13 A glad heart maketh a cheerful countenance; But by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken.
14 The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge; But the mouth of fools feedeth on folly.
15 All the days of the afflicted are evil; But he that is of a cheerful heart [hath] a continual feast.
16 Better is little, with the fear of Jehovah, Than great treasure and trouble therewith. 17 Better is a dinner of herbs, where love is, Than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.
18 A wrathful man stirreth up contention; But he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.
19 The way of the sluggard is as a hedge of thorns; But the path of the upright is made a highway.
20 A wise son maketh a glad father; But a foolish man despiseth his mother.
21 Folly is joy to him that is void of wisdom; But a man of understanding maketh straight his going.
22 Where there is no counsel, purposes are disappointed; But in the multitude of counsellors 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.