Proverbs 15

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

2 The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.

3 The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.

4 The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.

5 A fool spurns a parent’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.

6 The house of the righteous contains great treasure, but the income of the wicked brings ruin.

7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but the hearts of fools are not upright.

8 The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him.

9 The LORD detests the way of the wicked, but he loves those who pursue righteousness.

10 Stern discipline awaits anyone who leaves the path; the one who hates correction will die.

11 Death and Destruction^[a] lie open before the LORD— how much more do human hearts!

12 Mockers resent correction, so they avoid the wise.

13 A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.

14 The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.

15 All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.

16 Better a little with the fear of the LORDthan great wealth with turmoil.

17 Better a small serving of vegetables with love than a fattened calf with hatred.

18 A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.

19 The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway.

20 A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother.

21 Folly brings joy to one who has no sense, but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course.

22 Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.

23 A person finds joy in giving an apt reply— and how good is a timely word!

24 The path of life leads upward for the prudent to keep them from going down to the realm of the dead.

25 The LORD tears down the house of the proud, but he sets the widow’s boundary stones in place.

26 The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked, but gracious words are pure in his sight.

27 The greedy bring ruin to their households, but the one who hates bribes will live.

28 The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.

29 The LORD is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.

30 Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.

31 Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise.

32 Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding.

33 Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the LORD, and humility comes before honor.

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Proverbs 15 Commentary

Chapter 15

Verse 1 A right cause will be better pleaded with meekness than with passion. Nothing stirs up anger like grievous words. Verse 2 . He that has knowledge, is to use it aright, for the good of others. Verse 3 . Secret sins, services, and sorrows, are under God's eye. This speaks comfort to saints, and terror to sinners. Verse 4 . A good tongue is healing to wounded consciences, by comforting them; to sin-sick souls, by convincing them; and it reconciles parties at variance. Verse 5 . If instruction is despised, reprove men rather than suffer them to go on undisturbed in the way to ruin. Verse 6 . The wealth of worldly men increases their fears and suspicions, adds strength to their passions, and renders the fear of death more distressing. Verse 7 . We use knowledge aright when we disperse it; but the heart of the foolish has nothing to ( proverbs 15:8-9 ) stead of Christ's atonement, or in the place of holy obedience. Praying graces are his gift, and the work of his Spirit, with which he is well pleased. Verse 10 . He that hates reproof shall perish in his sins, since he would not be parted from them. Verse 11 . There is nothing that can be hid from the eyes of God, not even man's thoughts. Verse 12 . A scorner cannot bear to reflect seriously within his own heart. Verse 13 . A gloomy, impatient, unthankful spirit, springing from pride and undue attachment to worldly objects, renders a man uneasy to himself and others. Verse 14 . A wise man seeks to gain more wisdom, growing in grace and in the knowledge of Christ. But a carnal mind rests contented, flattering itself. Verse 15 . Some are much in affliction, and of a sorrowful spirit. Such are to be pitied, prayed for, and comforted. And others serve God with gladness of heart, and it prompts their obedience, yet they should rejoice with trembling. ( proverbs 15:16-17 ) little; the Lord is with them, without the cares, troubles, and temptations which are with the wealth of the wicked. Verse 18 . He that is slow to anger, not only prevents strife, but appeases it, if kindled. Verse 19 . Those who have no heart to their work, pretend that they cannot do their work without hardship and danger. And thus many live always in doubt about their state, because always in neglect of some duty. Verse 20 . Those who treat an aged mother or a father with contempt or neglect, show their own folly. Verse 21 . Such as are truly wise, study that their thoughts, words, and actions should be regular, sincere, and holy. Verse 22 . If men will not take time and pains to deliberate, they are not likely to bring any thing to pass. Verse 23 . Wisdom is needed to suit our discourse to the occasions. Verse 24 . A good man sets his affections on things above; his way leads directly thither. Verse 25 . Pride is the ruin of multitudes. But those who are in affliction God will support. Verse 26 . The thoughts of wicked men offend Him who knows the heart. Verse 27 . The covetous man lets none of his family have rest or enjoyment. And greediness of gain often tempts to projects that bring ruin. Verse 28 . A good man is proved to be a wise man by this; he governs his tongue well. Verse 29 . God sets himself at a distance from those who set him at defiance. Verse 30 . How delightful to the humbled soul to hear the good report of salvation by the Lord Jesus Christ! Verse 31 . Faithful, friendly reproofs help spiritual life, and lead to eternal life. Verse 32 . Sinners undervalue their own souls; therefore they prefer the body before the soul, and wrong the soul to please the body. Verse 33 . The fear of the Lord will dispose us to search the Scriptures with reverence; and it will cause us to follow the leadings of the Holy Spirit. While we humbly place all our dependence on the grace of God, we are exalted in the righteousness of Christ.

