The Power of Speech and the Benefits of Wisdom
Proverbs 15:1-33
Pro.15.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- מענה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- רך: ADJ,m,sg
- ישיב: VERB,hifil,imperfect,3,m,sg
- חמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ודבר: VERB,qal,fut,3,m,sg
- עצב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יעלה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אף: ADV
Parallels
- Proverbs 25:15 (verbal): Uses the image of gentle speech to achieve restraint or persuasion ('a soft tongue will break a bone'), closely paralleling the idea that a soft answer averts wrath.
- Proverbs 15:18 (verbal): Contrasts hot-temper and restraint ('a hot-tempered man stirs up strife; he who is slow to anger quiets contention'), paralleling the contrast between harsh words that provoke anger and gentle words that calm it.
- James 1:19–20 (thematic): Advises being quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, reflecting the Wisdom tradition's link between measured speech and the control or avoidance of wrath.
- Ephesians 4:29 (thematic): Commands wholesome, edifying speech rather than corrupting talk—echoing the Proverbs concern that the manner of words can either build peace or provoke harm.
Alternative generated candidates
- A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
- A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Pro.15.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- לשון: NOUN,f,sg,constr
- חכמים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- תיטיב: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- דעת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ופי: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כסילים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- יביע: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אולת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 14:3 (verbal): Uses parallel contrast of 'mouth of fools' and 'lips of the wise'—wise speech preserves while foolish speech brings harm, closely echoing Prov 15:2's wording and contrast.
- Proverbs 12:18 (verbal): Contrasts reckless, hurtful speech with beneficial words ('rash words are like sword thrusts' vs. healing from the tongue of the wise), sharing the motif of speech's moral and practical effects.
- Proverbs 15:7 (structural): Within the same chapter, similarly framed statement: 'Lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools,' reinforcing the theme that wise speech communicates and promotes understanding while fools fail to do so.
- James 3:2-6 (thematic): New Testament reflection on the tongue's power—its potential for great harm and the difficulty of taming it—echoing the ethical concern in Prov 15:2 about wise versus foolish speech.
Alternative generated candidates
- The tongue of the wise imparts knowledge; the mouth of fools pours out folly.
- The tongue of the wise brings knowledge, but the mouth of fools pours out folly.
Pro.15.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מקום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עיני: NOUN,f,pl,cons+1s
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- צפות: VERB,qal,ptc,3,f,pl
- רעים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- וטובים: CONJ+ADJ,m,pl
Parallels
- Proverbs 5:21 (verbal): Uses the same image that the eyes of the LORD are on human ways—verbal and thematic parallel within Proverbs about God's oversight of conduct.
- 2 Chronicles 16:9 (verbal): States that the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the earth—closely related wording emphasizing God's universal watchfulness and care for the upright.
- Psalm 33:13-15 (thematic): Speaks of the LORD looking from heaven and seeing all people and their deeds—thematic parallel about God's surveillance of both hearts and actions.
- Job 34:21 (verbal): Declares that God's eyes are on the ways of man and he sees all his steps—similar language in a wisdom/ethical context about divine observation.
- Jeremiah 16:17 (verbal): The prophet affirms that God's eyes are upon all their ways and no deed is hidden—prophetic reinforcement of the same omniscient watchfulness motif.
Alternative generated candidates
- The eyes of the LORD are in every place, watching the evil and the good.
- The eyes of the LORD are in every place, watching both the evil and the good.
Pro.15.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- מרפא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לשון: NOUN,f,sg,constr
- עץ: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חיים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- וסלף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- שבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ברוח: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Prov.12:18 (verbal): Contrasts hurtful/insulting speech with words that 'bring healing'—similar contrast between a healing/soothing tongue and a tongue that crushes the spirit.
- Prov.16:24 (thematic): Speaks of 'pleasant words' as 'a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones,' echoing the life‑giving, healing effect of wholesome speech.
- Prov.18:21 (thematic): Declares that 'death and life are in the power of the tongue,' capturing the same idea that speech can give life (tree of life) or destroy the spirit.
- James 3:5-6 (allusion): New Testament reflection on the tongue's disproportionate power—capable of great harm or blessing—resonating with Proverbs' wisdom about speech giving life or crushing spirit.
- Prov.25:11 (structural): Uses a simile of 'a word fitly spoken' as a beautiful, fitting image (apples of gold), paralleling Proverbs' figurative language that portrays beneficial speech as life‑giving.
Alternative generated candidates
- A healing tongue is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue breaks the spirit.
- A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue breaks the spirit.
Pro.15.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אויל: ADJ,m,sg
- ינאץ: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- מוסר: NOUN,m,sg,const
- אביו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- ושמר: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- תוכחת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יערם: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Proverbs 13:1 (verbal): Close verbal parallel: contrasts a wise/obedient son who accepts a father's discipline with a scoffer/fool who rejects rebuke, echoing despising father's instruction vs heeding reproof.
