Proverbs 15:1
Proverbs 15:1 in Multiple Translations
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
A soft answer turneth away wrath; But a grievous word stirreth up anger.
By a soft answer wrath is turned away, but a bitter word is a cause of angry feelings.
A kind reply wards off anger, but hurtful words make people mad.
A soft answere putteth away wrath: but grieuous wordes stirre vp anger.
A soft answer turneth back fury, And a grievous word raiseth up anger.
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
A mild answer breaketh wrath: but a harsh word stirreth up fury.
When people are angry with you, reply to them gently, and it will calm them; but if you reply harshly to them, it causes them to become more angry.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 15:1
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 15:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מַֽעֲנֶה
רַּ֭ךְ
יָשִׁ֣יב
חֵמָ֑ה
וּ/דְבַר
עֶ֝֗צֶב
יַעֲלֶה
אָֽף
מַֽעֲנֶה
maʻăneh
H4617
answer
N-ms
רַּ֭ךְ
rak
H7390
tender
Adj
יָשִׁ֣יב
shûwb
H7725
to return
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
חֵמָ֑ה
chêmâh
H2534
rage
N-fs
וּ/דְבַר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Conj | N-ms
עֶ֝֗צֶב
ʻetseb
H6089
toil
N-ms
יַעֲלֶה
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
אָֽף
ʼaph
H639
face
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 15:1
מַֽעֲנֶה
maʻăneh
H4617
"answer"
N-ms
This word means a response or answer to something, like a reply to a question. It can be a positive or negative response, and is used in the Bible to describe interactions between people.
Definition: 1) answer, response 2) (TWOT) place for task
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: answer, [idiom] himself. See also: Job 32:3; Proverbs 16:1; Proverbs 15:1.
רַּ֭ךְ
rak
H7390
"tender"
Adj
This Hebrew word means tender or weak, and can be used to describe something that is soft or delicate. It can also be used to describe someone who is faint-hearted or timid.
Definition: 1) tender, soft, delicate, weak 1a) tender, delicate (of flesh) 1b) weak of heart, timid 1c) soft (of words) 1c1) gentle words (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: faint((-hearted), soft, tender ((-hearted), one), weak. See also: Genesis 18:7; 1 Chronicles 29:1; Proverbs 4:3.
יָשִׁ֣יב
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
חֵמָ֑ה
chêmâh
H2534
"rage"
N-fs
This word means intense anger or rage, like a burning fire. It's used in the Bible to describe God's wrath and human anger, often warning against the dangers of unchecked emotions. In Proverbs and Psalms, it cautions against the destructive power of anger and rage.
Definition: 1) heat, rage, hot displeasure, indignation, anger, wrath, poison, bottles 1a) heat 1a1) fever 1a2) venom, poison (fig.) 1b) burning anger, rage Aramaic equivalent: che.ma (חֱמָא "rage" H2528)
Usage: Occurs in 117 OT verses. KJV: anger, bottles, hot displeasure, furious(-ly, -ry), heat, indignation, poison, rage, wrath(-ful). See H2529 (חֶמְאָה). See also: Genesis 27:44; Isaiah 63:5; Psalms 6:2.
וּ/דְבַר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Conj | N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
עֶ֝֗צֶב
ʻetseb
H6089
"toil"
N-ms
An earthen vessel or a painful toil, this word can also describe a pang of body or mind, like the labor pains of a woman in John 16:21 or the sorrow of the prophet Jeremiah in Lamentations 1:12.
Definition: 1) pain, hurt, toil, sorrow, labour, hardship 1a) pain 1b) hurt, offense 1c) toil, hardship
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: grievous, idol, labor, sorrow. See also: Genesis 3:16; Proverbs 10:22; Psalms 127:2.
יַעֲלֶה
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
אָֽף
ʼaph
H639
"face"
N-ms
This Hebrew word can mean face, but also anger or nose. It is used to describe someone's countenance or emotions, like anger or patience. In the Bible, it appears in various contexts, including descriptions of God's emotions.
