Proverbs 15:2
Proverbs 15:2 in Multiple Translations
The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly.
The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.
The tongue of the wise uttereth knowledge aright; But the mouth of fools poureth out folly.
Knowledge is dropping from the tongue of the wise; but from the mouth of the foolish comes a stream of foolish words.
What wise people say makes knowledge attractive, but stupid people talk a lot of nonsense.
The tongue of the wise vseth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fooles babbleth out foolishnesse.
The tongue of the wise maketh knowledge good, And the mouth of fools uttereth folly.
The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools gush out folly.
The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.
The tongue of the wise adorneth knowledge: but the mouth of fools bubbleth out folly.
When wise people speak [MTY], it causes those who hear what they say to want to know more; foolish people continually say [MTY] what is foolish.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 15:2
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 15:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לְשׁ֣וֹן
חֲ֭כָמִים
תֵּיטִ֣יב
דָּ֑עַת
וּ/פִ֥י
כְ֝סִילִ֗ים
יַבִּ֥יעַ
אִוֶּֽלֶת
לְשׁ֣וֹן
lâshôwn
H3956
tongue
N-cs
חֲ֭כָמִים
châkâm
H2450
wise
Adj
תֵּיטִ֣יב
yâṭab
H3190
be good
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3fs
דָּ֑עַת
daʻath
H1847
knowledge
N-fs
וּ/פִ֥י
peh
H6310
lip
Conj | N-ms
כְ֝סִילִ֗ים
kᵉçîyl
H3684
fool
Adj
יַבִּ֥יעַ
nâbaʻ
H5042
to bubble
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
אִוֶּֽלֶת
ʼivveleth
H200
folly
N-fs
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 15:2
לְשׁ֣וֹן
lâshôwn
H3956
"tongue"
N-cs
The tongue, used for eating, speaking, or describing a language. In the Bible, it appears in many books, including Genesis 11:1 and Acts 2:4.
Definition: : tongue/words 1) tongue 1a) tongue (of men) 1a1) tongue (literal) 1a2) tongue (organ of speech) 1b) language 1c) tongue (of animals) 1d) tongue (of fire) 1e) wedge, bay of sea (tongue-shaped)
Usage: Occurs in 115 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] babbler, bay, [phrase] evil speaker, language, talker, tongue, wedge. See also: Genesis 10:5; Psalms 126:2; Psalms 5:10.
חֲ֭כָמִים
châkâm
H2450
"wise"
Adj
This word means wise or skilled, describing someone intelligent or crafty, like a cunning man or a prudent leader.
Definition: 1) wise, wise (man) 1a) skilful (in technical work) 1b) wise (in administration) 1c) shrewd, crafty, cunning, wily, subtle 1d) learned, shrewd (class of men) 1e) prudent 1f) wise (ethically and religiously)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: cunning (man), subtil, (un-), wise((hearted), man). See also: Genesis 41:8; Proverbs 16:14; Psalms 49:11.
תֵּיטִ֣יב
yâṭab
H3190
"be good"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3fs
To be good means to be pleasing or joyful, making something or someone sound, beautiful, or happy. It is used in various forms, including being glad, doing well, or being content. It appears in many books, including Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to be good, be pleasing, be well, be glad 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be glad, be joyful 1a2) to be well placed 1a3) to be well for, be well with, go well with 1a4) to be pleasing, be pleasing to 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to make glad, rejoice 1b2) to do good to, deal well with 1b3) to do well, do thoroughly 1b4) to make a thing good or right or beautiful 1b5) to do well, do right
Usage: Occurs in 105 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, amend, use aright, benefit, be (make) better, seem best, make cheerful, be comely, [phrase] be content, diligent(-ly), dress, earnestly, find favour, give, be glad, do (be, make) good(-ness), be (make) merry, please ([phrase] well), shew more (kindness), skilfully, [idiom] very small, surely, make sweet, thoroughly, tire, trim, very, be (can, deal, entreat, go, have) well (said, seen). See also: Genesis 4:7; 2 Samuel 3:36; Psalms 33:3.
דָּ֑עַת
daʻath
H1847
"knowledge"
N-fs
In the Bible, daath means knowledge or understanding, like when Solomon asked God for wisdom in 1 Kings 3:9. It involves skill and perception, and is often linked to wisdom. This concept appears in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) knowledge 1a) knowledge, perception, skill 1b) discernment, understanding, wisdom
Usage: Occurs in 91 OT verses. KJV: cunning, (ig-) norantly, know(-ledge), (un-) awares (wittingly). See also: Genesis 2:9; Proverbs 14:7; Psalms 19:3.
