Proverbs 15
OGCNOTICEABLE GROUPINGS IN CHAPTER 15
Good speech
A soft answer turneth away wrath (Proverbs 15:1).
The tongue of the wise uttereth knowledge aright (Proverbs 15:2).
A gentle tongue is a tree of life (Proverbs 15:4).
The lips of the wise disperse knowledge (Proverbs 15:7).
A man hath joy in the answer of his mouth; And a word in due season, how good is it! (Proverbs 15:23).
Pleasant words are pure (Proverbs 15:26).
The heart of the righteous studieth to answer (Proverbs 15:28).
Bad speech
A grievous word stirreth up anger (Proverbs 15:1).
The mouth of fools poureth out folly (Proverbs 15:2).
Perverseness therein is a breaking of the spirit (Proverbs 15:4).
The mouth of fools feedeth on folly (Proverbs 15:14).
The mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things (Proverbs 15:28).
Wise
The tongue of the wise uttereth knowledge aright (Proverbs 15:2).
He that regardeth reproof getteth prudence (Proverbs 15:5).
The lips of the wise disperse knowledge (Proverbs 15:7).
The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge (Proverbs 15:14).
A wise son maketh a glad father (Proverbs 15:20).
A man of understanding maketh straight his going (Proverbs 15:21).
To the wise the way of life goeth upward, That he may depart from Sheol beneath (Proverbs 15:24).
The ear that hearkeneth to the reproof of life shall abide among the wise (Proverbs 15:31).
Fools
The mouth of fools poureth out folly (Proverbs 15:2).
A fool despiseth his father’s correction (Proverbs 15:5).
The heart of the foolish doeth not so (Proverbs 15:7).
The mouth of fools feedeth on folly (Proverbs 15:14).
A foolish man despiseth his mother (Proverbs 15:20).
Folly is joy to him that is void of wisdom (Proverbs 15:21).
Righteous
In the house of the righteous is much treasure (Proverbs 15:6).
The prayer of the upright is his delight (Proverbs 15:8).
He loveth him that followeth after righteousness (Proverbs 15:9).
The path of the upright is made a highway (Proverbs 15:19).
The heart of the righteous studieth to answer (Proverbs 15:28).
He heareth the prayer of the righteous (Proverbs 15:29).
Wicked
In the revenues of the wicked is trouble (Proverbs 15:6).
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to Jehovah (Proverbs 15:8).
The way of the wicked is an abomination to Jehovah (Proverbs 15:9).
There is grievous correction for him that forsaketh the way (Proverbs 15:10).
The mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things (Proverbs 15:28).
Jehovah is far from the wicked (Proverbs 15:29).
Abomination
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to Jehovah (Proverbs 15:8).
The way of the wicked is an abomination to Jehovah (Proverbs 15:9).
Evil devices are an abomination to Jehovah (Proverbs 15:26).
Rebuke
A fool despiseth his father’s correction (Proverbs 15:5).
He that regardeth reproof getteth prudence (Proverbs 15:5).
There is grievous correction for him that forsaketh the way (Proverbs 15:10).
He that hateth reproof shall die (Proverbs 15:10).
A scoffer loveth not to be reproved (Proverbs 15:12).
The ear that hearkeneth to the reproof of life Shall abide among the wise (Proverbs 15:31).
He that refuseth correction despiseth his own soul (Proverbs 15:32).
He that hearkeneth to reproof getteth understanding (Proverbs 15:32).
DON-‘T TAKE UP WITH FOOLS
How true is the statement made in Proverbs 13:20, He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. Why does God warn people about becoming a companion of fools? Because there are those who seem to know no better than to throw themselves into the direct influence of those whom God labels as fools. Anybody who has no more judgment than to take up with fools will probably not have enough judgment to preserve him from becoming like them.
Again God warns, Go from the presence of the foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge (Proverbs 14:7). This is more than a warning; it is a commandment. It shows that we must make judgment of others in order to know with whom to be companions and with whom not to be.
Especially do those who are younger (immature in judgment) and those who are known for being easily affected by their surroundings need to regard these true warnings from Proverbs.
HE IS A GOD WHO CHASTENS
Whom the Lord loveth he correcteth: even as a father the son in whom he delighteth (Proverbs 3:11-12).