Definition: : face 1) nostril, nose, face 2) anger
Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: anger(-gry), [phrase] before, countenance, face, [phrase] forebearing, forehead, [phrase] (long-) suffering, nose, nostril, snout, [idiom] worthy, wrath. See also: Genesis 2:7; Nehemiah 8:6; Psalms 2:5.
Study Notes — Proverbs 15:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 15:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 15:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 15:1
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 15:1
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 15:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 15:1
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 15:1
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 15:1
- Sermons on Proverbs 15:1
Context — A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath
1A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
2The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly. 3The eyes of the LORD are in every place, observing the evil and the good.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 10:12 | Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers all transgressions. |
| 2 | Proverbs 25:15 | Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone. |
| 3 | Proverbs 15:18 | A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger calms dispute. |
| 4 | Proverbs 29:22 | An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression. |
| 5 | Proverbs 28:25 | A greedy man stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper. |
| 6 | Judges 8:1–3 | Then the men of Ephraim said to Gideon, “Why have you done this to us? Why did you fail to call us when you went to fight against Midian?” And they contended with him violently. But Gideon answered them, “Now what have I accomplished compared to you? Are not the gleanings of Ephraim better than the grape harvest of Abiezer? God has delivered Oreb and Zeeb, the two princes of Midian, into your hand. What was I able to do compared to you?” When he had said this, their anger against him subsided. |
| 7 | 1 Samuel 25:10–13 | But Nabal asked them, “Who is David? Who is this son of Jesse? Many servants these days are breaking away from their masters. Why should I take my bread and water and the meat I have slaughtered for my shearers, and give them to these men whose origin I do not know?” So David’s men turned around and went back, and they relayed to him all these words. And David said to his men, “Strap on your swords!” So David and all his men put on their swords, and about four hundred men followed David, while two hundred stayed with the supplies. |
| 8 | 1 Kings 12:13–16 | And the king answered the people harshly. He rejected the advice of the elders and spoke to them as the young men had advised, saying, “Whereas my father made your yoke heavy, I will add to your yoke. Whereas my father scourged you with whips, I will scourge you with scorpions.” So the king did not listen to the people, and indeed this turn of events was from the LORD, to fulfill the word He had spoken to Jeroboam son of Nebat through Ahijah the Shilonite. When all Israel saw that the king had refused to listen to them, they answered the king: “What portion do we have in David, and what inheritance in the son of Jesse? To your tents, O Israel! Look now to your own house, O David!” So the Israelites went home, |
| 9 | Judges 12:3–6 | When I saw that you would not save me, I risked my life and crossed over to the Ammonites, and the LORD delivered them into my hand. Why then have you come today to fight against me?” Jephthah then gathered all the men of Gilead and fought against Ephraim. And the men of Gilead struck them down because the Ephraimites had said, “You Gileadites are fugitives in Ephraim, living in the territories of Ephraim and Manasseh.” The Gileadites captured the fords of the Jordan leading to Ephraim, and whenever a fugitive from Ephraim would say, “Let me cross over,” the Gileadites would ask him, “Are you an Ephraimite?” If he answered, “No,” they told him, “Please say Shibboleth.” If he said, “Sibboleth,” because he could not pronounce it correctly, they seized him and killed him at the fords of the Jordan. So at that time 42,000 Ephraimites were killed. |