וּ/פִ֥י
peh
H6310
"lip"
Conj | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
כְ֝סִילִ֗ים
kᵉçîyl
H3684
"fool"
Adj
This Hebrew word describes a fool or someone who is stupid and silly. It is often used to describe people who reject God's wisdom. The Bible uses this word to warn against foolish behavior.
Definition: fool, stupid fellow, dullard, simpleton, arrogant one
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: fool(-ish). See also: Psalms 49:11; Proverbs 19:13; Psalms 92:7.
יַבִּ֥יעַ
nâbaʻ
H5042
"to bubble"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
To bubble means to gush forth, like water or words, and can also mean to utter good or bad things, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to flow, pour out, pour, gush forth, spring, bubble up, ferment 1a) (Qal) to flow 1b)(Hiphil) to pour out, emit, cause to bubble, belch forth 1b1) to pour out 1b2) to cause to bubble, ferment 1b3) to pour forth, emit, belch forth
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: belch out, flowing, pour out, send forth, utter (abundantly). See also: Psalms 19:3; Psalms 145:7; Psalms 59:8.
אִוֶּֽלֶת
ʼivveleth
H200
"folly"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means foolishness or silliness, describing someone's ridiculous behavior. It is used to convey a sense of absurdity or nonsense, as seen in the KJV translations of folly and foolishness.
Definition: foolishness, folly
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: folly, foolishly(-ness). See also: Psalms 38:6; Proverbs 15:14; Psalms 69:6.
Study Notes — Proverbs 15:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 15:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 15:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 15:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 15:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 15:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 15:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 15:2
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 15:2
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 15:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 15:2
- Sermons on Proverbs 15:2
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. 4A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 12:23 | A shrewd man keeps his knowledge to himself, but a foolish heart proclaims its folly. |
| 2 | Proverbs 15:28 | The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil. |
| 3 | Proverbs 13:16 | Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool displays his folly. |
| 4 | Ecclesiastes 10:12–13 | The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him. The beginning of his talk is folly, and the end of his speech is evil madness. |
| 5 | Psalms 59:7 | See what they spew from their mouths— sharp words from their lips: “For who can hear us?” |
| 6 | Proverbs 15:23 | A man takes joy in a fitting reply— and how good is a timely word! |
| 7 | Isaiah 50:4 | The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of discipleship, to sustain the weary with a word. He awakens Me morning by morning; He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple. |
| 8 | Proverbs 16:23 | The heart of the wise man instructs his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips. |
| 9 | Proverbs 25:11–12 | A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man’s rebuke to a listening ear. |
| 10 | Psalms 45:1 | My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses to the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer. |
Proverbs 15:2 Summary
This verse teaches us that the words we speak have the power to either share valuable knowledge and understanding or to spread foolishness and harm. As Proverbs 15:2 says, the tongue of the wise commends knowledge, while the mouth of the fool spouts folly. To speak wisely, we need to seek wisdom from God and be mindful of the impact of our words on others, as taught in James 1:5 and Ephesians 4:29. By doing so, we can use our words to build up and edify others, rather than tearing them down.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the tongue of the wise to commend knowledge?
It means that wise people use their words to share valuable insights and understanding, as seen in Proverbs 15:2, and this is in line with the Bible's teaching on the importance of wise speech, such as in Proverbs 10:32 and Proverbs 12:18.
How does the mouth of the fool spout folly?
The mouth of the fool spouts folly by speaking careless, thoughtless, and often hurtful words, which can lead to conflict and harm, as warned in Proverbs 12:18 and Proverbs 29:20.
What is the difference between the tongue of the wise and the mouth of the fool?
The main difference is that the tongue of the wise is guided by wisdom, discretion, and a desire to edify, whereas the mouth of the fool is driven by impulsiveness, ignorance, and a lack of self-control, as illustrated in Proverbs 10:13-14 and Proverbs 17:28.
How can I ensure that my words are like the tongue of the wise?
You can ensure that your words are like the tongue of the wise by seeking wisdom from God, as in James 1:5, and by being mindful of the impact of your words on others, as taught in Ephesians 4:29 and Colossians 4:6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can use my words to commend knowledge and share valuable insights with others?
