Proverbs 15
Proverbs 15 presents a series of wise sayings contrasting the behavior of the righteous and the wicked, highlighting how one's words, actions, and attitudes can either bring life and favor from God or lead to destruction and trouble. It emphasizes the importance of humility, discipline, and seeking God's wisdom in daily interactions.
Proverbs 15:1 (NKJV)
1 A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.
Speaking gently can calm down a situation filled with anger, while speaking harshly only escalates conflict. The verse emphasizes the power of words to either defuse or inflame emotions. Choosing kindness and wisdom in how we respond to others helps to maintain peace.
Proverbs 15:2 (NKJV)
2 The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.
The wise person knows how to share their knowledge in a way that benefits others, speaking thoughtfully. In contrast, a fool speaks without considering the consequences, leading to unwise and damaging talk. Wisdom shows itself not just in what we know, but in how we communicate.
Proverbs 15:3 (NKJV)
3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place, Keeping watch on the evil and the good.
God sees everything, both the good and the evil that people do. Nothing is hidden from Him. This verse serves as both a comfort to the righteous, knowing God sees their faithfulness, and a warning to the wicked that their actions are under divine scrutiny.
Proverbs 15:4 (NKJV)
4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, But perverseness in it breaks the spirit.
Speaking words of kindness, encouragement, and truth brings life to others, like a tree that gives nourishment. However, corrupt or deceitful speech wounds the spirit of those who hear it, causing damage instead of healing. Words have tremendous power to build up or tear down.
Proverbs 15:5 (NKJV)
5 A fool despises his father’s instruction, But he who receives correction is prudent.
A foolish person rejects the guidance and correction of those with experience, like a parent, leading to their downfall. On the other hand, a wise person values discipline and instruction, recognizing that it brings them closer to wisdom and good decision-making.
Proverbs 15:6 (NKJV)
6 In the house of the righteous there is much treasure, But in the revenue of the wicked is trouble.
Righteous living leads to blessings, both material and spiritual, as the home of the righteous is filled with abundance. In contrast, even if the wicked gain wealth, it brings with it trouble and sorrow because it is not gained or used in accordance with God's will.
Proverbs 15:7 (NKJV)
7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge, But the heart of the fool does not do so.
Those who are wise are eager to share their understanding with others, helping them grow in knowledge and wisdom. However, fools, lacking wisdom in their hearts, have nothing beneficial to offer, and their words often lead to confusion or ignorance.
Proverbs 15:8 (NKJV)
8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, But the prayer of the upright is His delight.
Even religious acts performed by the wicked are displeasing to God because their hearts are not right. God values a pure heart over mere external rituals. In contrast, the prayers of the righteous bring joy to God because they reflect a sincere relationship with Him.
Proverbs 15:9 (NKJV)
9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, But He loves him who follows righteousness.
God abhors the lifestyle of the wicked, which is marked by disobedience and selfishness. However, He takes delight in those who pursue righteousness, living according to His ways. God values not just outward behavior but the heart's direction toward righteousness.
Proverbs 15:10 (NKJV)
10 Harsh discipline is for him who forsakes the way, And he who hates correction will die.
When a person strays from the path of righteousness, they face severe consequences, often through discipline that is intended to correct their ways. Those who reject correction are on a path that ultimately leads to destruction, both in this life and eternally.
Proverbs 15:11 (NKJV)
11 Hell and Destruction are before the Lord; So how much more the hearts of the sons of men.
God knows everything, even the mysteries of death and the afterlife (Sheol and Abaddon). If these hidden realms are open to Him, how much more does He know the hearts and inner thoughts of human beings. This emphasizes God's omniscience and the importance of living transparently before Him.
Proverbs 15:12 (NKJV)
12 A scoffer does not love one who corrects him, Nor will he go to the wise.
Those who mock or ridicule wisdom do not appreciate correction. They avoid wise counsel because they are unwilling to change their ways or admit they are wrong. Their pride keeps them from seeking the guidance that could help them grow.
Proverbs 15:13 (NKJV)
13 A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, But by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
A heart filled with joy reflects outwardly, bringing light and cheer to one's appearance and interactions with others. On the other hand, when the heart is filled with sorrow, it weighs down the spirit, leading to a broken and downcast demeanor. Inner emotions strongly affect our external behavior.
Proverbs 15:14 (NKJV)
14 The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, But the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.
A person with understanding constantly seeks to grow in wisdom and knowledge, being mindful of what they learn and apply. In contrast, fools are content with foolishness, feeding on trivial or harmful ideas, showing no desire for true wisdom.
Proverbs 15:15 (NKJV)
15 All the days of the afflicted are evil, But he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast.
For those weighed down by trouble or affliction, life can seem bleak and burdensome. However, a joyful heart, even in difficult times, finds reasons to celebrate and experience satisfaction. Joy comes not from external circumstances but from a heart that looks beyond the present.
Proverbs 15:16 (NKJV)
16 Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, Than great treasure with trouble.
It is better to have only a small amount of material wealth if one lives in reverence to God than to have vast riches that bring with them anxiety and trouble. True peace and security come from a relationship with God, not from material abundance.
Proverbs 15:17 (NKJV)
17 Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, Than a fatted calf with hatred.
A simple meal shared in a home filled with love is far more valuable than a luxurious feast in a house filled with discord and hatred. The quality of relationships matters far more than the wealth or luxury one might possess.
