise.
  • 2. An evil tongue is wounding (perverseness, passion, falsehood, and filthiness there, are a breach in the spirit); it wounds the conscience of the evil speaker, and occasions either guilt or grief to the hearers, and both are to be reckoned breaches in the spirit. Hard words indeed break no bones, but many a heart has been broken by them.

Pro 15:5

Hence,

  • 1. Let superiors be admonished to give instruction and reproof to those that are under their charge, as they will answer it in the day of account. They must not only instruct with the light of knowledge, but reprove with the heat of zeal; and both these must be done with the authority and affection of a father, and must be continued, though the desired effect be not immediately perceived. If the instruction be despised, give reproof, and rebuke sharply. It is indeed against the grain with good-humoured men to find fault, and make those about them uneasy; but better so than to suffer them to go on undisturbed in the way to ruin.
  • 2. Let inferiors be admonished, not only to submit to instruction and reproof (even hardships must be submitted to), but to value them as favours and not despise them, to make use of them for their direction, and always to have a regard to them; this will be an evidence that they are wise and a means of making them so; whereas he that slights his good education is a fool and is likely to live and die one.

Pro 15:6

Note,

  • 1. Where righteousness is riches are, and the comforts of them: In the house of the righteous is much treasure. Religion teaches men to be diligent, temperate, and just, and by these means, ordinarily, the estate is increased. But that is not all: God blesses the habitation of the just, and that blessing makes rich without trouble. Or, if there be not much of this world's goods, yet where there is grace there is true treasure; and those who have but little, if they have a heart to be therewith content, and to enjoy the comfort of that little, it is enough; it is all riches. The righteous perhaps are not themselves enriched, but there is treasure in their house, a blessing in store, which their children after them may reap the benefit of. A wicked worldly man is only for having his belly filled with those treasures, his own sensual appetite gratified (Ps. 17:14); but a righteous man's first care is for his soul and then for his seed, to have treasure in his heart and then in his house, which his relations and those about him may have the benefit of.
  • 2. Where wickedness is, though there may be riches, yet there is vexation of spirit with them: In the revenues of the wicked, the great incomes they have, there is trouble; for there is guilt and a curse; there is pride and passion, and envy and contention; and those are troublesome lusts, which rob them of the joy of their revenues and make them troublesome to their neighbours.

Pro 15:7

This is to the same purport with v. 2, and shows what a blessing a wise man is and what a burden a fool is to those about him. Only here observe further,

  • 1. That we then use knowledge aright when we disperse it, not confine it to a few of our intimates, and grudge it to others who would make as good use of it, but give a portion of this spiritual alms to seven and also to eight, not only be communicative, but diffusive, of this good, with humility and prudence. We must take pains to spread and propagate useful knowledge, must teach some that they may teach others, and so it is dispersed.
  • 2. That it is not only a fault to pour out foolishness, but it is a shame not to disperse knowledge, at least not to drop some wise word or other: The heart of the foolish does not so; it has nothing to disperse that is good, or, if it had, has neither skill nor will to do good with it and therefore is little worth.

Pro 15:8

Note,

  • 1. God so hates wicked people, whose hearts are malicious and their lives mischievous, that even their sacrifices are an abomination to him. God has sacrifices brought him even by wicked men, to stop the mouth of conscience and to keep up their reputation in the world, as malefactors come to a sanctuary, not because it is a holy place, but because it shelters them from justice; but their sacrifices, though ever so costly, are not accepted of God, because not offered in sincerity nor from a good principle; they dissemble with God, and in their conversations give the lie to their devotions, and for that reason they are an abomination to him, because they are made a cloak for sin, ch. 7:14. See Isa. 1:11.
  • 2. God has such a love for upright good people that, though they are not at the expense of a sacrifice (he himself has provided that), their prayer is a delight to him. Praying graces are his own gift, and the work of his own Spirit in them, with which he is well pleased. He not only answers their prayers, but delights in their addresses to him, and in doing them good.

Pro 15:9

This is a reason of what was said in the foregoing verse.

