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.
16 Better is little, with the fear of Yahweh,
than great treasure with trouble. 17 Better is a dinner of herbs, where love is,
than a fattened calf with hatred.
18 A wrathful man stirs up contention,
but one who is slow to anger appeases strife.
19 The way of the sluggard is like a thorn patch,
but the path 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 one who is void of wisdom,
but a man of understanding keeps his way straight.
22 Where there is no counsel, plans fail;
but in a 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.