151 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

2 The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.

3 The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.

4 The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.

Other Translations of Proverbs 15:1-4

King James Version

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

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

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

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

English Standard Version

151 A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

2 The tongue of the wise commends 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 gentleOr healing tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.

The Message

151 A gentle response defuses anger, but a sharp tongue kindles a temper-fire.

2 Knowledge flows like spring water from the wise; fools are leaky faucets, dripping nonsense.

3 God doesn't miss a thing - he's alert to good and evil alike.

4 Kind words heal and help; cutting words wound and maim.

New King James Version

151 A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.

2 The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.

3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place, Keeping watch on the evil and the good.

4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, But perverseness in it breaks the spirit.

New Living Translation

151 A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.

2 The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness.

3 The Lord is watching everywhere, keeping his eye on both the evil and the good.

4 Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 15:1-4

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.