Skip to content
Proverbs / The Power of Speech and the Benefits of Wisdom
Navigation
A A
Introduction: The Purpose of Proverbs and the Fear of the Lord Warning Against Enticement by Sinners Wisdom's Public Call and the Folly of Rejection The Value of Wisdom and Its Protection Trusting God and Walking in Wisdom A Father's Exhortation to Hold Fast to Wisdom Warning Against Adultery and a Call to Fidelity Warnings: Surety, Laziness, and Wickedness Obey Parental Commands and the Dangers of Adultery The Example of a Young Man Seduced Wisdom's Proclamation and Blessings Contrasting Invitations of Wisdom and Folly Solomon's Proverbs: Contrasts of Righteousness and Folly Proverbs on Justice, Integrity, and Righteous Living Wise Conduct, Diligence, and Righteous Speech Discipline, Wealth, and the Wise Child Sayings on Wisdom, Folly, and the Fear of the Lord The Power of Speech and the Benefits of Wisdom God's Sovereignty Over Human Plans Relations and Righteousness: Peace, Speech, and Integrity The Power of Words and the Nature of Companionship Advice on Wealth, Conduct, and Discipline Counsel, Justice, and Warnings Against Excess Divine Sovereignty, Justice, and the King's Role Reputation, Generosity, and Child Discipline Sayings of the Wise: Practical Moral Instruction Solomon's Proverbs on Restraint and Leadership Folly and Foolish Behavior in Speech and Deeds Friendship, Counsel, and Practical Wisdom for Life Justice, Righteousness, and the Results of Rebellion Discipline, Leadership, and Social Order The Sayings of Agur: Humility and Observations Advice to King Lemuel and the Virtuous Woman

The Power of Speech and the Benefits of Wisdom

Proverbs 15:1-33

15
Chapter 15
1 A soft answer turns away wrath, and a grievous word causes anger to rise. 2 The tongue of the wise will make knowledge good, but the mouth of fools pours out folly. 3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, watching evils and goods. 4 A healing tongue is a tree of life, and deviation in it is a breaking in spirit. 5 A fool scorns his father's discipline, but one who keeps rebuke will be prudent. 6 The house of the righteous has abundant wealth, and the income of the wicked is troubled. 7 The lips of wise ones scatter knowledge, and the heart of fools is not so. 8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination of the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is his favor. 9 The abomination of the LORD is the way of the wicked, but he loves the pursuer of righteousness. 10 Discipline for moral evil for abandoning the path; one hating rebuke will die. 11 Sheol and Abaddon are before the LORD, even the hearts of the sons of man. 12 A scoffer does not love rebuke to him; he does not go to wise ones. 13 A joyful heart makes the face cheerful, but by a grieving heart the spirit is crushed. 14 A discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on folly. 15 All the days of the poor are evil, but one with a cheerful heart has a continual feast. 16 Better is a little with the fear of the LORD than a great treasure and tumult in it. 17 Better is a meal of vegetables with love than an ox stalled with hatred. 18 A man of wrath provokes strife, but one slow to anger quiets dispute. 19 The way of a sluggard is like pulling a thornbush, but the path of the upright—she has made it straight. 20 A wise son rejoices his father, and a foolish man despises his mother. 21 Folly is joy to a man lacking heart, and a man of wisdom makes his path straight. 22 Plans are frustrated without secret counsel, and with a multitude of counselors they succeed. 23 Joy to a man in the answer of his mouth, and a word in its time—how good! 24 The path of life leads upward for the wise, in order to turn aside from Sheol below. 25 The LORD will uproot the house of the proud, but He will establish the boundary of the widow. 26 The abomination of the LORD are thoughts of evil and pure words of pleasantness. 27 One greedily seizing gain is troubling his house, and one hating gifts will live. 28 The heart of the righteous meditates to answer, and the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things. 29 The LORD is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous. 30 The light of the eyes makes the heart rejoice; a good report fattens the bones. 31 An ear that hears the reproof of life lodges among the wise. 32 The one despising discipline rejects his nephesh; the one hearing rebuke acquires heart. 33 The fear of the LORD is the discipline of wisdom, and before glory humility.