Proverbs 15

Wise and foolish speeches, verse 1,2,4,7,23,26,28. Gods ominiscience, 3,11. Discipline, 5,10,12,31,32,33. Riches of the righteous and wicked, 6. Religion and conversation of the wicked and godly, 8,9,29. Joy and heaviness, 13,15. Wisdom and folly, 14,21. Contentment with the fear of God, and love, 16,17: Anger and long-sufferance, 18. Slothness, 19. Good and bad children, 20. Counsellors, 22. The way to heaven, 24. Pride, and widows, 25. Thoughts of the wicked, 26. Covetousness, and gifts, 27. Good report, 30. Fear of God, and humility, 33.

1. A soft answer [Or, speech: So below verse 23. And 10.1. As the Verb Anah, signifieth not onely to answer, but also to begin a speech. See Judg. chapter 18.on verse 14.] turneth away wrath; [compare below ch.25.15.] but a smarting word [Hebr. A word of smart trouble, or pain; that is, smarting, troublesome, painful, and grievous to be heard] causeth anger to arise.

2. The tongue of the wise maketh knowledge good: [That is, acceptable, beautiful, profitable, an useful, as being uttered in due time and place, and in a due and right manner. Oth. Knowledge adorneth the tongue of the wise] but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness abundantly. [to wit, as a fountain giveth out water in great abundance. See of the Hebrew word rendered here pouring out abundantly, above chap.7.on verse 23. Compare above chap.12.23. and 13.16. and below verse 28.]

3. The eyes of the LORD [Understand the Providence of God. See 2 Chronicles 16.on verse 9.] are in all (or every) place, beholding the evil, and the good. [Compare Job 34:21. above chap.5.21. Jer.16.17. and 32.19.]

4. The physic of the tongue [Or, health of the tongue; that is, wholesome speeches; and soul-saving doctrine, concerning faith and life, which is propounded by the tongue. Compare above chap.12.on verse 18.] is a tree life: [that is, as a tree of life bringing with it the prosperity and happiness, not onely of temporal, but also of eternal life. Compare above chap.3.on verse 18. Also chap.12.18. and 13.14.] but perverseness therein [to wit, in the tongue. See above chapter 2.on verse 12.] is a breach in the spirit. [that is, is a loss or damage of the soul. Oth. A breaking by the wind; that is, vehement destruction: as ships are broken in pieces by mighty winds. Psalms 48:8. Jer.18.17.]

5. A fool will despise the instruction of his father: but he that regardeth reproof [To wit, his fathers reproof] shall deal prudently. [or, prudent. So below ch.10.verse 25. Compare 1 Sam.23.22.]

6. (In) the house of the righteous [Understand not onely his habitation, or dwelling, but also his means and estate; as appeareth by the opposition. Compare ab.ch.12. on verse 7.] is a great treasure: [to wit, because he being well furnished and provided of inward goods, is very well contented with the outward estate, that God allotteth unto him. Oth. Strength, or, firmness] but in the revenue of the wicked is trouble. [that is, discontendness, and disquietness of mind; because he is empty of the heavenly treasure or wealth. See of the Hebrew word, Gen.34.on verse 30. And 1 Kings 18.on verse 17.]

7. The lips of the wise shall disperse [That is, utter, bring forth, to communicate it unto others] knowledge: [that is, good doctrine, which ought to be known, and which maketh a man wise, understanding, and knowing. So Numbers 24:16. Psalms 119:66. below chapter 22.17.] but the heart of the foolish (doth) not so. [that is, it will not disperse knowledge. Oth. Is not right: or, (scattereth) that which is not right.]

8. The offering of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: [Hebrew is the Lords abomination. So in the next verse. See below chapter 3.on verse 32. Compare below chapter 21.27. Isa.1.11. Jer.6. verse 20. Amos 5:21.] but the prayer of the upright is his delight.

9. The way [That is, intent, and purpose, course of life, doing and omitting. See Genesis 6.on verse 17.] of the wicked, is an abomination unto the LORD: but he will love him, that pursueth after righteousness.