- Proverbs 12:1 (verbal): Similar wording and theme: loving discipline/accepting correction contrasted with hating correction/stupidity—same moral contrast between wisdom and folly regarding instruction.
- Proverbs 3:11-12 (thematic): Admonition not to despise the LORD's discipline or resent his rebuke; parallels the positive value of accepting reproof as part of wisdom and prudence.
- Proverbs 1:8 (structural): Foundational call to 'hear, my son, your father's instruction'; provides the broader instructional framework against which the contrast in 15:5 (despising vs heeding parental instruction) is set.
Alternative generated candidates
- A fool scorns his father's discipline; whoever keeps correction is prudent.
- A fool rejects his father's discipline; one who keeps correction shows discernment.
Pro.15.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- צדיק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חסן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- רב: ADJ,m,sg
- ובתבואת: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,sg,cons
- רשע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נעכרת: VERB,niphal,perf,3,f,sg
Parallels
- Psalm 37:16 (thematic): Contrasts the lot of the righteous with the abundance of the wicked; values the righteous' portion above the wicked's prosperity, echoing the moral valuation of household wealth.
- Proverbs 13:22 (thematic): Speaks of the ultimate disposition of wealth in relation to the righteous and the wicked; both verses link moral character with the consequences or distribution of riches.
- Proverbs 15:16 (verbal): Within the same book, explicitly pairs ‘treasure’ with ‘trouble’ and prefers modest, godly living to great wealth accompanied by distress—directly parallel in theme and language.
- Proverbs 11:4 (thematic): Contrasts the impotence of riches in crisis with the deliverance afforded by righteousness, resonating with Prov.15:6’s contrast between wicked wealth and the stability of the righteous household.
Alternative generated candidates
- The house of the righteous contains great treasure, but the income of the wicked is trouble.
- The house of the righteous has great treasure, but the income of the wicked brings trouble.
Pro.15.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- שפתי: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- חכמים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- יזרו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- דעת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ולב: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,const
- כסילים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- כן: ADV
Parallels
- Prov.15:2 (verbal): Contrasts the speech of the wise and the foolish—wise lips convey knowledge while foolish speech pours out folly, closely echoing the wording and opposition in 15:7.
- Prov.18:15 (thematic): 'The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge' parallels 15:7's emphasis on the wise as recipients/distributors of knowledge versus the fool's heart.
- Prov.10:31 (verbal): Speaks of the righteous/wise mouth producing wisdom contrasted with the corrupt/perverse tongue, a parallel contrast between wise speech and foolish speech.
- Prov.1:5 (structural): Calls for the wise to listen and increase in learning—connects to the role of the wise in gathering and transmitting knowledge implied in 15:7.
- James 3:13 (thematic): Asks who is wise and understanding and links wisdom to good conduct and wise behavior—New Testament reflection on wisdom's ethical/communicative fruits like those praised in 15:7.
Alternative generated candidates
- The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but the heart of fools is not so.
- The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the heart of fools.
Pro.15.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- זבח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- רשעים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- תועבת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ותפלת: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ישרים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- רצונו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
Parallels
- Prov.21:27 (verbal): Uses nearly identical wording about the sacrifice of the wicked being an abomination and contrasts it with the righteous—direct verbal parallel within Proverbs.
- Isaiah 1:11-15 (thematic): God repudiates the people's sacrifices and altars because of their corrupt behavior; when hands are blood-stained or hearts are wicked, offerings and prayers are rejected—theme of God refusing ritual from the wicked.
- Psalm 51:16-17 (verbal): Declares that God does not delight in sacrifice but in a broken and contrite heart, echoing the idea that inward righteousness/repentance matters more than external offerings and that proper disposition pleases God.
- Micah 6:6-8 (thematic): Challenges the sufficiency of ritual offerings by asking what the LORD requires, answering that justice, mercy, and humility are demanded—parallels the moral priority of upright behavior over sacrificial ritual.
- Amos 5:21-24 (thematic): God rejects festivals, sacrifices, and songs when justice and righteousness are absent; stresses that ethical faithfulness, not ritual, is what pleases the LORD—resonates with the rejection of wicked sacrifice and preference for the righteous' devotion.
Alternative generated candidates
- The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
- The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
Pro.15.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- תועבת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- דרך: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- רשע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ומרדף: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- צדקה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יאהב: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Proverbs 11:20 (verbal): Near-identical antithetical formula: the crooked/wicked are an abomination to Yahweh, but the blameless/upright are his delight — same contrast of divine hatred of wickedness and love for righteousness.
- Proverbs 12:22 (verbal): Uses the language of 'an abomination to the LORD' contrasted with God's 'delight' in faithfulness/righteous action, echoing the moral polarity of Prov 15:9.
- Proverbs 16:5 (verbal): Declares that the arrogant/proud are an abomination to the LORD, repeating the Proverbs motif that certain wicked ways are loathsome to God.