Just as any wise, loving, concerned parent corrects his child, so does God His. Sometimes we make mistakes in our discipline, but God doesn-’t. When we do wrong, we can be sure that God is not going to stand idly by and permit us to continue in the way of wrong-doing unchastened. He loves us too much to see us continue that way. When we fail to regard His will, He expects that we will regard His chastening.
Proverbs 15:1-11
TEXT Proverbs 15:1-11
A soft answer turneth away wrath;
But a grevious word stirreth up anger.
The tongue of the wise uttereth knowledge aright;
But the mouth of fools poureth out folly.
The eyes of Jehovah are in every place,
Keeping watch upon the evil and the good.
A gentle tongue is a tree of life;
But perverseness therein is a breaking of the spirit.
A fool despiseth his father’s correction;
But he that regardeth reproof getteth prudence.
In the house of the righteous is much treasure;
But in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.
The lips of the wise disperse knowledge;
But the heart of the foolish doeth not so.
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to Jehovah;
But the prayer of the upright is his delight.
The way of the wicked is an abomination to Jehovah;
But he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.
There is grievous correction for him that forsaketh the way;
And he that hateth reproof shall die.
Sheol and Abaddon are before Jehovah;
How much more then the hearts of the children of men!
STUDY QUESTIONS OVER 15:1-11
Find the double contrast in Proverbs 15:1.
Does fools mean simpleton or unwise in Proverbs 15:2?
Cite other passages besides Proverbs 15:3 that show either the omnipresence of the omniscience of God.
The breaking of what spirit (Proverbs 15:4)?
Locate other passages besides Proverbs 15:5 that speak of despising correction.
Locate other passages on regarding reproof (Proverbs 15:5).
Who was a righteous man in the Bible who was rich (Proverbs 15:6)?
Who was a wicked rich man who had trouble (Proverbs 15:6)?
What does disperse mean (Proverbs 15:7)?
What makes the sacrifice mentioned in Proverbs 15:8 abominable to God?
Compare Proverbs 15:8-9.
Forsaketh what way (Proverbs 15:10)?
What is Sheol (Proverbs 15:11)?
Where else is Abaddon used in the Bible (Proverbs 15:11)?
PARAPHRASE OF 15:1-11
A soft answer turns away wrath, but harsh words cause quarrels.
A wise teacher makes learning a joy; a rebellious teacher spouts foolishness.
The Lord is watching everywhere and keeps His eye on both the evil and the good.
Gentle words cause life and health; griping brings discouragement.
Only a fool despises his father’s advise; a wise son considers each suggestion.
There is treasure in being good, but trouble dogs the wicked.
Only the good can give good advice. Rebels can-’t.
The Lord hates the gifts of the wicked, but delights in the prayers of His people.
9, 10.
The Lord despises the deeds of the wicked, but loves those who try to be good. If they stop trying, the Lord will punish them; if they rebel against that punishment, they will die.
The depths of hell are open to God’s knowledge. How much more the hearts of all mankind!
COMMENTS ON 15:1-11
Proverbs 15:1 The setting of the verse: someone has spoken angrily to us. What kind of answer shall we give? We can return a soft (gentle) answer, which will tone down the other’s wrath, or we can answer in the same tone in which he spoke to us, and full-fledged trouble flares. Pulpit Commentary: Two things are here observed: an answer should be giventhe injured person should not wrap himself in sullen silence; and that answer should be gentle and conciliatory. A medieval rhyme: Anger, however great, is checked by answer sweet. This instruction is necessary for maintaining good human relations. Even strange animals are often calmed by a gentle voice. Giving a soft answer is part of obeying Romans 12:18. An instance of the soft answer working (1 Samuel 25:23-33). Instances of grievous words stirring up strife (Judges 8:1-3; Proverbs 25:15; 1 Samuel 25:10-13; 1 Kings 12:13-16).
Proverbs 15:2. A wise person has the knowledge to utter; he also knows when, where, and how to speak; and he studies or thinks before he speaks (Proverbs 15:28). Jesus-’ speech was always superior, beginning with Luke 2:46-47. But fools pour out folly (Proverbs 12:23; Proverbs 13:16). A fool’s voice is known by its words (Ecclesiastes 5:3).