  • 1. The sacrifices of the wicked are an abomination to God, not for want of some nice points of ceremony, but because their way, the whole course and tenour of their conversation, is wicked, and consequently an abomination to him. Sacrifices for sin were not accepted of those that resolved to go on in sin, and were to the highest degree abominable if intended to obtain a connivance at sin and a permission to go on in it.
  • 2. Therefore the prayer of the upright is his delight, because he is a friend of God, and he loves him who, though he have not yet attained, is following after righteousness, aiming at it and pressing towards it, as St. Paul, Phil. 3:13.

Pro 15:10

This shows that those who cannot bear to be corrected must expect to be destroyed.

  • 1. It is common for those who have known the way of righteousness, but have forsaken it, to reckon it a great affront to be reproved and admonished. They are very uneasy at reproof; they cannot, they will not, bear it; nay, because they hate to be reformed, they hate to be reproved, and hate those who deal faithfully and kindly with them. Of all sinners, reproofs are worst resented by apostates.
  • 2. It is certain that those who will not be reproved will be ruined: He that hates reproof, and hardens his heart against it, is joined to his idols; let him alone. He shall die, and perish for ever, in his sins, since he would not be parted from his sins. 2 Chr. 25:16, I know that God has determined to destroy thee, because thou couldst not bear to be reproved; see also ch. 29:1.

Pro 15:11

This confirms what was said (v. 3) concerning God's omnipresence, in order to his judging of evil and good.

  • 1. God knows all things, even those things that are hidden from the eyes of all living: Hell and destruction are before the Lord, not only the centre of the earth, and its subterraneous caverns, but the grave, and all the dead bodies which are there buried out of our sight; they are all before the Lord, all under his eye, so that none of them can be lost or be to seek when they are to be raised again. He knows where every man lies buried, even Moses, even those that are buried in the greatest obscurity; nor needs he any monument with a Hic jacet-Here he lies, to direct him. The place of the damned in particular, and all their torments, which are inexpressible, the state of separate souls in general, and all their circumstances, are under God's eye. The word here used for destruction is Abaddon, which is one of the devil's names, Rev. 9:11. That destroyer, though he deceives us, cannot evade or elude the divine cognizance. God examines him whence he comes (Job 1:7), and sees through all his disguises though he is sly, and subtle, and swift, Job 26:6.
  • 2. He knows particularly the hearts of the children of men. If he sees through the depths and wiles of Satan himself, much more can he search men's hearts, though they be deceitful, since they learned all their fraudulent arts of Satan. God is greater than our hearts, and knows them better than we know them ourselves, and therefore is an infallible Judge of every man's character, Heb. 4:13.

Pro 15:12

A scorner is one that not only makes a jest of God and religion, but bids defiance to the methods employed for his conviction and reformation, and, as an evidence of that,

  • 1. He cannot endure the checks of his own conscience, nor will he suffer it to deal plainly with him: He loves not to reprove him (so some read it); he cannot endure to retire into his own heart and commune seriously with that, will not admit of any free thought or fair reasoning with himself, nor let his own heart smite him, if he can help it. That man's case is sad who is afraid of being acquainted and of arguing with himself.
  • 2. He cannot endure the advice and admonitions of his friends: He will not go unto the wise, lest they should give him wise counsel. We ought not only to bid the wise welcome when they come to us, but to go to them, as beggars to the rich man's door for an alms; but this the scorner will not do, for fear of being told of his faults and prevailed upon to reform.

Pro 15:13

Here,

  • 1. Harmless mirth is recommended to us, as that which contributes to the health of the body, making men lively and fit for business, and to the acceptableness of the conversation, making the face to shine and rendering us pleasant one to another. A cheerful spirit, under the government of wisdom and grace, is a great ornament to religion, puts a further lustre upon the beauty of holiness, and makes men the more capable of doing good.
  • 2. Hurtful melancholy is what we are cautioned against, as a great enemy to us, both in our devotion and in our conversation: By sorrow of the heart, when it has got dominion and plays the tyrant, as it will be apt to do it if be indulged awhile, the spirit is broken and sunk, and becomes unfit for the service of God. The sorrow of the world works death. Let us therefore weep as though we wept not, in justice to ourselves, as well as in conformity to God and his providence.