Proverbs 15:18 (NKJV)
18 A wrathful man stirs up strife, But he who is slow to anger allays contention.
An angry person creates conflict and tension, fueling arguments and division. In contrast, someone who is slow to anger and patient can calm situations and prevent disputes from escalating. Patience and self-control are powerful tools for maintaining peace.
Proverbs 15:19 (NKJV)
19 The way of the lazy man is like a hedge of thorns, But the way of the upright is a highway.
A lazy person's life is full of obstacles and difficulties, like a path blocked by thorns. Laziness creates more problems than it solves. On the other hand, the upright person experiences a smoother journey, as hard work and integrity pave the way for success and progress.
Proverbs 15:20 (NKJV)
20 A wise son makes a father glad, But a foolish man despises his mother.
A son who makes wise choices brings joy and pride to his father. Conversely, a foolish person shows disregard for their mother, causing her grief and demonstrating a lack of respect for parental guidance. Wise children bring honor to their parents, while foolishness causes heartache.
Proverbs 15:21 (NKJV)
21 Folly is joy to him who is destitute of discernment, But a man of understanding walks uprightly.
Fools find pleasure in foolishness and make poor choices without realizing the consequences. In contrast, a person of understanding seeks to live with integrity, following a path of righteousness that leads to a fulfilling and meaningful life.
Proverbs 15:22 (NKJV)
22 Without counsel, plans go awry, But in the multitude of counselors they are established.
Plans that are made without seeking advice or input from others often fail. However, when people seek the wisdom of many counselors, their plans are more likely to succeed. Seeking advice from others helps refine and solidify one's ideas, leading to better outcomes.
Proverbs 15:23 (NKJV)
23 A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, And a word spoken in due season, how good it is!
When someone gives a thoughtful and timely response, it brings joy both to the speaker and the listener. A well-timed word can encourage, uplift, and bring comfort, showing the importance of wisdom and discernment in speech.
Proverbs 15:24 (NKJV)
24 The way of life winds upward for the wise, That he may turn away from hell below.
The wise person follows a path that leads upward, symbolizing a life focused on spiritual growth and drawing closer to God. This upward journey represents a pursuit of righteousness, wisdom, and eternal life. By choosing this path, the wise are kept from destruction, symbolized by "hell below." The verse highlights the contrast between living in wisdom, which leads to life and salvation, and the path of folly, which leads to death and separation from God.
Proverbs 15:25 (NKJV)
25 The Lord will destroy the house of the proud, But He will establish the boundary of the widow.
God opposes the proud, and their arrogance will eventually lead to their downfall. On the other hand, He cares for the vulnerable, like widows, protecting their rights and ensuring their security. This verse emphasizes God's justice, as He humbles the prideful and defends those who are oppressed.
Proverbs 15:26 (NKJV)
26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord, But the words of the pure are pleasant.
God is not only concerned with outward actions but also with the inner thoughts of individuals. The wicked harbor sinful and selfish thoughts, which are detestable to God. In contrast, the words that come from a pure heart are pleasing to Him, showing that purity begins in the mind and heart.
Proverbs 15:27 (NKJV)
27 He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, But he who hates bribes will live.
Greed leads to destructive consequences, not only for the individual but also for their household. Dishonest practices, such as taking bribes, invite trouble and instability. However, a person who rejects corruption and dishonesty finds life and peace, both for themselves and their family.
Proverbs 15:28 (NKJV)
28 The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, But the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil.
A righteous person carefully considers their words before speaking, ensuring that their responses are wise and appropriate. In contrast, the wicked speak without thought, often causing harm with their careless or malicious words. This verse encourages thoughtful communication and restraint.
Proverbs 15:29 (NKJV)
29 The Lord is far from the wicked, But He hears the prayer of the righteous.
Those who live in wickedness are distant from God because of their rebellion and sin. However, the prayers of the righteous reach God’s ears, as they are in harmony with His will. This emphasizes the importance of righteousness in maintaining a close relationship with God and experiencing His care.
Proverbs 15:30 (NKJV)
30 The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, And a good report makes the bones healthy.
Bright, joyful eyes can lift the spirits of those around them, reflecting a heart full of life and hope. Similarly, hearing good news brings health and vitality, both physically and emotionally. Positive communication and outlooks can have a profound effect on well-being.
Proverbs 15:31 (NKJV)
31 The ear that hears the rebukes of life Will abide among the wise.
A person who listens to correction and learns from it grows in wisdom and understanding. Being willing to accept rebuke is a sign of humility and a desire for personal growth. The wise surround themselves with those who offer constructive criticism, seeing it as an opportunity for improvement.
Proverbs 15:32 (NKJV)
32 He who disdains instruction despises his own soul, But he who heeds rebuke gets understanding.
Rejecting instruction and correction harms one's own well-being, showing a lack of care for one's own soul. In contrast, those who accept rebuke gain understanding and wisdom, improving their life and character. Humility in accepting guidance leads to growth and flourishing.
Proverbs 15:33 (NKJV)
33 The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom, And before honor is humility.
Reverence for God is the foundation of true wisdom, guiding individuals in the right path. Wisdom begins with acknowledging God's authority and seeking His ways. Additionally, honor comes only after humility; one must first humble themselves before they can be lifted up in esteem. This verse highlights the central role of both humility and the fear of God in the pursuit of wisdom.