Proverbs 15

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Dave Burnette's Commentary

Proverbs Chapter 15

Written By: God through Inspiration

Penned By: Solomon, Agur, and Lemuel

Date Penned: (970-931 BC)

Overview: Wisdom to Teach People to Live Godly (c 1-31)

Theme: Wisdom for All People (c 10-24)

Message: Wisdom and Foolishness (v 1-33)

Proverbs 15 Commentary

(15:1) A Soft Answer - Have you ever tried to argue in a whisper? Arguing with someone who insists on answering softly or gently is equally difficult. On the other hand, a rising voice and harsh words almost always trigger an angry response. To turn away wrath and seek peace, choose quiet, gentle words,

(15:3) An End to Evil - At times it seems that God has let evil run rampant in the world, and we wonder if he even notices it. But God sees everything clearly--both the evil actions and the evil intentions lying behind them (15:11). He is not an indifferent observer. He cares and is active in our world. Right now, his work may be unseen and unfelt but don't give up. One day he will wipe out evil and punish the evildoers, just as he will establish the good and reward those who do his will.

(15:14) Feeding Our Minds - What we feed our minds is even more important than what we feed our bodies. The kinds of books we read, the people we talk with, the websites we visit, the music we listen to, and the videos we watch are all part of our mental diet. Be selective and discerning because what you feed your mind influences your total health and well-being. Develop an appetite for truth and wisdom.

(15:15) Dwelling on Good Things - Your attitudes color your whole personality. You cannot always choose what happens to you, and for some, emotional stability is more difficult than for others. But no matter what, you can take steps to choose your attitude toward each situation you face. The secret to a cheerful heart is filling your mind with thoughts that are true, pure, and lovely (Philippians 4:8) dwelling on the good things in life. This was Paul's secret as he faced imprisonment, and it can be ours as we face the struggles of daily living. Look at your attitudes and then examine what you allow to enter your mind and what you choose to dwell on. You may need to make some changes.

(15:17-19) Our Solid Foundation - The way of the righteous doesn't always seem easy (5:19), but look at the alternatives. Hatred (1517), anger and dissension (158), and laziness (15:19) lead to problems that righteous, upright people do not have to face. Instead, they travel a level road built on the solid foundation of love for God

(15:22) Enlarging Our Vision - People with tunnel vision, those locked into one way of thinking--are likely to miss the right road because they have closed their minds to any new options. We need the help of those who can enlarge our vision and broaden our perspective. Seek out the advice of those who know you and have a wealth of experience. Build a network of advisers. Then be open to new ideas, and weigh their suggestions carefully. Your plans will be clearer and more likely to succeed.

(15:28) Godly Thinking - Godly, righteous people weigh their answers; those who are wicked don't think before speaking because they don't care about the effects of their words. When you have something to say, think about it first. Do you carefully plan your words, or do you pour out your thoughts without concern for their impact?

Dave Burnette's Life Application

Our Conversation

Each day we walk through the Bible chapter by chapter making an application of our text to help us grow in the Lord. Many applications can be made from each day's text. Today, we continue with the Book of Proverbs with Chapter 15. In our text today, we see a continuation of practical Wisdom. What catches my eye are the many references to controlling our tongue or what we say. In applying, I am reminded of how a tiny rudder controls a ship; our tongue controls and directs us. Our conversation will lead our life just as a rudder requires a boat. How about you? Do you see the power of your conversation? Let us learn from our text today to realize the power of our tongue and then submit our words as instructed by the Lord.

Proverbs 15

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Proverbs 15

¹A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

²The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.

³The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.

⁴A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.

⁵A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.

⁶In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.

⁷The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.

⁸The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.

⁹The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.

¹⁰Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.

¹¹Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?

¹²A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.

¹³A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.

¹⁴The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.

¹⁵All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.

¹⁶Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.

¹⁷Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.

¹⁸A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.

¹⁹The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.

²⁰A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.

²¹Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.

²²Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.

²³A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!

²⁴The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.

²⁵The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.

²⁶The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.

²⁷He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.

²⁸The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.

²⁹The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.

³⁰The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.

³¹The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.

³²He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.

³³The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.

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