Pro 15:14

Here are two things to be wondered at:-

  • 1. A wise man not satisfied with his wisdom, but still seeking the increase of it; the more he has the more he would have: The heart of him that has understanding, rejoices so in the knowledge it has attained to that it is still coveting more, and in the use of the means of knowledge is still labouring for more, growing in grace, and in the knowledge of Christ. Si dixisti, Sufficit, periisti-If you say, I have enough, you are undone.
  • 2. A fool well satisfied with his folly and not seeking the cure of it. While a good man hungers after the solid satisfactions of grace, a carnal mind feasts on the gratifications of appetite and fancy. Vain mirth and sensual pleasures are its delight, and with these it can rest contented, flattering itself in these foolish ways.

Pro 15:15

See here what a great difference there is between the condition and temper of some and others of the children of men.

  • 1. Some are much in affliction, and of a sorrowful spirit, and all their days are evil days, like those of old age, and days of which they say they have no pleasure in them. They eat in darkness (Eccl. 5:17) and never eat with pleasure, Job 21:25. How many are the afflictions of the afflicted in this world! Such are not to be censured or despised, but pitied and prayed for, succoured and comforted. It might have been our own lot, or may be yet, merry as we are at present.
  • 2. Others enjoy great prosperity and are of a cheerful spirit; and they have not only good days, but have a continual feast; and if in the abundance of all things they serve God with gladness of heart, and it is oil to the wheels of their obedience (all this, and heaven too), then they serve a good Master. But let not such feast without fear; a sudden change may come; therefore rejoice with trembling.

Pro 15:16-17

Solomon had said in the foregoing verse that he who has not a large estate, or a great income, but a cheerful spirit, has a continual feast; Christian contentment, and joy in God, make the life easy and pleasant; now here he tells us what is necessary to that cheerfulness of spirit which will furnish a man with a continual feast, though he has but little in the world-holiness and love.

  • I. Holiness. A little, if we manage it and enjoy it in the fear of the Lord, if we keep a good conscience and go on in the way of duty, and serve God faithfully with the little we have, will be more comfortable, and turn to a better account, than great treasure and trouble therewith. Observe here,
    • 1. It is often the lot of those that fear God to have but a little of this world. The poor receive the gospel, and poor they still are, Jam. 2:5.
    • 2. Those that have great treasure have often great trouble therewith; it is so far from making them easy that it increases their care and hurry. The abundance of the rich will not suffer them to sleep.
    • 3. If great treasure bring trouble with it, it is for want of the fear of God. If those that have great estates would do their duty with them, and then trust God with them, their treasure would not have so much trouble attending it.
    • 4. It is therefore far better, and more desirable, to have but a little of the world and to have it with a good conscience, to keep up communion with God, and enjoy him in it, and live by faith, than to have the greatest plenty and live without God in the world.
  • II. Love. Next to the fear of God, peace with all men is necessary to the comfort of this life.
    • 1. If brethren dwell together in unity, if they are friendly, and hearty, and pleasant, both in their daily meals and in more solemn entertainments, that will make a dinner of herbs a feast sufficient; though the fare be coarse, and the estate so small that they can afford no better, yet love will sweeten it and they may be as merry over it as if they had all dainties.
    • 2. If there be mutual enmity and strife, though there be a whole ox for dinner, a fat ox, there can be no comfort in it; the leaven of malice, of hating and being hated, is enough to sour it all. Some refer it to him that makes the entertainment; better have a slender dinner and be heartily welcome than a table richly spread with a grudging evil eye.
      • Cum torvo vultu mihi conula nulla placebit,
      • Cum placido vultu conula ulla placet.
      The most sumptuous entertainment, presented with a sullen brow, would offend me; while the plainest repast, presented kindly would delight me.