Taken from Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Concise)

Cross References 54

1. 1 Kings 12:7; 2 Chronicles 10:7
2. Proverbs 25:15
3. ver 7; S Proverbs 10:31
4. S Psalms 59:7; Ecclesiastes 10:12; Proverbs 12:23
5. S 2 Chronicles 16:9
6. S Job 10:4; S Job 31:4; S Hebrews 4:13
7. S Job 34:21; Proverbs 5:21; Jeremiah 16:17
8. S Psalms 5:9
9. S Proverbs 10:11
10. Proverbs 12:18
11. S Proverbs 10:17; S Proverbs 12:1; S Proverbs 13:1
12. S Proverbs 8:21
13. S Proverbs 10:16
14. S ver 2; S Proverbs 10:13
15. S Psalms 51:17; S Isaiah 1:13
16. S Proverbs 6:16; Proverbs 21:27; Isaiah 1:11; Jeremiah 6:20
17. ver 29; Job 35:13; Proverbs 28:9; S John 9:31
18. S Proverbs 6:16
19. S Deuteronomy 7:13; S Proverbs 11:20; Proverbs 21:21; 1 Timothy 6:11
20. S Proverbs 1:31-32; Proverbs 5:12; S Proverbs 12:1
21. S Job 26:6; Psalms 139:8
22. S 1 Samuel 2:3; S 2 Chronicles 6:30; S Psalms 44:21; S Revelation 2:23
23. S Proverbs 9:8; S Proverbs 12:1; Amos 5:10
24. ver 15
25. S Proverbs 12:25; Proverbs 17:22; Proverbs 18:14
26. Proverbs 18:15
27. ver 13
28. ver 17; Psalms 37:16-17; Proverbs 13:8; Proverbs 16:8; Proverbs 17:1; 1 Timothy 6:6
29. S ver 16; Proverbs 17:1; Ecclesiastes 4:6
30. S Proverbs 6:16-19; S Proverbs 14:17; Proverbs 26:21
31. S Genesis 13:8
32. Proverbs 22:5
33. S Proverbs 10:1
34. S Proverbs 2:14; Proverbs 10:23
35. S Psalms 16:7
36. 1 Kings 1:12; Proverbs 24:6
37. S Proverbs 11:14
38. S Proverbs 12:14
39. Proverbs 25:11
40. S Proverbs 12:7
41. S Deuteronomy 19:14; Psalms 68:5-6; Proverbs 23:10-11
42. S Psalms 94:11
43. S Proverbs 6:16
44. S Psalms 18:26
45. S Exodus 23:8; S Psalms 15:5; Isaiah 1:23; Isaiah 33:15
46. S Proverbs 14:8; 1 Peter 3:15
47. S Psalms 59:7
48. S ver 8; S Job 15:31; Psalms 145:18-19; Isaiah 59:2; S John 9:31
49. Proverbs 25:25
50. ver 5; S Proverbs 9:7-9; S Proverbs 12:1
51. S Proverbs 1:7; S Proverbs 12:1
52. S Proverbs 9:7-9; S Proverbs 12:1; Ecclesiastes 7:5
53. S Proverbs 1:7
54. Proverbs 16:18; Proverbs 18:12; Proverbs 22:4; Proverbs 29:23; Isaiah 66:2

Footnotes 1

[a]. Hebrew "Abaddon"

Chapter Summary

INTRODUCTION TO FIRST KINGS 5

This chapter relates Solomon's preparation for building the temple: on Hiram, king of Tyre, sending a congratulatory letter to him, he returned another to him, signifying his intention to build an house for God, and requesting him to supply him with timber, and men to work it, 1Ki 5:1-6; to which Hiram readily agreed, and sent him cedar and fir, and Solomon in return sent him food for his household; and things went on very amicably between them, 1Ki 5:7-12; the chapter concludes with an account of Solomon's workmen, where, how, and in what they were employed, 1Ki 5:13-18.

Taken from John Gill's Exposition of the Bible