Proverbs 25:15
Proverbs 25:15 in Multiple Translations
Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.
By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.
By long forbearing is a ruler persuaded, And a soft tongue breaketh the bone.
A judge is moved by one who for a long time undergoes wrongs without protest, and by a soft tongue even bone is broken.
If you're patient you can persuade your superior, and soft words can break down opposition.
A Prince is pacified by staying of anger, and a soft tongue breaketh the bones.
By long-suffering is a ruler persuaded, And a soft tongue breaketh a bone.
By patience a ruler is persuaded. A soft tongue breaks the bone.
By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.
By patience a prince shall be appeased, and a soft tongue shall break hardness.
If someone keeps requesting a ruler long enough to do something, he will often agree to do it; similarly, by speaking [MTY] gently we can often convince others that what we say is right [IDM].
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 25:15
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 25:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בְּ/אֹ֣רֶךְ
אַ֭פַּיִם
יְפֻתֶּ֣ה
קָצִ֑ין
וְ/לָשׁ֥וֹן
רַ֝כָּ֗ה
תִּשְׁבָּר
גָּֽרֶם
בְּ/אֹ֣רֶךְ
ʼôrek
H753
length
Prep | N-ms
אַ֭פַּיִם
ʼaph
H639
face
N-md
יְפֻתֶּ֣ה
pâthâh
H6601
to open wide
V-Pual-Imperf-3ms
קָצִ֑ין
qâtsîyn
H7101
chief
N-ms
וְ/לָשׁ֥וֹן
lâshôwn
H3956
tongue
Conj | N-cs
רַ֝כָּ֗ה
rak
H7390
tender
Adj
תִּשְׁבָּר
shâbar
H7665
to break
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
גָּֽרֶם
gerem
H1634
bone
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 25:15
בְּ/אֹ֣רֶךְ
ʼôrek
H753
"length"
Prep | N-ms
Length can refer to physical distance or a long period of time, and also to patience and self-restraint, like waiting forever for something to happen.
Definition: 1) length 1a) physical length 1b) of time 2) forbearance, self-restraint (of patience)
Usage: Occurs in 90 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] forever, length, long. See also: Genesis 6:15; Psalms 93:5; Psalms 21:5.
אַ֭פַּיִם
ʼaph
H639
"face"
N-md
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.
יְפֻתֶּ֣ה
pâthâh
H6601
"to open wide"
V-Pual-Imperf-3ms
To patah means to entice or deceive someone, often by making something seem simple or appealing.
Definition: 1) to be spacious, be open, be wide 1a) (Qal) to be spacious or open or wide 1b) (Hiphil) to make spacious, make open
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: allure, deceive, enlarge, entice, flatter, persuade, silly (one). See also: Genesis 9:27; Job 31:9; Psalms 78:36.
קָצִ֑ין
qâtsîyn
H7101
"chief"
N-ms
A qatsin is a leader or chief, such as a commander in war or a ruler with authority. The KJV translates this word as 'captain', 'guide', 'prince', or 'ruler', depending on the context.
Definition: 1) chief, ruler, commander 1a) chief, commander (in war) 1b) dictator 1c) ruler (of one in authority)
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: captain, guide, prince, ruler. Compare H6278 (עֵת קָצִין). See also: Joshua 10:24; Isaiah 3:6; Proverbs 6:7.
וְ/לָשׁ֥וֹן
lâshôwn
H3956
"tongue"
Conj | 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.
רַ֝כָּ֗ה
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.
תִּשְׁבָּר
shâbar
H7665
"to break"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
This word means to break or shatter something, either physically or emotionally. It can also mean to burst or rupture, and is often used to describe intense violence or destruction. In the Bible, it's translated as break or crush.
Definition: 1) to break, break in pieces 1a) (Qal) 1a1) break, break in or down, rend violently, wreck, crush, quench 1a2) to break, rupture (fig) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be broken, be maimed, be crippled, be wrecked 1b2) to be broken, be crushed (fig) 1c) (Piel) to shatter, break 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to break out, bring to the birth 1e) (Hophal) to be broken, be shattered Aramaic equivalent: te.var (תְּבַר "to break" H8406)
Usage: Occurs in 143 OT verses. KJV: break (down, off, in pieces, up), broken (-hearted), bring to the birth, crush, destroy, hurt, quench, [idiom] quite, tear, view (by mistake for H7663 (שָׂבַר)). See also: Genesis 19:9; Isaiah 27:11; Psalms 3:8.
גָּֽרֶם
gerem
H1634
"bone"
N-ms
A bone is the literal meaning of this word, but it can also be used figuratively to refer to one's self or inner strength. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) bone, strength, bare?, self? 1a) bone 1b) strength, strong-boned 1c) self?, bare? (of stairs) Aramaic equivalent: ge.rem (גְּרַם "bone" H1635)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: bone, strong, top. See also: Genesis 49:14; Job 40:18; Proverbs 17:22.