Pro 15:18

Here is,

  • 1. Passion the great make-bate. Thence come wars and fightings. Anger strikes the fire which sets cities and churches into a flame: A wrathful man, with his peevish passionate reflections, stirs up strife, and sets people together by the ears; he gives occasion to others to quarrel, and takes the occasion that others give, though ever so trifling. When men carry their resentments too far, one quarrel still produces another.
  • 2. Meekness the great peace-maker: He that is slow to anger not only prevents strife, that it be not kindled, but appeases it if it be already kindled, brings water to the flame, unites those again that have fallen out, and by gentle methods brings them to mutual concessions for peace-sake.

Pro 15:19

See here,

  • 1. Whence those difficulties arise which men pretend to meet with in the way of their duty, and to be insuperable; they arise not from any thing in the nature of the duty, but from the slothfulness of those that have really no mind to it. Those that have no heart to their work pretend that their way is hedged up with thorns, and they cannot do their work at all (as if God were a hard Master, reaping where he had not sown), at least that their way is strewed with thorns, that they cannot do their work without a great deal of hardship and danger; and therefore they go about it with as much reluctance as if they were to go barefoot through a thorny hedge.
  • 2. How these imaginary difficulties may be conquered. An honest desire and endeavour to do our duty will, by the grace of God, make it easy, and we shall find it strewed with roses: The way of the righteous is made plain; it is easy to be trodden and not rough, easy to be found, and not intricate.

Pro 15:20

Observe here,

  • 1. To the praise of good children, that they are the joy of their parents, who ought to have joy of them, having taken so much care and pains about them. And it adds much to the satisfaction of those that are good if they have reason to think that they have been a comfort to their parents in their declining years, when evil days come.
  • 2. To the shame of wicked children, that by their wickedness they put contempt upon their parents, slight their authority, and make an ill requital for their kindness: A foolish son despises his mother, that had most sorrow with him and perhaps had too much indulged him, which makes his sin in despising her the more sinful and her sorrow the more sorrowful.

Pro 15:21

Note,

  • 1. It is the character of a wicked man that he takes pleasure in sin; he has an appetite to the bait, and swallows it greedily, and has no dread of the hook, nor feels from it when he has swallowed it: Folly is joy to him; the folly of others is so, and his own much more. He sins, not only without regret, but with delight, not only repents not of it, but makes his boast of it. This is a certain sign of one that is graceless.
  • 2. It is the character of a wise and good man that he makes conscience of his duty. A fool lives at large, walks at all adventures, by no rule, acts with no sincerity or steadiness; but a man of understanding, the eyes of whose understanding are enlightened by the Spirit (and those that have not a good understanding have no understanding), walks uprightly, lives a sober, orderly, regular life, and studies in every thing to conform himself to the will of God; and this is a constant pleasure and joy to him. But what foolishness remains in him, or proceeds from him at any time, is a grief to him, and he is ashamed of it. By these characters we may try ourselves.

Pro 15:22

See here,

  • 1. Of what ill consequence it is to be precipitate and rash, and to act without advice: Men's purposes are disappointed, their measures broken, and they come short of their point, gain not their end, because they would not ask counsel about the way. If men will not take time and pains to deliberate with themselves, or are so confident of their own judgment that they scorn to consult with others, they are not likely to bring any thing considerable to pass; circumstances defeat them which, with a little consultation, might have been foreseen and obviated. It is a good rule, both in public and domestic affairs, to do nothing rashly and of one's own head. Plus vident oculi quam oculus-Many eyes see more than one. That often proves best which was least our own doing.
  • 2. How much it will be for our advantage to ask the advice of our friends: In the multitude of counsellors (provided they be discreet and honest, and will not give counsel with a spirit of contradiction) purposes are established. Solomon's son made no good use of this proverb when he acquiesced not in the counsel of the old men, but because he would have a multitude of counsellors, regarding number more than weight, advised with the young men.

Pro 15:23

Note,

  • 1. We speak wisely when we speak seasonably: The answer of the mouth will be our credit and joy when it is pertinent and to the purpose, and is spoken in due season, when it is needed and will be regarded, and, as we say, hits the joint. Many a good word comes short of doing the good it might have done, for want of being well-timed. Nor is any thing more the beauty of discourse than to have a proper answer ready off-hand, just when there is occasion for it, and it comes in well.
  • 2. If we speak wisely and well, it will redound to our own comfort and to the advantage of others: A man has joy by the answer of his mouth; he may take a pleasure, but may by no means take a pride, in having spoken so acceptably and well that the hearers admire him and say, "How good is it, and how much good does it do!'