10. Correction is displeasing [Hebrew evil; that is, is displeasing, irksome, grievous, troublesome; although it be, in it self very good. So the word evil is taken, 1 Kings 22:8,18. As also the word good signifieth that which is pleasing and acceptable, or delightful. See 1 Kings 1.on verse 42.] unto him, that forsaketh the path: [to wit, the good, and right path. See above ch.2.on verse 8. Oth. An evil discipline (that is, punishment) is for him that forsaken my path] (and) he that hateth reproof shall die.

11. Hell, and destruction are before the LORD: [That is, are naked and discovered before his eyes, Hebrews 4:13. Compare Job 26:6. and see the annot.] how much more the hearts of the children of men? [to wit, that converse here on earth in the clear light of the sun. This is spoken of God after the manner of men: for with him all things are alike possible, and easy to be done. Compare 2 Chronicles 6:30. Psalms 7:10. and 44.22. Jeremiah 17:9,10. John 2:24, 25. And 21.17. Acts 1:24.]

12. The scorner [See above on verse 22.] will not love him that reproveth him: he will not go unto the wise. [to wit, because he hateth reproof.]

13. A merry heart will make the countenance cheerful: [Hebr. Make it good; that is, joyful, glad, cheerful. See Judges 16.on verse 25. And 1 Kings 21.on verse 7. Compare below chap.17.22.] but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is amazed. [by spirit here is meant the activity, courage, and strength of the heart. So Gen.41.8. Jos.5.1. 1 Sam.1.15. Psalms 34:19. Isa.61.3. below chapter 17.verse 22. The meaning is, that a mans courage, which is wont to discover it self in the face and countenance, is by grief or sorrow of heart cast down and broken.]

14. An understanding heart will seek out knowledge: but the mouth of fools shall be fed with folly. [That is, with false opinions and discourse. The meaning is, that a fools mouth seeketh not onely folly, but findeth therein such a taste and relish, as that he thereby encreaseth and growth strong in his folly, as by sweet and pleasant meat.]

15. All the days of the afflicted are evil: [That is, sad, and grievous. So Gen.40.on verse 7.] but merry [Hebr. Good; that is, merry, joyful. See above on verse 13.] heart is a continual feast. [that is, as a perpetual be banquet, which is delightful to a man, refreshing him in body with good meat and drink, and in spirit with honest and profitable discourse.]

16. Better is a little with the fear of the LORD, then great treasure and disquietness [Or, trouble, or, vexation: to wit, which proceedeth from a bad conscience, and a mistrust of Gods favour, and consequently not joined with the fear of God. Compare below chap.16.8.] therewith. [compare bel.ch.16.8. & 17.1. Psalm.37.16.]

17. Better is a mess of green pottage, [The Hebrew word here translated mess, signifieth properly victual, that a man takes along with him on his journey, Jer.40.5. but is also taken for other food, 2 Kings 25:30. Jer.52.34. and here] where also love is, then a stalled oxe, and hatred therewith. [compare below chap.17.1.]

18. A wrathful man [Hebrew a man of wrath, or, of fierce anger; that is, that is soon angry, or is easily provoked. So below chap.22. verse 24. And 29.22.] will stir up brawling: [compare below chap.28.25. and 29.22.] but the long-suffering (person) will appear strife.

19. The way of the slothful (man) [That is, all that he hath to do, to order, and to execute, or perform] is as an hedge of thorns: [for as it is very troublesome, and difficult to pass through briars and thorns: so the slothful person persuade himself, that all that he hath to do is as difficult and troublesome, as to go through a company of briars and thorns, and therefore he seeketh all excuses and subterfuges, to eschew working and taking of pains. Compare bel.ch. 26.13.] but the path of the righteous is well plained. [or, heightened; that is, is even, smooth, easy, and without difficult, that might cause any impediment or block to be laid in the travellers way.]

20. A wise son will make the father glad: but a foolish man despiseth his mother. [Comp.above cha.10.1.]

21. Folly is joy to him that is void of understanding; [Compare above chapter 10.23. and 14.9.] but a man of understanding will walk rightly. [Hebrew, will direct to walk; that is, will order, and guide his whole life, words, and works, doing, and omitting, according to that which is good and acceptable unto God: see above ch.3.on verse 6.]