Proverbs 15:3. Both the omnipresence and the omniscience of God are implied in this statement: He is everywhere, and He knows everything (Psalms 139:1-12; Proverbs 5:21; Jeremiah 16:17; Hebrews 4:13). Such knowledge is necessary if God is to be our judge (Jeremiah 32:19). Since He beholds both the evil and the good, God is not human, for human beings tend to see only the evil of their enemies and critics and to by-pass the evil in their friends and close relatives. This verse backs up our song, You Cannot Hide from God. Jonah (Jonah 1:3) tried it; so did Achan (Joshua 7:1; Joshua 7:11; Joshua 7:16-21); so did Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-9); so did many others.
Proverbs 15:4. A tree of life to everyone: to the one who has spoken and to those who have heard. The perverse tongue is a breaking of the spirit to all involved: the speaker himself is often hurt; so are those who have been spoken to. A kind tongue was a part of the virtuous woman (Proverbs 31:26).
Proverbs 15:5. A fool is wrong twice: first, he disobeys, and then he will not accept correctionmuch like King Asa (2 Chronicles 16:7-10). Some will accept correction, and some won-’t (Proverbs 10:1). Those who do are wise (Proverbs 10:1); those who don-’t aren-’t. See these passages (Proverbs 13:18; Proverbs 15:10; Proverbs 15:12; Proverbs 15:31-32).
Proverbs 15:6. This was especially true of Israel’s and Judah’s kings. Those who were good gained cities and amassed wealth through the blessing of God, and those who were wicked often lost cities and had to pay off their enemies to keep from being destroyed.
Proverbs 15:7. Another contrast between the wise and foolish. The wise’s lips disperse (disseminate, give out) knowledge (Proverbs 10:21), but the foolish’s heart has no inclination to do so. These two groups live poles apart. They live in the same material world, yet they live in two different worlds while here.
Proverbs 15:8. Sometimes the wicked sacrifice, pray, and keep up a front of religion, but it does them no good (Proverbs 21:27; Proverbs 28:9; Genesis 4:5; Isaiah 1:11; Jeremiah 6:20; Amos 5:22: Mark 7:7; Luke 18:11-14). God is pleased to hear the prayers of the godly (1 Peter 2:12; John 9:31; 1 John 3:22).
Proverbs 15:9. This verse goes closely with Proverbs 15:8. Sinners often look down upon others who do not live as they live, go where they go, and indulge in what they indulge in. They seem to be very sold on themselves and their ways, even thinking it strange that others do not run with them to the same excess of riot and speaking evil of them (1 Peter 4:4); but their ways are abominable to God (this verse;. And Psalms 1:1 says, Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the wicked, Nor standeth in the way of sinners, Nor sitteth in the seat of the scoffers. Righteousness is something to be followed (pursued). and we are to follow wherever it may lead (Proverbs 21:21; 1 Timothy 6:11). There are paths of righteousness (Psalms 23:3) where the Good Shepherd has led His sheep throughout the centuries of time.
Proverbs 15:10. Those who are in the way of the wicked (Proverbs 15:9) are in for grievous correction, both by God and man (God’s chastening and man’s courts and personal dealings). And while such are famous for not regarding reproof, not listening, not amending their ways, they had better, for he that hateth reproof shall die (sometimes by execution, sometimes by God’s cutting him off, and by ultimately the second death). Other passages: Proverbs 15:5; Proverbs 15:12; Proverbs 15:32; Proverbs 5:12; Proverbs 10:17; Hebrews 12:11.
Proverbs 15:11. Sheol is the Hebrew word for the place of departed spirits (the same as Hades in Greek). Abaddon is the Hebrew word for destruction (the same as Apollyon in Greek). Both forms of the latter are used in Revelation 9:11 Sheol and Abaddon are used together in Job 26:6 and Proverbs 27:20. The omniscience of God, then, extends to those who have perished (this verse; Psalms 139:8), and so does it also to the hearts of men (1 Samuel 16:7; 2 Chronicles 6:30; Psalms 7:9; Psalms 44:21; John 2:24-25; Acts 1:24; Acts 8:21).
TEST QUESTIONS OVER 15:1-11
In what two ways can we respond to cutting words (Proverbs 15:1)?
Give the outcome of the two different answers (Proverbs 15:1)?.
Comment upon a wise person’s uttering knowledge (Proverbs 15:2).
What comes forth from a fool’s mouth (Proverbs 15:2)?
Cite two passages showing God’s omniscience (Proverbs 15:3).
Why is God’s omniscience necessary to His righteous judgment (Proverbs 15:3)?