- Amos 5:15 (thematic): Urgent ethical injunction to 'hate evil, and love good' parallels the moral stance of Prov 15:9 — divine repudiation of wickedness and approval of pursuing righteousness.
- Psalm 11:5 (thematic): States that the LORD 'hates the wicked' while testing or upholding the righteous, reflecting the same contrast between God's disposition toward wickedness and toward righteousness found in Prov 15:9.
Alternative generated candidates
- The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but he loves the one who pursues righteousness.
- The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but he loves the one who pursues righteousness.
Pro.15.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- מוסר: NOUN,m,sg,const
- רע: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- לעזב: VERB,qal,inf
- ארח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שונא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תוכחת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ימות: VERB,qal,juss,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Prov.12:1 (verbal): Direct verbal parallel: contrasts 'loves discipline' with 'hates reproof'—same moral contrast as 15:10 (loving instruction vs hating reproof).
- Prov.9:8-9 (thematic): Echoes the theme that rebuke/reproof divides the wise and the wicked—wise accept correction and grow, while the wicked resent reproof (hating correction).
- Prov.29:1 (thematic): Parallels the warning about stubborn refusal of reproof: repeated correction ignored leads to sudden, irreparable destruction—similar consequence language to 'will die' in 15:10.
- Prov.10:17 (verbal): Shares the language of 'way/path of life' for one who accepts instruction and the opposite fate for one who rejects reproof—mirrors 15:10's connection between forsaking the way and receiving harsh discipline.
- Prov.13:18 (thematic): Connects ignoring instruction/reproof with negative outcomes (poverty/disgrace) while heeding correction brings honor—another proverb linking rejection of reproof to calamity.
Alternative generated candidates
- Stern discipline is for the one who forsakes the way; the one who hates reproof will die.
- Harsh discipline awaits one who abandons the path; he who hates reproof will die.
Pro.15.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואבדון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נגד: PREP
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אף: ADV
- כי: CONJ
- לבות: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- אדם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Psalm 139:7-12 (thematic): Affirms God's presence and knowledge even in Sheol—parallel to Prov 15:11's claim that Sheol/Abaddon are before the LORD.
- Proverbs 21:2 (verbal): Both verses stress that human intentions are evaluated by the LORD (Prov 15:11: hearts; Prov 21:2: the LORD weighs the hearts).
- Jeremiah 17:10 (verbal): God declares that he searches and tests the heart and mind—directly parallels the idea that the LORD knows human hearts.
- 1 Samuel 16:7 (thematic): Contrasts human judgment with God's knowledge of the heart—echoes Prov 15:11's emphasis on God's insight into inner life.
- 1 Chronicles 28:9 (verbal): Explicitly states that the LORD searches hearts and understands every plan and thought, mirroring Prov 15:11's theme of divine knowledge of hearts.
Alternative generated candidates
- Sheol and Abaddon are before the LORD; how much more, then, the hearts of the children of man!
- Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the LORD; how much more the hearts of mankind!
Pro.15.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- לא: PART_NEG
- יאהב: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לץ: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הוכח: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- חכמים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- ילך: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Proverbs 9:7-8 (verbal): Directly parallels the admonition about reproving a scoffer: 'Do not reprove a scoffer... reprove a wise man, and he will love you.' Mirrors the contrast between the scoffer's rejection of correction and the wise man's receptivity.
- Proverbs 13:1 (verbal): 'A wise son hears his father's instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.' Closely parallels the same contrast—wise accept reproof, scoffers refuse it.
- Proverbs 21:11 (thematic): 'When the mocker is punished, the simple become wise; when the wise are instructed, they gain knowledge.' Thematically reinforces that mockers/scoffers do not benefit from correction while the wise do.
- Proverbs 29:1 (thematic): 'He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond remedy.' Thematically relates by describing the negative consequences of refusing rebuke, as scoffers do.
Alternative generated candidates
- A scoffer does not accept rebuke; he will not go to the wise.
- A scoffer does not love one who reproves him; he will not go to the wise.
Pro.15.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- לב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שמח: ADJ,m,sg
- ייטב: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- פנים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ובעצבת: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- רוח: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- נכאה: VERB,niphal,perf,3,f,sg
Parallels
- Prov.17:22 (verbal): Explicitly links a cheerful heart with life/healing and contrasts a broken/crushed spirit—closely parallels the cause-effect between inner joy/sorrow and outward/inner well-being.
- Prov.12:25 (thematic): Speaks of anxiety weighing down the heart while a good word makes one glad; similarly contrasts inward sorrow/anxiety with outward cheer.
- Prov.14:30 (thematic): Describes a tranquil/healthy heart giving life to the body, paralleling the idea that inner emotional state affects physical appearance and vitality.
- Prov.18:14 (verbal): Focuses on the sustaining power of the spirit in illness and the unbearable nature of a crushed spirit—echoes the motif of a 'crushed' or 'stricken' inner life in 15:13.