Pro 15:24

The way of wisdom and holiness is here recommended to us,

  • 1. As very safe and comfortable: It is the way of life, the way that leads to eternal life, in which we shall find the joy and satisfaction which will be the life of the soul, and at the end of which we shall find the perfection of blessedness. Be wise and live. It is the way to escape that misery which we cannot but see ourselves exposed to, and in danger of. It is to depart from hell beneath, from the snares of hell, the temptations of Satan, and all his wiles, from the pains of hell, that everlasting destruction which our sins have deserved.
  • 2. As very sublime and honourable: It is above. A good man sets his affections on things above, and deals in those things. His conversation is in heaven; his way leads directly thither; there his treasure is, above, out of the reach of enemies, above the changes of this lower world. A good man is truly noble and great; his desires and designs are high, and he lives above the common rate of other men. It is above the capacity and out of the sight of foolish men.

Pro 15:25

Note,

  • 1. Those that are elevated God delights to abase, and commonly does it in the course of his providence: The proud, that magnify themselves, bid defiance to the God above them and trample on all about them, are such as God resists and will destroy, not them only, but their houses, which they are proud of and are confident of the continuance and perpetuity of. Pride is the ruin of multitudes.
  • 2. Those that are dejected God delights to support, and often does it remarkably: He will establish the border of the poor widow, which proud injurious men break in upon, and which the poor widow is not herself able to defend and make good. It is the honour of God to protect the weak and appear for those that are oppressed.

Pro 15:26

The former part of this verse speaks of thoughts, the latter of words, but they come all to one; for thoughts are words to God, and words are judged of by the thoughts from which they proceed, so that,

  • 1. The thoughts and words of the wicked, which are, like themselves, wicked, which aim at mischief, and have some ill tendency or other, are an abomination to the Lord; he is displeased at them and will reckon for them. The thoughts of wicked men, for the most part, are such as God hates, and are an offence to him, who not only knows the heart and all that passes and repasses there, but requires the innermost and uppermost place in it.
  • 2. The thoughts and words of the pure, being pure like themselves, clean, honest, and sincere, are pleasant words and pleasant thoughts, well-pleasing to the holy God, who delights in purity. It may be understood both of their devotions to God (the words of their mouth and the meditations of their heart, in prayer and praise, are acceptable to God, Ps. 19:14; 69:13) and of their discourses with men, tending to edification. Both are pleasant when they come from a pure, a purified, heart.

Pro 15:27

Note,

  • 1. Those that are covetous entail trouble upon their families: He that is greedy of gain, and therefore makes himself a slave to the world, rises up early, sits up late, and eats the bread of carefulness, in pursuit of it-he that hurries, and puts himself and all about him upon the stretch, in business, frets and vexes at every loss and disappointment, and quarrels with every body that stands in the way of his profit-he troubles his own house, is a burden and vexation to his children and servants. He that, in his greediness of gain, takes bribes, and uses unlawful ways of getting money, leaves a curse with what he gets to those that come after him, which sooner or later will bring trouble into the house, Hab. 2:9, 10.
  • 2. Those that are generous as well as righteous entail a blessing upon their families: He that hates gifts, that shakes his hands from holding the bribes that are thrust into his hand to pervert justice and abhors all sinful indirect ways of getting money-that hates to be paltry and mercenary, and is willing, if there be occasion, to do good gratis-he shall live; he shall have the comfort of life, shall live in prosperity and reputation; his name and family shall live and continue.