Who all are blessed by the gentle tongue (Proverbs 15:4)?
Who all are hurt by the perverse tongue (Proverbs 15:4)?
What two times is the fool of Pro 15:5 wrong?
Illustrate Proverbs 15:6 by some of the kings of Israel and Judah.
What is the contrast between the wise and foolish in Proverbs 15:7?
Why would the wicked bother to sacrifice to God (Proverbs 15:8)?
What about the sacrifice of the wicked (Proverbs 15:8)?
How does sinners-’ view of the ungodly life differ from God’s view of it (Proverbs 15:8)?
What does it mean to follow righteousness (Proverbs 15:9)?
Who will correct the person who forsakes the right way (Proverbs 15:10)?
Why should people listen to reproof (Proverbs 15:10)?
What is Sheol (Proverbs 15:11)?
What Greek word means the same (Proverbs 15:11)?
What does Abaddon mean (Proverbs 15:11)?
What Greek word means the same (Proverbs 15:11)?
According to Proverbs 15:11 what is before the eyes of God?
Proverbs 15:12-22
TEXT Proverbs 15:12-22
A scoffer loveth not to be reproved;
He will not go unto the wise.
A glad heart maketh a cheerful countenance;
But by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken.
The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge;
But the mouth of fools feedeth on folly.
All the days of the afflicted are evil;
But he that is of a cheerful heart hath a continual feast.
Better is little, with the fear of Jehovah,
Than great treasure and trouble therewith.
Better is a dinner of herbs, where love is,
Than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.
A wrathful man stirreth up contention;
But he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.
The way of the sluggard is as a hedge of thorns;
But the path of the upright is made a highway.
A wise son maketh a glad father;
But a foolish man despiseth his mother.
Folly is joy to him that is void of wisdom;
But a man of understanding maketh straight his going.
Where there is no counsel, purposes are disappointed;
But in the multitude of counsellors they are established.
STUDY QUESTIONS OVER 15:12-22
Is there a relationship between a scoffer’s not loving to be reproved and his not going to the wise (Proverbs 15:12)?
What characterizes a cheerful countenance (Proverbs 15:13)?
What characterizes a broken spirit (Proverbs 15:13)?
Why does a man of understanding seek knowledge when people who are sadly deficient in understanding don-’t (Proverbs 15:14)?
What is meant by the mouth of fools-’ feeding on folly (Proverbs 15:14)?
What does evil mean in Proverbs 15:15?
A continual feast of what kind (Proverbs 15:15)?
Find the double contrast in Proverbs 15:16.
Find the double contrast in Proverbs 15:17.
A wrathful man is contrasted with what kind of person in Proverbs 15:18?
What does appeaseth mean (Proverbs 15:18)?
How is the way of a sluggard like a hedge of thorns (Proverbs 15:19)?
How is the path of the upright like a highway (Proverbs 15:19)?
What earlier verse in Proverbs is much like Proverbs 15:20?
What would you include under folly in Proverbs 15:21?
What is meant by a man making straight his going (Proverbs 15:21)?
Reword the thought found in Proverbs 15:22.
PARAPHRASE OF 15:12-22
A mocker stays away from wise men because he hates to be scolded.
A happy face means a glad heart; a sad face means a breaking heart.
A wise man is hungry for truth, while the mocker feeds on trash.
When a man is gloomy, everything seems to go wrong; when he is cheerful, everything seems right!
Better a little with reverence for God, then great treasure and trouble with it.
It is better to eat soup with someone you love than steak with someone you hate.
A quick-tempered man starts fights; a cool-tempered man tries to stop them.
A lazy fellow has trouble all through life; the good man’s path is easy!
A sensible son gladdens his father. A rebellious son saddens his mother.
If a man enjoys folly, something is wrong! The sensible stay on the pathways of right.
Plans go wrong with too few counselors; many counselors bring success,
COMMENTS ON 15:12-22
Proverbs 15:12. A scoffer is a proud, know-it-all person, self-willed, opinionated, and usually wrong. He will not go to the wise to ask or to learn, and he doesn-’t like people coming to him with their corrections of him. Many deplore being reproved (1 Kings 22:8; Amos 5:10; John 3:19-20). For hating and despising reproof see also Proverbs 15:5; Proverbs 15:10; Proverbs 15:32 of this chapter.