- Prov.15:30 (structural): Reverses the imagery—light in the face rejoices the heart—complementing 15:13's claim that a glad heart makes the face pleasant; both tie facial expression and inner joy.
Alternative generated candidates
- A joyful heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.
- A glad heart makes the face cheerful, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed.
Pro.15.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- לב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נבון: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- יבקש: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- דעת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ופי: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כסילים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ירעה: VERB,qal,imprf,3,f,sg
- אולת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Prov.18.15 (verbal): Very similar wording: the heart of the discerning/prudent acquires or seeks knowledge — a close verbal parallel about the wise heart's pursuit of knowledge.
- Prov.10.14 (verbal): Contrasts the wise who gather/store up knowledge with the fool whose speech leads to ruin/folly — parallels the pairing of a discerning heart seeking knowledge and a fool's mouth producing folly.
- Prov.1.5 (thematic): Encourages the wise to listen and increase learning; thematically parallels the idea that the wise actively seek and grow in knowledge.
- James 1.5 (thematic): Calls readers who lack wisdom to ask God for it — thematically linked to the biblical ideal that the wise pursue and obtain true knowledge/wisdom rather than speaking folly.
Alternative generated candidates
- The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on folly.
- The heart of the discerning seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on folly.
Pro.15.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כל: DET
- ימי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- עני: ADJ,m,sg
- רעים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- וטוב: CONJ+ADJ,m,sg
- לב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- משתה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תמיד: ADV
Parallels
- Proverbs 15:13 (verbal): Both verses contrast inward joy and outward condition—‘a merry heart’ (joy) producing gladness vs sorrow/evil days for the poor.
- Proverbs 17:22 (verbal): Affirms the positive power of a cheerful heart (like medicine) comparable to Proverbs 15:15’s view that a glad heart is like a continual feast.
- Proverbs 15:16 (thematic): Presents a related contrast between external wealth/trouble and inner well‑being (better little with the fear of the LORD), echoing the proverb’s valuation of inner joy over difficult circumstances.
- Ecclesiastes 8:15 (thematic): Commends enjoyment of life (eating, drinking, rejoicing) as proper response to life’s limits—parallel to the idea of a ‘continual feast’ tied to a merry heart.
- 1 Timothy 6:6 (thematic): Promises that godliness with contentment is great gain, linking inner contentment/joy to true prosperity regardless of outward hardship, resonant with Proverbs 15:15’s contrast.
Alternative generated candidates
- All the days of the poor are filled with trouble, but a cheerful heart has a continual feast.
- All the days of the afflicted are hard, but a cheerful heart has a continual feast.
Pro.15.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- טוב: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- מעט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ביראת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,cstr
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- מאוצר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- רב: ADJ,m,sg
- ומהומה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Prov.16:8 (verbal): Closely parallels the contrast of ‘a little’ with moral/religious integrity vs great wealth with wrongdoing or trouble; similar wording and proverbial antithesis.
- Ps.37:16 (verbal): ‘Better is the little of the righteous…’ echoes the proverb’s valuation of modest, God-fearing life over the abundance of the wicked or troubled riches.
- 1 Tim.6:6 (thematic): Affirms the priority of godliness/contentment over the pursuit of wealth—echoing the teaching that spiritual devotion (fear/godliness) is preferable to great riches.
- Luke 12:15-21 (structural): The parable of the rich fool warns that hoarded wealth can bring loss and trouble for the soul, paralleling the warning that great treasure may come with disturbance compared to fearing God.
- Matt.6:19-21 (thematic): Jesus’ teaching not to store up earthly treasures but to seek heavenly values resonates with the proverb’s valuation of fearing the LORD above possessing abundant wealth.
Alternative generated candidates
- Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure with turmoil.
- Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure with turmoil.
Pro.15.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- טוב: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- ארחת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ירק: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ואהבה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- שם: ADV
- משור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אבוס: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ושנאה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- בו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Prov.17.1 (verbal): Closely parallel proverb: contrasts a simple meal or dry bread with peace/quiet against a grand feast with strife—same structural contrast of modest provision plus harmony vs. abundance plus conflict.
- Ecclesiastes 4.6 (thematic): Expresses the same principle—better a little with quiet than abundance with toil—valuing tranquility/peace over greater material provision.
- Prov.21.19 (thematic): Prefers dwelling in a desert to living with a contentious, angry companion; similarly elevates peaceable conditions above preferable material or social circumstances.
- Prov.16.8 (thematic): States that a little with righteousness is better than great revenue with injustice—another proverb prioritizing moral/relational goods and integrity over wealth or plenty.
Alternative generated candidates
- Better a simple meal with love than a fattened ox and hatred with it.
- Better is a meal of vegetables where love is, than a fattened ox and hatred with it.
Pro.15.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יגרה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- מדון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וארך: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אפים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ישקיט: VERB,hiphil,impf,3,m,sg
- ריב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 15:1 (verbal): Contrasts a gentle answer that turns away wrath with a harsh word that stirs anger—same theme of speech/temper either calming or provoking conflict.