Study Notes — Proverbs 25:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 25:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 25:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 25:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 25:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 25:15
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 25:15
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 25:15
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 25:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 25:15
- Sermons on Proverbs 25:15
Context — More Proverbs of Solomon
13Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the soul of his masters.
14Like clouds and wind without rain is the man who boasts of gifts never given.
15Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.
16If you find honey, eat just what you need, lest you have too much and vomit it up. 17Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house, lest he grow weary and hate you.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 15:1 | A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. |
| 2 | Ecclesiastes 10:4 | If the ruler’s temper flares against you, do not abandon your post, for calmness lays great offenses to rest. |
| 3 | Proverbs 16:14 | The wrath of a king is a messenger of death, but a wise man will pacify it. |
| 4 | Genesis 32:4–21 | He instructed them, “You are to say to my master Esau, ‘Your servant Jacob says: I have been staying with Laban and have remained there until now. I have oxen, donkeys, flocks, menservants, and maidservants. I have sent this message to inform my master, so that I may find favor in your sight.’” When the messengers returned to Jacob, they said, “We went to your brother Esau, and now he is coming to meet you—he and four hundred men with him.” In great fear and distress, Jacob divided his people into two camps, as well as the flocks and herds and camels. He thought, “If Esau comes and attacks one camp, then the other camp can escape.” Then Jacob declared, “O God of my father Abraham, God of my father Isaac, the LORD who told me, ‘Go back to your country and to your kindred, and I will make you prosper,’ I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness You have shown Your servant. Indeed, with only my staff I came across the Jordan, but now I have become two camps. Please deliver me from the hand of my brother Esau, for I am afraid that he may come and attack me and the mothers and children with me. But You have said, ‘I will surely make you prosper, and I will make your offspring like the sand of the sea, too numerous to count.’” Jacob spent the night there, and from what he had brought with him, he selected a gift for his brother Esau: 200 female goats, 20 male goats, 200 ewes, 20 rams, 30 milk camels with their young, 40 cows, 10 bulls, 20 female donkeys, and 10 male donkeys. He entrusted them to his servants in separate herds and told them, “Go on ahead of me, and keep some distance between the herds.” He instructed the one in the lead, “When my brother Esau meets you and asks, ‘To whom do you belong, where are you going, and whose animals are these before you?’ then you are to say, ‘They belong to your servant Jacob. They are a gift, sent to my lord Esau. And behold, Jacob is behind us.’” He also instructed the second, the third, and all those following behind the herds: “When you meet Esau, you are to say the same thing to him. You are also to say, ‘Look, your servant Jacob is right behind us.’” For he thought, “I will appease Esau with the gift that is going before me. After that I can face him, and perhaps he will accept me. ” So Jacob’s gifts went on before him, while he spent the night in the camp. |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 25:14 | Meanwhile, one of Nabal’s young men informed Nabal’s wife Abigail, “Look, David sent messengers from the wilderness to greet our master, but he scolded them. |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 25:24–44 | 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. Otherwise, as surely as the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, who has restrained me from harming you, if you had not come quickly to meet me, then surely no male belonging to Nabal would have been left alive by morning light.” Then David accepted from her hand what she had brought him, and he said to her, “Go home in peace. See, I have heeded your voice and granted your request.” When Abigail returned to Nabal, there he was in the house, holding a feast fit for a king, in high spirits and very drunk. So she told him nothing until morning light. In the morning when Nabal was sober, his wife told him about these events, and his heart failed within him and he became like a stone. About ten days later, the LORD struck Nabal dead. On hearing that Nabal was dead, David said, “Blessed be the LORD, who has upheld my cause against the reproach of Nabal and has restrained His servant from evil. For the LORD has brought the wickedness of Nabal down upon his own head.” Then David sent word to Abigail, asking for her in marriage. When his servants came to Abigail at Carmel, they said, “David has sent us to take you as his wife.” She arose, then bowed facedown and said, “Here is your maidservant, ready to serve and to wash the feet of my lord’s servants.” So Abigail hurried and got on a donkey, and attended by five of her maidens, she followed David’s messengers and became his wife. David had also married Ahinoam of Jezreel. So she and Abigail were both his wives. But Saul had given his daughter Michal, David’s wife, to Palti son of Laish, who was from Gallim. |
Proverbs 25:15 Summary
This verse, Proverbs 25:15, teaches us that being patient and calm can help us influence those in charge, and speaking kindly can have a powerful impact. Just like how a gentle answer can calm someone down, as seen in Proverbs 15:1, our words can either build up or tear down. By being patient and gentle, we can show love and respect to those around us, just as God loves and respects us, as shown in 1 Corinthians 13:4 where patience is listed as a key characteristic of love. This principle can be applied in all areas of our lives, from our relationships with our neighbors, as seen in Proverbs 25:17, to our interactions with those in authority over us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to persuade a ruler through patience?
