13 A joyful heart maketh glad the face, And by grief of heart is the spirit smitten.
14 The heart of the intelligent seeketh knowledge, And the mouth of fools enjoyeth folly.
15 All the days of the afflicted 'are' evil, And gladness of heart 'is' a perpetual banquet.
16 Better 'is' a little with the fear of Jehovah, Than much treasure, and tumult with it. 17 Better 'is' an allowance of green herbs and love there, Than a fatted ox, and hatred with it.
18 A man of fury stirreth up contention, And the slow to anger appeaseth strife.
19 The way of the slothful 'is' as a hedge of briers, And the path of the upright is raised up.
20 A wise son rejoiceth a father. And a foolish man is despising his mother.
21 Folly is joy to one lacking heart, And a man of intelligence directeth 'his' going.
22 Without counsel 'is' the making void of purposes, And in a multitude of counsellors it is 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.