| 10 | 1 Samuel 25:21–33 | Now David had just finished saying, “In vain I have protected all that belonged to this man in the wilderness. Nothing that belongs to him has gone missing, yet he has paid me back evil for good. May God punish David, and ever so severely, if I let one of Nabal’s men survive until morning.” When Abigail saw David, she quickly got off the donkey, fell facedown, and bowed before him. She fell at his feet and said, “My lord, may the blame be on me alone, but please let your servant speak to you; hear the words of your servant. My lord should pay no attention to this scoundrel Nabal, for he lives up to his name: His name means Fool, and folly accompanies him. I, your servant, did not see my lord’s young men whom you sent. Now, my lord, as surely as the LORD lives and you yourself live, the LORD has held you back from coming to bloodshed and avenging yourself with your own hand. May your enemies and those who seek harm for my lord be like Nabal. Now let this gift your servant has brought to my lord be given to the young men who follow you. Please forgive your servant’s offense, for the LORD will surely make a lasting dynasty for my lord, because he fights the LORD’s battles. May no evil be found in you as long as you live. And should someone pursue you and seek your life, then the life of my lord will be bound securely by the LORD your God in the bundle of the living. But He shall fling away the lives of your enemies like stones from a sling. When the LORD has done for my lord all the good He promised, and when He has appointed you ruler over Israel, then my lord will have no remorse or guilt of conscience over needless bloodshed and revenge. And when the LORD has dealt well with my lord, may you remember your maidservant.” Then David said to Abigail, “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who sent you to meet me this day! Blessed is your discernment, and blessed are you, because today you kept me from bloodshed and from avenging myself by my own hand. |
Proverbs 15:1 Summary
[Proverbs 15:1 teaches us that responding gently to someone who is angry or upset can actually calm them down and prevent further conflict, as seen in the example of Jesus' gentle responses to his critics in the Gospels. By choosing to speak softly and kindly, we can show respect and care for the other person, even if we disagree with them. This is not always easy, but it is an important way to demonstrate Christ's love and follow his example, as encouraged in Matthew 5:38-42 and 1 Peter 3:8-12.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to give a gentle answer, and how can I apply this in my daily life?
A gentle answer is one that is soft, calm, and respectful, as seen in Proverbs 15:1, and can be applied by choosing to respond thoughtfully, rather than react impulsively, as encouraged in Proverbs 10:32 and James 1:19.
How can a harsh word stir up anger, and what are the consequences of speaking harshly?
A harsh word can stir up anger by being hurtful, condescending, or dismissive, and can lead to further conflict and damage to relationships, as warned in Proverbs 12:18 and Ephesians 4:29-32.
Is it always possible to turn away wrath with a gentle answer, or are there exceptions?
While a gentle answer can often turn away wrath, as promised in Proverbs 15:1, there may be situations where the other person is not receptive or is determined to be angry, in which case we can still trust in God's sovereignty and wisdom, as seen in Romans 8:28 and Psalm 37:5-7.
How can I balance being gentle in my response with being firm and standing up for what is right?
Being gentle does not mean being weak or compromising on what is right, but rather speaking the truth in love, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:15, and trusting in God's power and wisdom to guide the conversation, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and 2 Timothy 1:7.
Reflection Questions
- What are some situations in my life where I have spoken harshly, and how could I have responded more gently?
- How can I prepare myself to respond gently in situations where I feel angry or frustrated, and what scriptures can I meditate on to help me?
- What are some practical ways I can show respect and kindness in my communication, even when disagreeing with someone, and how can I demonstrate Christ's love in my words and tone?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty and wisdom when my gentle answer is not met with a positive response, and what scriptures can I turn to for comfort and encouragement?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 15:1
A soft answer turneth away wrath,.... Mild words, gentle expressions, delivered with kindness and tenderness, humility and submission; these will work upon a man's passions, weaken his resentments,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 15:1
A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. A soft answer - like oil soothing the pain of a wound .