22. The thoughts [That is, the purposes and resolutions, or that which a man intendeth to set upon, especially if it be a matter of concernment] are frustrated, when there is no counsel: but by the multitude of counsellors [compare above chap.11.on verse 14.] shall every one [to wit, of the fore-mentioned thoughts] subsist.

23. A man [To wit, a wise, and understanding man] hath joy in the answer of his mouth: [or, in the speech, and discourse of his mouth. Compare above on verse 1. And the annot. Here is spoken of that which is uttered wisely, and profitably; as the following words declare] and how good [that is, honest, or honourable to him that speaketh it, and profitable and acceptable to those that hear it] is a word in due season?

24. The way of life [That is, which leadeth unto life. See above chapter 2.on verse 19.] is toward heaven, where true life and happiness is onely to be found. See Phil.3.20. and Colossians 3:1.2.] to him that hath understanding: that he may depart from hell [that is, from damnation and everlasting destruction] beneath. [that is, which is below or downward.]

25. The LORD will pluck down the house of the proud; but he will set fast the border of the widow. [That is make that it shall not be removed nor diminished to her loss and damage: for in those parts the borders were not distinguished by fields, or ditches, but by pales, stakes, and stones.]

26. The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: [Compare above chapter 6.18.] but (the speeches) of the pure are pleasant speeches. [Hebr. Speeches of pleasantness: to wit, proceeding from wise and godly men. Understanding words or speeches, that tending onely to honour and virtue, are pleasing to God and profitable unto men. Compare below chapter 16.24. and the annot. Oth. The pleasant speechs are pure; to wit, before the Lord, who accounteth and esteemeth them so, because they flow from an heart that is purified by faith, Acts 15:9.]

27. He that practiseth covetousness, [Hebrew, he that coveteth covetousness. See above chapter 1.on verse 19.] troubleth [see of the signification of this word, 1 Kings 18.on verse 17.] his (own) house: but he that hateth gifts, shall live. [Compare Exod.23.8. and Deut.chap.16. verse 19.]

28. The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: [That is, to speak, or to begin a speech. See Judges 18.on verse 14. The meaning is, that the heart of a righteous man doth not rashly and in discreetly pour out whatsoever cometh upon the lips, but doth wisely ponder and consider aforehand what is good, and profitable, or fit to be spoken] but the mouth of the wicked will plentifully pour out [see of the Hebrew word Psalm 19.on verse 3. And above chapter 1.on verse 23.] evil things. [that is, unprofitable and hurtful things.]

29. The LORD is far from the wicked: [To wit, with, or in respect of his gracious hearing, and Fatherly help. Compare Psalms 10:1. and 22.2. On the contrary, God is said to be nigh unto them, to whom he is gracious, whom he heareth and helpeth, Psalms 34:19. and 145.18.] but he will hear the prayer of the righteous. [Compare Psalms 10:17. and 34.19. and 145.18,19.]

30. The light of the eyes [That is, that which is seen by the clearness of the eyes, as namely, the difference or variety of colours, the beauty and pleasantness of the fields and meadows, the presence of those whom we love and affect, and that are beneficial to us, &c. Or understand the friendly sight and countenance of one, whom we highly esteem of, as below chap.16.15.] rejoice the heart: but a good report [Hebrew hearing. Understand a good report, or, an honest name, which is apprehended and taken hold of by the hearing] maketh the bones fat. [that is, it quickeneth and enliveneth the innermost parts and members of the body, and consequently cheareth and refresheth the soul also. Compare above chapter 12. The annot. On verse 4. Of the phrase making fat, see above chap.11.on verse 25.]

31. The ear that heareth the reproof of life, and shall overnight in the midst of the wise.

32. He that rejecteth discipline, he despiseth his (own) soul: [Compare above chap.8.on verse 36.] but he that heareth reproof, getteth understanding. [Heb. An heart; that is, understanding and wisdom. See Job 9.on verse 4.]

33. The fear of the LORD is the discipline of wisdom: [That is, the instruction, the exhortation, and amendment, that leadeth unto wisdom. See above chap.1.on verse 2.] and humility (goeth) before honour. [to wit, the honour both of this present life, and of that which is to come. Compare below chap.18.12.]