13 A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, But by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
14 The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, But the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.
15 All the days of the afflicted are evil, But he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast.
16 Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, Than great treasure with trouble. 17 Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, Than a fatted calf with hatred.
18 A wrathful man stirs up strife, But he who is slow to anger allays contention.
19 The way of the lazy man is like a hedge of thorns, But the way of the upright is a highway.
20 A wise son makes a father glad, But a foolish man despises his mother.
21 Folly is joy to him who is destitute of discernment, But a man of understanding walks uprightly.
22 Without counsel, plans go awry, But in the multitude of counselors they are established.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 15:13-22
Commentary on Proverbs 15:13
(Read Proverbs 15:13)
A gloomy, impatient, unthankful spirit, springing from pride and undue attachment to worldly objects, renders a man uneasy to himself and others.
Commentary on Proverbs 15:14
(Read Proverbs 15:14)
A wise man seeks to gain more wisdom, growing in grace and in the knowledge of Christ. But a carnal mind rests contented, flattering itself.
Commentary on Proverbs 15:15
(Read Proverbs 15:15)
Some are much in affliction, and of a sorrowful spirit. Such are to be pitied, prayed for, and comforted. And others serve God with gladness of heart, and it prompts their obedience, yet they should rejoice with trembling.
Commentary on Proverbs 15:16-17
(Read Proverbs 15:16-17)
Believers often have enough when worldly eyes see little; the Lord is with them, without the cares, troubles, and temptations which are with the wealth of the wicked.
Commentary on Proverbs 15:18
(Read Proverbs 15:18)
He that is slow to anger, not only prevents strife, but appeases it, if kindled.
Commentary on Proverbs 15:19
(Read Proverbs 15:19)
Those who have no heart to their work, pretend that they cannot do their work without hardship and danger. And thus many live always in doubt about their state, because always in neglect of some duty.
Commentary on Proverbs 15:20
(Read Proverbs 15:20)
Those who treat an aged mother or a father with contempt or neglect, show their own folly.
Commentary on Proverbs 15:21
(Read Proverbs 15:21)
Such as are truly wise, study that their thoughts, words, and actions should be regular, sincere, and holy.
Commentary on Proverbs 15:22
(Read Proverbs 15:22)
If men will not take time and pains to deliberate, they are not likely to bring any thing to pass.