- Proverbs 14:29 (verbal): Explicitly links slowness to anger with understanding and a hasty temper with folly, echoing the value of long‑suffering that quiets strife.
- Proverbs 29:22 (thematic): States that an angry or hot‑tempered person stirs up strife and transgression, a direct thematic parallel about anger provoking conflict.
- Proverbs 16:32 (thematic): Praises restraint—being slow to anger is better than conquering a city—underscoring the moral/ethical superiority of self‑control in Prov 15:18.
- James 1:19-20 (allusion): New Testament admonition to be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger, since human anger does not produce Godly righteousness; echoes the wisdom ideal of restraint in Prov 15:18.
Alternative generated candidates
- A hot-tempered person stirs up strife, but the one slow to anger quiets contention.
- A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but one slow to anger quiets contention.
Pro.15.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- דרך: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- עצל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כמשכת: PREP
- חדק: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- וארח: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ישרים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- סללה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 4:18 (thematic): Contrasts paths: 'the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn' parallels the positive image of the upright's highway in Prov 15:19.
- Isaiah 35:8 (allusion): Speaks of 'a highway' called the Way of Holiness; echoes the highway metaphor for the righteous' path in Prov 15:19.
- Psalm 1:6 (structural): Sets up a similar moral contrast between the way of the righteous and the fate of the wicked, paralleling the juxtaposition of sluggard vs upright in Prov 15:19.
- Proverbs 13:4 (thematic): Compares the sluggard's unmet desires with the reward of the diligent; thematically parallels the negative picture of the sluggard's obstructed way in Prov 15:19.
- Proverbs 12:24 (verbal): Contrasts outcomes of diligence and sloth—'the hand of the diligent will rule, the slothful be put to forced labor'—complementing Prov 15:19's contrast between the thorny way of the lazy and the highway of the upright.
Alternative generated candidates
- The way of the sluggard is like a thorn hedge; the path of the upright is a highway.
- The way of the sluggard is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway.
Pro.15.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חכם: ADJ,m,sg
- ישמח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וכסיל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אדם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בוזה: VERB,qal,ptc,m,sg
- אמו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Prov.10:1 (verbal): Almost identical proverb: a wise son makes a glad father, while a foolish son causes a mother's grief—direct verbal parallel.
- Prov.17:25 (verbal): Speaks of a foolish son bringing grief to his father and bitterness to his mother—closely parallels the contrast between wise son/joy and foolish son/contempt.
- Prov.23:24-25 (thematic): Describes a father's great rejoicing and delight in a wise child (and calls for parents' gladness), echoing the theme of a child's wisdom bringing joy to parents.
- Eph.6:2-3 (allusion): Quotations of the command to honor father and mother with the promise of well-being/long life; thematically related to the moral expectations of children toward parents and the blessings that follow obedience.
Alternative generated candidates
- A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother.
- A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man scorns his mother.
Pro.15.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אולת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- שמחה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לחסר: PREP+ADJ,m,sg
- לב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואיש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תבונה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יישר: VERB,hifil,impf,3,m,sg
- לכת: VERB,qal,infc
Parallels
- Prov.4:11-12 (structural): Uses the imagery of being led in a path of uprightness so that one's steps are not impeded—parallel to the idea that a person of understanding 'walks straight.'
- Prov.10:9 (verbal): Contrasts walking in integrity (secure/straight path) with crooked ways; a verbal and moral parallel to the straight course of the understanding person.
- Prov.14:15 (thematic): Contrasts the simple (who accepts folly) with the prudent/considerate who directs their steps—similar contrast between folly's appeal and the steady course of understanding.
- Prov.28:26 (thematic): Portrays trusting one's own heart as folly while he who walks in wisdom is preserved—echoes the opposition between folly's short‑sighted joy and the stability of understanding.
Alternative generated candidates
- Folly brings joy to the one lacking understanding; a man of insight walks straight.
- Folly brings delight to one who lacks sense, but a man of understanding walks uprightly.
Pro.15.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- הפר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מחשבות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- באין: PREP
- סוד: NOUN,m,sg,cs
- וברב: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יועצים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- תקום: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
Parallels
- Proverbs 11:14 (verbal): Both verses contrast lack of counsel with safety or success found in a multitude of counselors—the same proverb motif and similar wording about 'no counsel' versus 'many counselors.'
- Proverbs 24:6 (verbal): Speaks of achieving victory through wise guidance and an abundance of counselors, closely paralleling the idea that counsel secures plans.
- Proverbs 20:18 (verbal): States that plans are established by counsel and that one wages war with wise guidance—echoing the causative relationship between counsel and success found in Prov 15:22.
- Proverbs 12:15 (thematic): Contrasts the fool who trusts his own way with the wise who listens to advice, thematically reinforcing the value of counsel implicit in Prov 15:22.