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 15:1
CHAPTER 15 A soft, mild or gentle, answer, which may imply a foregoing charge or accusation, although the word is and may be rendered speech or discourse, turneth away wrath from the speaker. Grievous words, fierce and vexatious replies or speeches, stir up anger; kindle it, and cause it to flame forth.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 15:1
Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.Ver. 1. A soft answer turneth away wrath.] It is easier to stir strife than to stint it. Hard to hard, will never do; but lay a flint upon a pillow, and you may break it with ease. “ Frangitur ira gravis quando est responsio suavis.” What is more boisterous than the winds? tamen iidem imbribus sopiuntur, saith Pliny, yet are they laid with soft showers. How soon was David disarmed by Abigail’ s gentle apology, and made as meek as a lamb! So were the hot and hasty Ephraimites by Gideon’ s mild and modest answer. "By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone." Howbeit, some persons must be more roughly dealt with, or they will never have done - nettles hardly handled sting not as they will if gently touched - in some eases especially, as when God’ s glory is engaged. When Servetus condemned Zuinglius for his harshness, he answers, In aliis mansuetus ero, in blasphemiis in Christum non ita: In other cases I will be mild; but in case of blasphemies against Christ, I have no patience. So Luther, in a letter to Staupicius, Inveniar sane superbus, &c., modo impii silentii non arguar dum dominus patitur: Let me be counted proud or passionate, so I be not found guilty of sinful silence when the cause of God suffereth. Madness, in this case, is better than mildness: moderation here is mere mopishness, nay, it is much worse. But grievous words stir up anger.] Heb., Make it to ascend - viz., into the nostrils, as fire in a chimney, when blown up with bellows.
Some men have quick and hot spirits; yea, some good men, as those two brethren, "sons of thunder," how soon was their choler up. Now, hard and harsh words do cast oil upon the flame, and set their passions afloat; and then there is no ho with them. Fertur equis auriga, nec audit currus habenas. How was Saul enkindled by Doeg, and David by Nabal’ s currishness! Rehoboam, with one churlish breath, lost ten tribes; and Adrian the emperor, gave the crier great thanks, who, when he was bidden to quiet the tumultuous people with an imperious Sιωπησατε, Hold your tongues, he held out his hand only; and when the people listened with great silence (as the manner was), to hear the cry, Hoc vero, inquit, princeps vult; - This is that, said he, that the emperor requires of you - viz., to be silent. The best answer to words of scorn and petulance (saith one), is Isaac’ s apology to his brother Ishmael, patience and silence, ησιγανχρη, ηκρεισσονασιγηςλεγειν: ηηχισταηηδιστα. Either reply not at all, or else so that all may be well between you. Ep. ad Servet. Dio in vit. Adr.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 15:1
CHAPTER XV The soft answer. Useful correction. Stability of the righteous. The contented mind. The slothful man. The fool. The covetous. The impious. The wicked opposed to the righteous; to the diligent; and to the man who fears the Lord. NOTES ON CHAP.
XV Verse 1. A soft answer] Gentleness will often disarm the most furious, where positive derangement has not taken place; one angry word will always beget another, for the disposition of one spirit always begets its own likeness in another: thus kindness produces kindness, and rage produces rage. Universal experience confirms this proverb.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 15:1
1. grievous words] More exactly, a grievous word, R.V.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 15:1
1. A soft answer turneth away wrath — Some imagine a literal translation to be the best. We give a specimen on this verse, divesting the words of their tropical, and restoring their physical, sense.
Sermons on Proverbs 15:1
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Ii Timothy - Part 2 - Proclaim the Gospel by John Stott | In this sermon, Reverend John R. focuses on the importance of preaching the word of God. He emphasizes that our proclamation should be urgent, never losing our sense of urgency in |
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The Restraining Power of the Holy Ghost by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of David and Nabal from the Bible. David sends his men to Nabal's house during shearing time to ask for provisions for his hungry a |
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(2006 Conference) 3.controlling Our Tongue by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of controlling our speech and the balance needed in various areas of our lives. It highlights the dangers of being imbalanced, focusing on sma |
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The Healing of the Home by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of using a soft answer to turn away wrath and bring healing to the home. He criticizes those who rely on loudness as a badge |
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In the School of God by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the impact of words and the importance of being an example of a believer. He shares stories of individuals who excelled in their faith and |
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Effective Prayer - Part 1 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of commenting on the answers we receive after asking questions. He highlights the joy that comes from someone sharing a though |
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Are You Backsliding? (Part 2) by Michael L. Brown | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the prevalence of easily accessible and explicit content in today's society. He shares personal experiences of encountering inappropriate mate |