Proverbs 15:13. A glad heart (on the inside) makes a cheerful countenance (on the outside). The reverse is also true (a sad heart will show up in a sad countenanceNeh 1:1-4; Nehemiah 2:1-2). Pulpit Commentary: The face is the index of the condition of the mind. Septuagint translates: When the heart is glad, the face bloometh. See also Proverbs 17:22; Proverbs 12:25.
Proverbs 15:14. The person who has knowledge wants more, and he gets it. Solomon desired wisdom that he might rule God’s great people and follow his famous father upon the throne of Israel (1 Kings 3:5-9). Note the vastness of his growing wisdom and understanding (1 Kings 4:29-34). Pulpit Commentary: The wise man…is always seeking to learn more…The fool is always gaping and devouring every silly, or slanderous, or wicked word that comes in his way, and in his turn utters and disseminates it.
Proverbs 15:15. To the person suffering, no day seems physically good: they are all evil (like those referred to in Ecclesiastes 12:1). To the healthy and the happy every day is good (a continual feast). Oh, the great blessing of good health and favorable conditions that make one happy!
Proverbs 15:16. Sometimes treasure and trouble go togetherare twins (1 Timothy 6:9-10). It is really better and the part of wisdom to take a lesser-paying job with which God is pleased than to take a big-paying job with which He is not pleased (Mark 8:36). What is great or true gain? See 1 Timothy 6:6. Other verses with much of the same truth in them are Proverbs 15:17 of this chapter; Psalms 37:16; Proverbs 16:8; Proverbs 17:1.
Proverbs 15:17. A dinner of herbs represents a meatless meal (a poor man’s meal); stalled ox represents a luxurious meal. Note the double contrast: dinner of herbs vs. stalled ox and where love is vs. hatred. People can have a good fare of food and love at the same time just the same as people can have hatred with their dinner of herbs. This verse does teach that love in the home is better than luxury in the home if there is to be only one and not both.
Proverbs 15:18. A wrathful man stirs up contention because he wants things stirred up. What a perverted outlook! But men who are slow to anger try to keep things calm. And they are doing what they should. Hot heads and cold hearts often go together. See also Proverbs 26:21; Proverbs 29:22. Pulpit Commentary: It requires two to make a quarrel, and where one keeps his temper and will not be provoked, anger must subside.
Proverbs 15:19. Try to walk down an old road that has gotten grown over with thorn bushes. Progress is slow and difficult. Such is the way of the sluggard of lazy person (Proverbs 22:5). In contrast the path of the upright is clear and open (like a highway). Proverbs 4:18 also speaks of the path of the righteous.
Proverbs 15:20. Read Proverbs 10:1; Proverbs 29:3 also. Nothing makes a father happier than the good ways of his children (3 John 1:4). Despising one’s mother is just the opposite of the Fifth Commandment (Exodus 20:12). A child who is brought up to honor his parents will usually grow up and bring honor and gladness to them.
Proverbs 15:21. Compare the first statement with the first statement in Proverbs 10:23. Putting the two together, folly (or wickedness) is joy (or sport) to the fool. And so it is. Many live this way (consider Titus 3:3). They may live in the same world, but the wise person lives so differently from the fool who is void of wisdom. The wise man makes his going straight (see Ephesians 5:15 also).
Proverbs 15:22. A double contrast: no counsel vs. multitude of counsellors and purposes are disappointed vs. they are established. Compare Proverbs 11:14. Counsel in Proverbs-’ day had to do mostly with war (Proverbs 20:18).
TEST QUESTIONS OVER 15:12-22
Describe a scoffer (Proverbs 15:12).
How does a glad heart show up (Proverbs 15:13)?
What does sorrow of heart do (Proverbs 15:13)?
Who was a man of understanding who constantly sought more knowledge (Proverbs 15:14)?
Contrast the day of the afflicted and the person with a cheerful heart (Proverbs 15:15).
What often accompanies a quest for treasure (Proverbs 15:16)?
What is better than great treasure and trouble (Proverbs 15:16)?
What kind of home is better than one with the finest of fare if it has trouble (Proverbs 15:17)?-’
What is the double contrast in Proverbs 15:18?
How is the way of the wicked contrasted with the path of the upright (Proverbs 15:19)?
What is it that makes a happy father (Proverbs 15:20)?
What other verse in Proverbs is similar to the first part of Pro 15:21?
When especially did they rely upon counselors in olden times (Proverbs 15:22)?