Alternative generated candidates
- Plans fail where there is no counsel; with many advisers they succeed.
- Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.
Pro.15.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- שמחה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לאיש: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- במענה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- פיו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- ודבר: VERB,qal,fut,3,m,sg
- בעתו: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+3ms
- מה: PRON,int
- טוב: ADJ,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Prov.25:11 (verbal): Both verses praise properly timed and fitting speech; Prov 25:11 uses the simile 'a word fitly spoken' like precious metal, closely paralleling the idea of 'a timely word' in Prov 15:23.
- Prov.16:24 (thematic): Speaks of pleasant/wholesome words as sweet and healthful; thematically complements Prov 15:23's emphasis on the benefit and joy produced by right speech.
- Eccles.3:7 (structural): Declares there is 'a time to keep silence and a time to speak,' echoing the Proverbs concern for the appropriateness and timeliness of speech found in Prov 15:23.
- Eph.4:29 (thematic): Urges that speech be edifying and well-timed ('what is good for building up'), reflecting the New Testament parallel to the Proverbs ideal that words should be fitting and beneficial.
Alternative generated candidates
- A timely answer brings joy; how good is a word spoken at the right time.
- A man finds joy in an apt answer; how good is a timely word!
Pro.15.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ארח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חיים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- למעלה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- למשכיל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- למען: PREP
- סור: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- משאול: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מטה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Prov.12:28 (verbal): Both verses speak of a 'way' that leads to life/righteousness and explicitly contrast that way with death—echoing the motif of life’s path that avoids death/Sheol.
- Prov.13:14 (verbal): The teaching of the wise is described as a 'fountain of life' that turns one away from the snares of death, closely paralleling the idea that the wise’s path leads away from Sheol.
- Ps.16:11 (verbal): Uses the exact phrase 'the path of life' (or 'you make known to me the path of life')—a direct verbal and thematic resonance with Proverbs’ language about the path of life for the wise.
- Prov.7:27 (thematic): Describes a house/way that 'goes down to Sheol'—a stark thematic contrast to Prov.15:24’s depiction of the life-path that is 'above,' highlighting opposing routes (life vs. descent to Sheol).
Alternative generated candidates
- The path of life leads upward for the discerning, that he may turn away from Sheol below.
- The way of life is upward to the wise, that he may turn aside from Sheol below.
Pro.15.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גאים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- יסח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ויצב: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- גבול: NOUN,m,sg,cs
- אלמנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Psalm 146:9 (verbal): Both texts state that the LORD upholds the widow (and fatherless) while bringing the wicked/empty ways to ruin — a near verbal and theological parallel about God's protection of the vulnerable.
- Proverbs 3:34 (thematic): Expresses the same principle that God opposes the proud or scoffers but gives favor to the humble, paralleling 'house of the proud' being brought down and God's care for the lowly.
- Psalm 10:14,18 (thematic): Speaks of God seeing injustice and taking the cause of the helpless/fatherless, assuring justice for the oppressed — thematically echoing God's defense of widows and judgment on the proud.
- Zechariah 7:10 (thematic): Calls the community not to oppress widows and orphans; relates to the biblical concern behind Proverbs 15:25 that God judges those who mistreat or displace the vulnerable.
- Proverbs 16:5 (verbal): Declares that the proud in heart are an abomination to the LORD and will not go unpunished, closely matching Proverbs 15:25's negative judgment on the proud.
Alternative generated candidates
- The LORD will tear down the house of the proud, but he will establish the boundary of the widow.
- The LORD will overthrow the house of the proud, but he will establish the boundary of the widow.
Pro.15.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- תועבת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- מחשבות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- רע: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- וטהרים: CONJ+ADJ,m,pl
- אמרי: VERB,qal,impv,2,f,sg
- נעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 15:8 (verbal): Similar antithetical formulation: what is an 'abomination' to the LORD (sacrifice/thoughts) contrasted with what pleases him (prayer/words) of the upright.
- Proverbs 21:27 (verbal): Uses the language of 'abomination' for the wicked's offering and emphasizes wicked intent—paralleling condemnation of the wicked's inner dispositions.
- Psalm 10:4 (thematic): Speaks of the wicked as having no room for God in their thoughts, complementing Proverbs' claim that the LORD abhorrs the thoughts of the wicked.
- Matthew 15:19 (thematic): Jesus lists 'evil thoughts' among the inner sources of sinful action, echoing the biblical concern with the moral quality of inner thoughts rather than merely outward deeds.
Alternative generated candidates
- An abomination to the LORD are the thoughts of the wicked, but gracious words are pure.
- The LORD detests the plans of the wicked, but pleasant words are pure.
Pro.15.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- עכר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ביתו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בוצע: VERB,piel,ptc,3,m,sg
- בצע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ושונא: CONJ+VERB,qal,part,3,m,sg
- מתנת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- יחיה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Proverbs 17:23 (verbal): Explicitly addresses acceptance of bribes ('The wicked accepts a bribe…'), providing an internal-Proverbs contrast to 15:27's commendation of hating bribes and the moral outcomes of bribery.