- How can I be more mindful of the potential consequences of my words, and strive to speak in a way that is wise and edifying?
- What are some common pitfalls or temptations that can lead me to speak foolishly, and how can I avoid them?
- In what ways can I seek to cultivate wisdom and discretion in my speech, and become more like the tongue of the wise?
- How can I balance the need to speak truth and wisdom with the need to be kind and compassionate in my words?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 15:2
The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright,.... As the heart of a wise and good man is filled with useful knowledge, civil, moral, spiritual, and evangelical; so he takes care to communicate it,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 15:2
The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 15:2
Useth knowledge aright; expressing what he knows prudently and gracefully; taking due care both what, and when, and to whom, and in what manner he speaks. Poureth out, plentifully, continually, promiscuously, and vehemently, as a fountain doth waters, as this word signifies.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 15:2
Proverbs 15:2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.Ver. 2. The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright.] Heb., Deals kindly with her; offers her no abuse, by venting her unseasonably, and making her overly cheap, and little set by. Eloquence wisely ordered is very commendable, and avails much: but what a poor praise was that to the Duke of Buckingham, that speaking to the Londoners in the behalf of that usurper, Richard III, he gained the commendation, that no man could deliver so much bad matter in so good words and quaint phrases. Here was eloquentiae satis, sapientiae parum. The tongue was given us for better purpose; it was David’ s "glory," and he used it accordingly. But the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.] Heb., Bubbleth it out; blurteth it out, as a fountain casteth out its waters, with a great force and swiftness: non quid, sed quantum, is all their care, being talkative above measure, and forward to utter whatsoever comes into their chaps: quicquid in buccam. Daniel’ s Hist.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 15:2
XV. (2) Useth knowledge aright.—Brings it forth at the proper time and place.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 15:2
Verse 2. Useth knowledge aright] This is very difficult to know: - when to speak, and when to be silent; what to speak, and what to leave unspoken; the manner that is best and most suitable to the occasion, the subject, the circumstances, and the persons. All these are difficulties, often even to the wisest men. Even wise counsel may be foolishly given.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 15:2
2. useth knowledge aright] Or, uttereth, &c. R.V. Lit. maketh good knowledge, i.e. turns it to good account, makes the best of it. Comp. “they make goodly (lit. as here, make good) images or pillars,” Hosea 10:1. The contrast is between the good use of knowledge which adds to its usefulness, and the reckless pouring forth of folly which increases its hurtfulness; between the pure stream flowing in useful channels, and the pestilential flood bursting forth unrestrained. Comp. Proverbs 13:16, and Proverbs 15:28 below.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 15:2
Useth knowledge aright - Rather, makes knowledge goodly. The power of well-considered speech to commend true wisdom, is contrasted with the pouring (literally as in the margin) forth of folly.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 15:2
2. Useth knowledge aright — Makes it grateful, attractive, edifying. A wise man knows when to speak and when to keep silent, and how to make his words both useful and acceptable.
Sermons on Proverbs 15:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Preach It Practically by Arthur Vess | Arthur Vess emphasizes the importance of simplicity in preaching, urging preachers to convey profound truths in straightforward language that all can grasp. He highlights the need |
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Jordan (I) by George Herbert | George Herbert emphasizes the importance of sincerity and truth in worship and poetry, questioning the need for elaborate fictions and false beauty. He highlights the essence of ge |
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Diary - After Receiving Masters Degree - 1723 by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards reflects on his resolutions and observations after receiving his Master's degree at Yale, focusing on the importance of duty, self-examination, and the pursuit of |
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Diary - Dwight's Preface - 1829 by Jonathan Edwards | Sereno Dwight, in 1829, introduces Jonathan Edwards' diary, which begins when he was nineteen years old in 1722. The diary, initially written on detached slips of paper, reveals Ed |
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(Costa Rica) Another Gospel by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of discerning false teachings and being cautious of preachers who mix the gospel with harmful messages. He shares a story abo |
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Preachers in the Last Days by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of uncompromising preaching and safe spiritual fellowship for Christians worldwide. He highlights the need for a group of peo |
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10 Vital Evidences of Salvation by Keith Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of not being ashamed of the gospel of Christ, highlighting the power of God unto salvation for all who believe. It discusses the unleashing of |