151 A gentle answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.
2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge,
but the mouth of fools gush out folly.
3 Yahweh’s eyes are everywhere,
keeping watch on the evil and the good.
4 A gentle tongue is a tree of life,
but deceit in it crushes the spirit.
5 A fool despises his father’s correction,
but he who heeds reproof shows prudence.
6 In the house of the righteous is much treasure,
but the income of the wicked brings trouble.
7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge;
not so with the heart of fools.
8 The sacrifice made by the wicked is an abomination to Yahweh,
but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to Yahweh,
but he loves him who follows after righteousness.
10 There is stern discipline for one who forsakes the way:
whoever hates reproof shall die.
11 Sheol and Abaddon are before Yahweh—
how much more then the hearts of the children of men!
12 A scoffer doesn’t love to be reproved;
he will not go to the wise.
13 A glad heart makes a cheerful face;
but an aching heart breaks the spirit.
14 The heart of one who has understanding seeks knowledge,
but the mouths of fools feed on folly.
15 All the days of the afflicted are wretched,
but one who has a cheerful heart enjoys 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.