Proverbs 15:23-33
TEXT Proverbs 15:23-33
A man hath joy in the answer of his mouth;
And a word in due season, how good is it!
To the wise the way of life goeth upward,
That he may depart from Sheol beneath.
Jehovah will root up the house of the proud;
But he will establish the border of the widow.
Evil devices are an abomination to Jehovah;
But pleasant words are pure.
He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house;
But he that hateth bribes shall live.
The heart of the righteous studieth to answer;
But the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.
Jehovah is far from the wicked;
But he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart;
And good things make the bones fat.
The ear that hearkeneth to the reproof of life
Shall abide among the wise.
He that refuseth correction despiseth his own soul;
But he that hearkeneth to reproof getteth understanding.
The fear of Jehovah is the instruction of wisdom;
And before honor goeth humility.
STUDY QUESTIONS OVER 15:23-33
What is meant by a word in due season (Proverbs 15:23)?
Does upward in Proverbs 15:24 imply heaven or the better life here?
Cite other passages besides Proverbs 15:25 condemning the proud.
Cite other passages besides Proverbs 15:25 showing God’s concern for the widow?
What is meant by border in Proverbs 15:25?
What would be some examples of evil devices (Proverbs 15:26)?
Comment on pleasant words being pure (Proverbs 15:26).
How does a greedy person trouble his house (Proverbs 15:27)?
What connection is there between hating bribes and living (Proverbs 15:27)?
Will a person remain righteous who speaks the first thing that comes into his or her mind (Proverbs 15:28)?
What are some kinds of evil speech coming from the evil (Proverbs 15:28)?
In what sense is Jehovah far from the wicked (Proverbs 15:29).
Why does God hear the prayer of the righteous (Proverbs 15:29)?
What is the light of the eyes (Proverbs 15:30)?
What is meant by make the bones fat (Proverbs 15:30)?
What is meant by the reproof of life (Proverbs 15:31)?
Cite a Biblical character who refused correction (Proverbs 15:32).
In the Bible who was humble before he was honored (Proverbs 15:33)?
PARAPHRASE OF 15:23-33
Everyone enjoys giving good advice, and how wonderful it is to be able to way the right thing at the right time!
The road of the godly leads upward, leaving hell behind.
The Lord destroys the possessions of the proud but cares for the widows.
The Lord hates the thoughts of the wicked but delights in kind words.
Dishonest money brings grief to all the family, but hating bribes brings happiness.
A good man thinks before he speaks; the evil man pours out his evil words without a thought.
The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayers of the righteous.
Pleasant sights and good reports give happiness and health.
31, 32.
If you profit from constructive criticism you will be elected to the wise men’s hall of fame. But to reject criticism is to harm yourself and your own best interests.
Humility and reverence for the Lord will make you both wise and honored.
COMMENTS ON 15:23-33
Proverbs 15:23. A person does not have joy from just any answer of his mouth but by a right answer or a good answer or a timely answer. The heart of the righteous studieth to answer (Proverbs 15:28). Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer each one (Colossians 4:6). Being ready always to give answer to every man that asketh you a reason concerning the hope that is in you (1 Peter 3:15). All that heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers (Luke 2:47). A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in network of silver (Proverbs 25:11).
Proverbs 15:24. The wise choose the way that leads to life rather than destruction (Sheol): Enter ye in by the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many are they that enter in thereby. For narrow is the gate, and straitened the way, that leadeth unto life, and few are they that find it (Matthew 7:13-14). Wisdom makes the decision now that will end right later: If thy hand cause thee to stumble, cut it off: it is good for thee to enter into life maimed, rather than having thy two hands to go into hell, into the unquenchable fire (Mark 9:43). Are you pressing on the upward way? Are you gaining new heights every day?
Proverbs 15:25. A double contrast: root up vs. establish and the proud vs. the widow (and maybe a third: house vs. border). For similar passages see Proverbs 12:7; Proverbs 14:11; Psalms 146:9. This is a great warning against arrogancy, self-sufficiency, and being independent in attitude. Concerning the border (or boundary) of the widow: In a country where property was defined by landmarksstones or some such objectsnothing was easier than to remove these altogether, or to alter their position. That this was a common form of fraud and oppression we gather from the stringency of the enactments against the offence (see Deuteronomy 19:14; Deuteronomy 27:17; and compare Job 24:2 and Proverbs 22:28). In the Babylonian and Assyrian inscriptions…there are many invoking curses, curious and multifarious, against the disturbers of boundaries (Pulpit Commentary).