- Exodus 23:8 (verbal): Legal prohibition against taking bribes ('you shall not take a bribe'), emphasizing the Torah's condemnation of bribery that underlies Proverbs' moral teaching.
- Deuteronomy 16:19 (verbal): Command not to pervert justice or accept a bribe ('for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise'), reinforcing the biblical link between bribery and social/human ruin implied in Prov 15:27.
- 1 Timothy 6:9-10 (thematic): Warns that the love of money brings many sorrows and ruin ('the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil'), thematically paralleling the destruction greedy gain brings to one's household in Prov 15:27.
- Luke 12:15 (thematic): Jesus' warning against covetousness ('one's life does not consist in abundance of possessions') echoes Proverbs' critique of greedy pursuit of unjust gain and its harmful consequences.
Alternative generated candidates
- Whoever gains by unjust profit ruins his house; he who hates bribes will live.
- One who desires gain troubles his own house, but he who hates bribes will live.
Pro.15.28 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- לב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- צדיק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהגה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לענות: VERB,qal,inf
- ופי: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- רשעים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- יביע: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- רעות: ADJ,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- Prov.15:2 (verbal): Contrasts the tongue of the wise with the mouth of fools; similar wording about wise/righteous speech versus speech that 'pours out' folly/evil.
- Prov.10:31-32 (verbal): Speaks of the mouth/lips of the righteous producing acceptable speech while the mouth of the wicked is perverse—close verbal and thematic parallel.
- Prov.17:27-28 (thematic): Emphasizes restraint and deliberation in speech—he who keeps words has understanding; silence can make one seem wise, paralleling the righteous’ careful pondering before answering.
- James 1:19 (thematic): Instructs believers to be quick to hear and slow to speak, reflecting the idea that the righteous consider/respond thoughtfully.
- James 3:5-6 (thematic): Describes the tongue's power to unleash great harm like a fire—parallels the destructive outcome of the wicked’s unbridled speech that 'pours out evil.'
Alternative generated candidates
- The heart of the righteous reflects on how to answer; the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil.
- The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil.
Pro.15.29 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- רחוק: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- מרשעים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ותפלת: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,cons
- צדיקים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ישמע: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Psalm 34:15 (verbal): Both Psalms and Proverbs use similar language about the LORD’s attentive regard—'the eyes/ears of the LORD toward the righteous'—paralleling Prov 15:29’s claim that God hears the righteous.
- Psalm 34:17 (verbal): Explicitly states that when the righteous cry for help the LORD hears and delivers them, closely matching Prov 15:29’s assertion that the prayer of the righteous is heard.
- Psalm 145:18 (thematic): Affirms that the LORD is near to those who call on him in truth, thematically contrasting God’s nearness to the faithful with his distance from the wicked as in Prov 15:29.
- Isaiah 59:2 (thematic): Explains that iniquity separates people from God—providing a theological basis for why the LORD is 'far from the wicked,' the counterpart to his hearing of the righteous.
Alternative generated candidates
- The LORD is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.
- The LORD is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.
Pro.15.30 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- מאור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עינים: NOUN,f,du,abs
- ישמח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שמועה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- טובה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- תדשן: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- עצם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Prov.16:24 (verbal): ‘Pleasant words…health to the bones’ echoes the second half of Prov.15:30 (good report/wholesome tongue nourishing the bones)—very close verbal and thematic parallel.
- Prov.12:25 (thematic): ‘Anxiety…but a good word makes it glad’ parallels the idea that good news or a pleasant expression brings joy and eases the heart.
- Prov.15:13 (structural): ‘A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance’ parallels the first clause of 15:30 (light of the eyes rejoices the heart)—both link inner joy and outward expression.
- Prov.3:18 (allusion): ‘She is a tree of life to them that lay hold on her’ uses the ‘tree of life’ motif transferred in 15:30 to the wholesome tongue, showing a shared image for life-giving speech/wisdom.
- Prov.11:30 (allusion): ‘The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life’ similarly employs the tree-of-life image to describe positive, life-giving effects—parallel imagery to the wholesome tongue as life-giving.
Alternative generated candidates
- The light of the eyes makes the heart glad; good news refreshes the bones.
- A cheerful look makes the heart glad; good news refreshes the bones.
Pro.15.31 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אזן: NOUN,f,sg,cstr
- שמעת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- תוכחת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- חיים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- בקרב: PREP
- חכמים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- תלין: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Proverbs 12:1 (verbal): Both verses link love of discipline/reproof with wisdom or life; 12:1 states 'whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,' echoing the positive value of accepting correction.
- Proverbs 1:5 (verbal): Calls for the wise to listen and increase in learning—parallels 15:31's image of the ear that hears correction and abides among the wise.