Pro 15:28

Here is,

  • 1. A good man proved to be a wise man by this, that he governs his tongue well; he that does so the same is a perfect man, Jam. 3:2. It is part of the character of a righteous man that being convinced of the account he must give of his words, and of the good and bad influence of them upon others, he makes conscience of speaking truly (it is his heart that answers, that is, he speaks as he thinks, and dares not do otherwise, he speaks the truth in his heart, Ps. 15:2), and of speaking pertinently and profitably, and therefore he studies to answer, that his speech may be with grace, Neh. 2:4; 5:7.
  • 2. A wicked man is proved to be a fool by this, that he never heeds what he says, but his mouth pours out evil things, to the dishonour of God and religion, his own reproach, and the hurt of others. Doubtless that is an evil heart which thus overflows with evil.

Pro 15:29

Note,

  • 1. God sets himself at a distance from those that set him at defiance: The wicked say to the Almighty, Depart from us, and he is, accordingly, far from them; he does not manifest himself to them, has no communion with them, will not hear them, will not help them, no, not in the time of their need. They shall be for ever banished from his presence and he will behold them afar off. Depart from me, you cursed.
  • 2. He will draw nigh to those in a way of mercy who draw nigh to him in a way of duty: He hears the prayer of the righteous, accepts it, is well pleased with it, and will grant an answer of peace to it. It is the prayer of a righteous man that avails much, Jam. 5:16. He is nigh to them, a present help, in all that they call upon him for.

Pro 15:30

Two things are here pronounced pleasant:-

  • 1. It is pleasant to have a good prospect to see the light of the sun (Eccl. 11:7) and by it to see the wonderful works of God, with which this lower world is beautified and enriched. Those that want the mercy know how to value it; how would the light of the eyes rejoice their hearts! The consideration of this should make us thankful for our eyesight.
  • 2. It is more pleasant to have a good name, a name for good things with God and good people; this is as precious ointment, Eccl. 7:1. It makes the bones fat; it gives a secret pleasure, and that which is strengthening. It is also very comfortable to hear (as some understand it) a good report concerning others; a good man has no greater joy than to hear that his friends walk in the truth.

Pro 15:31

Note,

  • 1. It is the character of a wise man that he is very willing to be reproved, and therefore chooses to converse with those that, both by their words and example, will show him what is amiss in him: The ear that can take the reproof will love the reprover. Faithful friendly reproofs are here called the reproofs of life, not only because they are to be given in a lively manner, and with a prudent zeal (and we must reprove by our lives as well as by our doctrine), but because, where they are well-taken, they are means of spiritual life, and lead to eternal life, and (as some think) to distinguish them from rebukes and reproaches for well-doing, which are rather reproofs of death, which we must not regard nor be influenced by.
  • 2. Those that are so wise as to bear reproof well will hereby be made wiser (ch. 9:9), and come at length to be numbered among the wise men of the age, and will have both ability and authority to reprove and instruct others. Those that learn well, and obey well, are likely in time to teach well and rule well.

Pro 15:32

See here,

  • 1. The folly of those that will not be taught, that refuse instruction, that will not heed it, but turn their backs upon it, or will not hear it, but turn their hearts against it. They refuse correction (margin); they will not take it, no, not from God himself, but kick against the pricks. Those that do so despise their own souls; they show that they have a low and mean opinion of them, and are in little care and concern about them, considered as rational and immortal, instruction being designed to cultivate reason and prepare for the immortal state. The fundamental error of sinners is undervaluing their own souls; therefore they neglect to provide for them, abuse them, expose them, prefer the body before the soul, and wrong the soul to please the body.
  • 2. The wisdom of those that are willing, not only to be taught, but to be reproved: He that hears reproof, and amends the faults he is reproved for, gets understanding, by which his soul is secured from bad ways and directed in good ways, and thereby he both evidences the value he has for his own soul and puts true honour upon it.

Pro 15:33

See here how much it is our interest, as well as duty,

  • 1. To submit to our God, and keep up a reverence for him: The fear of the Lord, as it is the beginning of wisdom, so it is the instruction and correction of wisdom; the principles of religion, closely adhered to, will improve our knowledge, rectify our mistakes, and be the best and surest guide of our way. An awe of God upon our spirits will put us upon the wisest counsels and chastise us when we say or do unwisely.
  • 2. To stoop to our brethren, and keep up a respect for them. Where there is humility there is a happy presage of honour and preparative for it. Those that humble themselves shall be exalted here and hereafter.