Proverbs 15:26. Evil devices would include everything from the simplest plot to outsmart somebody to the most complex invention for the production of evil. Such inventers may be lauded, and such devisers may think themselves shrewd, but such is not God’s view. God is against evil and everything and everybody multiplying it. Words that are pleasant (or pleasing) are pure and not evil.
Proverbs 15:27. One greedy of gain was violating the Tenth Commandment (Exodus 20:17). But instead of building up one’s own house at the expense of others, sometimes one brings ruination to himself and his house, such as did Achan (Joshua 7:21; Joshua 7:24-25), Naboth (1 Kings 21:1-24), Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-10), and Lot and others. Other Scriptures: Isaiah 5:8; Jeremiah 17:11; 1 Timothy 6:9-10. One who hates bribes is one who refuses to accept them (to enrich himself) or one who offers them (In hopes of profiting himself). There is far more of this in government than we realize.
Proverbs 15:28. Clarke: His tongue never runs before his wit; he never speaks rashly, and never unadvisedly; because he studiespondershis thoughts and his words. A wise person is slow to speak (James 1:19) so as to tell the exact truth and to say what should be said. The chief priests and elders deliberated in answering Jesus (they studied before answering), but it was not righteous (Matthew 21:23-27). The mouth of wicked poureth out evil things suggests that they speak with ease, giving no forethought to what they are about to say. And, oh, the wrong things that get said in this way!
Proverbs 15:29. Man’s wickedness puts distance between himself and God (Isaiah 59:2). God hears the prayer of the righteous, but His face is against the wicked (Psalms 34:15-18; 1 Peter 3:12; Psalms 145:18-20). The godly person finds joy in walking with God, and when he needs special help, he can call upon Him. The ungodly relinquish all this to their sin.
Proverbs 15:30. The sunlight and other beautiful things that man sees bring joy to his heart, and the good news that he hears makes him feel good and results in good health. What one sees and hears, then, affects the way he feels, and the way he feels affects the functions of his body. People who trust instead of fret, who pray instead of worry, who thank God rather than complain, etc. are bound to have better health than those who do otherwise.
Proverbs 15:31. Proverbs 15:5 said that the person who regarded reproof would get wisdom. This verse says that such will abide among the wise. See Proverbs 15:10; Proverbs 15:12 also. An old proverb: Advice is for them that will take it. Stephen referred to his hearers-’ ears as uncircumcised (Acts 7:51). The ear cannot always hear what is pleasing and commendatory, as much as we would like it that way. Praise may be pleasing, but reproof may be more profitable. All of us need both.
Proverbs 15:32. This verse treats both responses to reproof. One refusing correction may appear to be despising the one reproving him, but in reality he is despising his own best interests; he is hurting himself. The inclusion of so many sayings on correction indicates the amount of this that will come to us in life. Their purpose is to get us to accept it for our own betterment.
Proverbs 15:33. Compare with Proverbs 1:7. To learn true reverence for God is true wisdom. Wisdom would instruct us to this fear through parents, through the Scriptures, and through our religious leaders and religious associates. Honor does precede humility: it was so with Jesus (Philippians 2:7-11); it was so with the penitent publican (Luke 18:13-14); and we must be converted (humbled) before we become Christians (honor).
TEST QUESTIONS OVER 15:23-33
What are some other verses besides Proverbs 15:23 on giving a right answer?
What famous statement of Jesus tells us to choose the way that leads to life (Proverbs 15:24)?
What was stated about borders or boundaries (Proverbs 15:25)?
What all would be included under evil devices (Proverbs 15:26)?
Who were some Bible characters who troubled their own house through greed (Proverbs 15:27)?
In what area of life are bribes the most apt to occur (Proverbs 15:27)?
What is the contrast in speech between the righteous and the wicked in Proverbs 15:28?
In what sense is God far from the wicked (Proverbs 15:29)?
What is said of both sight and hearing in Proverbs 15:30?
Who accused his hearers of having uncircumcised ears (Proverbs 15:31)?
Who is hurt the more when one refuses correctionthe reprover or the reproved (Proverbs 15:32)?
Who in the Bible were humble before they were honored (Proverbs 15:33)?