- Proverbs 9:9 (thematic): Encourages giving instruction to the wise so they grow in wisdom; thematically aligns with 15:31’s affirmation that receiving reproof fosters wisdom and life.
- Psalm 141:5 (thematic): Portrays rebuke from the righteous as beneficial (like oil), resonating with 15:31’s positive valuation of corrective speech that leads to life.
- Hebrews 12:11 (allusion): Describes earthly discipline as producing 'peaceful fruit of righteousness'—the New Testament equivalent of discipline/reproof leading to life and wisdom in Proverbs 15:31.
Alternative generated candidates
- The ear that listens to life-giving correction will dwell among the wise.
- He whose ear listens to life-giving correction will dwell among the wise.
Pro.15.32 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- פורע: VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,sg
- מוסר: NOUN,m,sg,const
- מואס: VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,sg
- נפשו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- ושומע: CONJ+VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,sg
- תוכחת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- קונה: VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,sg
- לב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Prov.12.1 (verbal): Same antithetical pattern: loving/accepting instruction versus hating/rejecting correction; similar wording about instruction and reproof and their moral evaluation.
- Prov.1.7 (thematic): Both link wisdom/knowledge with accepting instruction and portray those who despise instruction as foolish; shared theme that rejecting teaching is self‑defeating.
- Prov.13.18 (verbal): Contrasts neglect of correction (resulting in poverty/disgrace) with heeding reproof (resulting in honor/insight); parallels the consequence motif of refusing versus accepting discipline.
- Heb.12.5-11 (allusion): NT passage that picks up the biblical motif of beneficial discipline—urging endurance of God's correction because chastening produces righteousness—an application of the same principle that accepting reproof gains understanding.
Alternative generated candidates
- One who rejects discipline hates his own soul; whoever heeds reproof gains understanding.
- He who refuses discipline despises his own soul, but he who heeds reproof gains understanding.
Pro.15.33 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- יראת: NOUN,f,sg,cs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- מוסר: NOUN,m,sg,const
- חכמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ולפני: CONJ+PREP
- כבוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ענוה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Prov.9:10 (verbal): Explicitly links 'the fear of the LORD' with 'the beginning of wisdom'—a near verbal parallel to Prov 15:33's 'fear of the LORD' as the source/instruction of wisdom.
- Prov.1:7 (verbal): 'The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge' echoes the same proverb-scheme that locates wisdom/knowledge in the fear of Yahweh, paralleling Prov 15:33's opening clause.
- Prov.22:4 (verbal): Pairs 'humility' and 'the fear of the LORD' as the means to 'riches, honor, and life,' closely relating to Prov 15:33's coupling of fear, wisdom, and humility before honor.
- Prov.11:2 (thematic): Contrasts pride and shame with humility and wisdom—thematising the moral order implied in Prov 15:33 that humility precedes honor and is connected to true wisdom.
- James 4:6 (thematic): New Testament parallel: 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble,' resonating with Prov 15:33's theme that humility precedes honor and aligns with divine wisdom/favor.
Alternative generated candidates
- The fear of the LORD is instruction in wisdom; humility goes before honor.
- The fear of the LORD is instruction in wisdom, and humility goes before honor.
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
The tongue of the wise brings insight; the mouth of fools pours out folly.
The LORD’s eyes are everywhere, watching the evil and the good.
A healing tongue is a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.
A fool rejects his father’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction is prudent.
The house of the righteous holds abundant treasure, but the income of the wicked brings trouble.
The lips of the wise spread knowledge; the heart of fools does not.
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but he loves the one who pursues righteousness.
Harsh discipline is for one who forsakes the way; whoever hates reproof will die.
Sheol and Abaddon are before the LORD; how much more the hearts of the children of man!
A scoffer does not love one who reproves him; he will not go to the wise.
A joyful heart makes the face cheerful, but a heart of sorrow breaks the spirit.
The heart of the discerning seeks knowledge; the mouth of fools feeds on folly.
All the days of the poor are hardships, but a cheerful heart is a continual feast.
Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and turmoil with it.
Better a dish of vegetables where there is love than a fatted ox and hatred with it.
A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but one slow to anger quiets contention.
The way of the sluggard is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is made level.
A wise son makes his father glad, but a foolish man despises his mother.
Folly is a joy to one lacking sense, but a man of understanding walks straight.
Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.
A man finds joy in giving a timely answer; how good is a word at the right moment!
The way of life is upward for the wise, that he may turn aside from Sheol below.
The LORD tears down the house of the proud but establishes the boundary of the widow.
The plans of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD, but pleasant words are pure.
Whoever is greedy for gain troubles his own house, but he who hates bribes will live.
The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil.
The LORD is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.
A cheerful look makes the heart glad; good news refreshes the bones.
The ear that heeds life-giving instruction abides among the wise.
He who ignores discipline despises himself, but he who heeds reproof gains understanding.
The fear of the LORD is instruction in wisdom; humility goes before honor.