151 A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
2 The tongue of the wise dispenses knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.
3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.
4 A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.
5 A fool despises his father's instruction, but he who heeds admonition is prudent.
6 In the house of the righteous there is much treasure, but trouble befalls the income of the wicked.
7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the minds of fools.
8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but he loves him who pursues righteousness.
10 There is severe discipline for him who forsakes the way; he who hates reproof will die.
11 Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the Lord, how much more the hearts of men!
12 A scoffer does not like to be reproved; he will not go to the wise.
13 A glad heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken.
14 The mind of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly.
15 All the days of the afflicted are evil, but a cheerful heart has a continual feast.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 15:1-15
Commentary on Proverbs 15:1
(Read Proverbs 15:1)
A right cause will be better pleaded with meekness than with passion. Nothing stirs up anger like grievous words.
Commentary on Proverbs 15:2
(Read Proverbs 15:2)
He that has knowledge, is to use it aright, for the good of others.
Commentary on Proverbs 15:3
(Read Proverbs 15:3)
Secret sins, services, and sorrows, are under God's eye. This speaks comfort to saints, and terror to sinners.
Commentary on Proverbs 15:4
(Read Proverbs 15:4)
A good tongue is healing to wounded consciences, by comforting them; to sin-sick souls, by convincing them; and it reconciles parties at variance.
Commentary on Proverbs 15:5
(Read Proverbs 15:5)
If instruction is despised, reprove men rather than suffer them to go on undisturbed in the way to ruin.
Commentary on Proverbs 15:6
(Read Proverbs 15:6)
The wealth of worldly men increases their fears and suspicions, adds strength to their passions, and renders the fear of death more distressing.
Commentary on Proverbs 15:7
(Read Proverbs 15:7)
We use knowledge aright when we disperse it; but the heart of the foolish has nothing to disperse that is good.
Commentary on Proverbs 15:8-9
(Read Proverbs 15:8-9)
The wicked put other things in the stead of Christ's atonement, or in the place of holy obedience. Praying graces are his gift, and the work of his Spirit, with which he is well pleased.
Commentary on Proverbs 15:10
(Read Proverbs 15:10)
He that hates reproof shall perish in his sins, since he would not be parted from them.
Commentary on Proverbs 15:11
(Read Proverbs 15:11)
There is nothing that can be hid from the eyes of God, not even man's thoughts.
Commentary on Proverbs 15:12
(Read Proverbs 15:12)
A scorner cannot bear to reflect seriously within his own heart.
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.