This means that by being patient and calm, we can influence those in authority over us, as seen in Proverbs 25:15, and it is a quality that God values, as shown in Galatians 5:22 where patience is listed as a fruit of the Spirit.
How can a gentle tongue break a bone?
This is a metaphor that means a gentle and kind word can have a powerful impact, even stronger than physical force, as implied in Proverbs 25:15, similar to how the Bible says that the tongue has the power of life and death in Proverbs 18:21.
Is this verse suggesting that we should always be patient and gentle, even in difficult situations?
Yes, this verse is encouraging us to respond to challenging situations with patience and gentleness, as this can often lead to better outcomes, as seen in Proverbs 15:1 where a gentle answer turns away wrath.
How does this verse relate to our relationships with others?
This verse teaches us that patience and gentleness are essential qualities in all our relationships, whether with those in authority or with our neighbors, as emphasized in Proverbs 25:15 and also in Matthew 7:12 where we are taught to treat others the way we want to be treated.
Reflection Questions
- What are some situations in my life where I can apply the principle of patience to persuade those in authority over me?
- How can I use my words to have a positive impact on those around me, rather than causing harm?
- What are some ways I can practice gentleness in my daily interactions with others, even when it's difficult?
- How can I balance being patient and gentle with standing up for what is right and just, as seen in Proverbs 31:8-9 where we are called to speak up for the vulnerable?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 25:15
By long forbearing is a prince persuaded,.... To come into measures, and do that which his council and ministry advise him to, and to which he may seem at first very averse; but by a mild and gentle
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 25:15
By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone. By long forbearing is a prince (whose anger is more violent and despotic) persuaded - much more is a private individual.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 25:15
By long forbearing, by patient submission and expectation, is a prince persuaded, or pacified, whereas his rage is increased by opposition. Compare . A soft tongue, a mild and humble answer, breaketh the bone; softeneth a heart which is as hard as bone or stone. He alludes to those oils which sink through the flesh to the very bone. See .
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 25:15
Proverbs 25:15 By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.Ver. 15. By long forbearing is a prince persuaded.] If he be not over hasty, his wrath may be appeased, and his mind altered. Our Henry III gave commandment for the apprehending of Hubert de Burgo, Earl of Kent, who, having sudden notice thereof at midnight, got him up and fled into a church in Essex. They to whom the business was committed finding him upon his knees before the high altar, with the sacrament in one hand, and a cross in the other, carried him away nevertheless unto the Tower of London. Roger, Bishop of London, taking this to be a great violence and wrong offered unto the holy Church, would never leave the king until he had caused the earl to be carried unto the place whence he was fetched. And this, it is thought, was a means of saving the earl’ s life. For though order was taken he should not escape thence, yet it gave the king’ s wrath a time to cool, and himself leisure to make his apology, by reason whereof he was afterwards restored to the king’ s favour and former places of honour. So true is that of the philosopher, Maximum irae remedium est dilatio, and that of the poet - “ Ut fragilis glacies, interit ira mora.” - Ovid. There are those who read and sense the words thus: By meekness a prince is appeased - that is, when he seeth that he is not opposed, that his subjects repine not, rebel not against him. An old courtier of Nero’ s being asked how he had escaped that lion’ s mouth, answered, Iniurias ferendo, et gratias agendo, by taking shrewd turns and being thankful.
A soft tongue breaketh the bones.] Though it be flesh, and no bones, yet it breaketh the bones - that is, stout and stern spirits, that otherwise would not yield. Thus Gideon broke the rage of the Ephraimites, and Abigail David’ s, by her humble and dutiful oration. Godwin’ s Catal., p. 164. Sen., De Ira.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 25:15
Verse 15. A soft tongue breaketh the bone.] This is similar to another proverb on the same subject: "A soft answer turneth away wrath." An angry word does nothing but mischief.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 25:15
15. We have an illustration of this proverb in the effect of the “long forbearing” of David during his persecution by Saul, and of his “soft tongue” at Engedi (1 Samuel 24), and in the wilderness of Ziph (Ib. Proverbs 26:7 ff.): “And it came to pass, when David had made an end of speaking these words unto Saul, that Saul said, Is this thy voice, my son David? And Saul lifted up his voice and wept: “Return, my son David; for I will no more do thee harm, because my soul was precious in thine eyes this day.”
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 25:15
A soft tongue - Winning and gentle speech does what it seems at first least capable of doing; it overcomes obstacles which are as bones that the strongest jaws would fail to crush.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 25:15
15. By long forbearing — By delay of anger or resentment; by patience. A soft tongue (a gentle or kind word) breaketh the bone — Changes the most obstinate mind and allays the most irritated feeling.
Sermons on Proverbs 25:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
In My Flesh Shall I See God by C.H. Spurgeon | The preacher delves into the significance of the Greek word 'taphos,' often used in the New Testament to refer to literal burial places but also figuratively by Paul to describe de |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
(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 |
|
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |