Proverbs Chapter 15
The Words of the Wise
Proverbs 15:1–4
Proverbs 15:1
A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
A soft answer turns away wrath. The wise man or woman knows that gentleness in speech can disarm anger and bring peace where hostility is rising. When we respond with humility and calmness instead of pride or defensiveness, we often find that wrath is turned away. The Lord calls His people to speak with grace, seasoned with wisdom. As Judges 8:1–3 records, Gideon’s gentle reply to the Ephraimites diffused their anger and prevented bloodshed, proving the truth of this proverb. A soft answer is like soothing oil on a bruise, calming where harshness would inflame.
Pride, however, easily tempts us to answer sharply. Our flesh enjoys the satisfaction of scoring a verbal point, but such pride destroys relationships and stirs up strife. The Gospel calls us to follow the example of Christ, “who, when he was reviled, reviled not again” (1 Peter 2:23). The mature believer, guided by the Spirit, seeks peace rather than retaliation, speaking truth in love and showing restraint even when wronged.
A harsh word stirs up anger. The unwise respond to wrath with equal or greater fury, only escalating the conflict. Such speech pours fuel upon the fire, as seen in the story of Rehoboam, whose harsh reply to Israel caused the loss of ten tribes (1 Kings 12:1–16). The lesson is timeless: conflict is rarely resolved by sharpness of tongue but by humility and grace. It is not the magnitude of disagreement that destroys peace, but the temperament brought into the confrontation.
Proverbs 15:2
The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.
The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly. Wisdom is not merely knowing what is true but knowing how, when, and to whom to speak it. The wise express truth with discernment, understanding the right timing, tone, and manner that will bring edification rather than offense. Even sound counsel can be rendered useless when delivered rashly. The one who has knowledge must temper it with humility and grace, speaking as a steward of truth rather than a dispenser of pride.
The mouth of fools pours forth foolishness. The fool cannot help but reveal what he is. His speech is impulsive, careless, and often corrupt, for “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh” (Matthew 12:34). The Hebrew sense of the phrase implies an overflowing spring—his words gush out without control or restraint. What fills the heart will inevitably overflow through the mouth, exposing folly for all to hear. The believer, then, must guard the heart, for purity within produces purity in speech.
Proverbs 15:3
The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.
The eyes of the Lord are in every place. The omniscience of God is a constant reality often forgotten by men. There is no corner of creation where His gaze does not reach. The Lord sees the secret act, hears the whispered word, and knows the hidden thought. “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do” (Hebrews 4:13). This should instill both comfort and caution. Comfort, because His people are never beyond His watchful care; caution, because nothing escapes His righteous notice.
Keeping watch on the evil and the good. God’s observation is not passive. He watches with purpose and judgment, noting both the deeds of the wicked and the faithfulness of the righteous. “The Lord looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men” (Psalm 33:13). The wicked may cloak their sin under night’s cover, but God sees as clearly in darkness as in daylight. At the same time, the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous (Psalm 34:15), beholding their suffering, their prayers, and their faithfulness. He never overlooks the faithful servant laboring in obscurity nor forgets the one enduring persecution for righteousness’ sake. The same gaze that condemns sin also blesses obedience.
Proverbs 15:4
A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.
A wholesome tongue is a tree of life. Words have the power to heal, nourish, and give life. When our speech is guided by love, truth, and kindness, it becomes like a fruitful tree that provides continual sustenance and refreshment to others. “Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones” (Proverbs 16:24). Such a tongue ministers grace to the hearer and reflects the character of Christ, who is the true Tree of Life. The believer’s words should bring hope, comfort, and encouragement, turning hearts toward God.
But perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit. Corrupt or deceitful speech wounds deeply. It crushes confidence, breeds mistrust, and destroys relationships. Falsehood, gossip, and malice are not harmless words; they break the spirit of both speaker and hearer. What we say reveals who we are before God, for “death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21). The wise therefore guard their words carefully, knowing that every idle word will be brought into judgment (Matthew 12:36).
Proverbs 15:5–8
The Contrast Between the Wise and the Foolish
Proverbs 15:5
A fool despiseth his father’s instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.
A fool despises his father’s instruction. Proverbs, written in the voice of a father to his son, repeatedly stresses the importance of listening to godly parental guidance. The fool, in his arrogance, rejects the counsel of his father, scorning both human and divine instruction. This rejection of authority reveals a heart hardened in pride. As Scripture declares, “A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother” (Proverbs 10:1). To despise instruction from one’s parents is to reject the order and discipline that God Himself established in the home. It sets a pattern for rebellion that often extends to all other forms of authority, both human and divine.
One’s attitude toward parental instruction shapes one’s lifelong disposition toward correction. The fool views correction as an insult, while the wise view it as an opportunity for growth. The disdain for parental guidance often leads to ruin, for “he that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy” (Proverbs 29:1).
He that regardeth reproof is prudent. To receive correction humbly is a mark of wisdom and prudence. Learning wisdom is not merely the accumulation of knowledge but the shaping of character through discipline. The wise understand that genuine growth requires being challenged and corrected. As Hebrews 12:11 teaches, “Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.” Those who welcome correction demonstrate teachability and spiritual maturity, walking in the path that leads to righteousness and life.
Proverbs 15:6
In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.
In the house of the righteous is much treasure. Godliness often brings material stability and blessing, but even beyond material wealth, the righteous possess treasure that cannot be stolen or diminished. The true riches of the godly are peace, joy, love, and the favor of God. The treasure found in the home of the righteous is not confined to gold or silver but includes the presence of God, which is the greatest treasure of all. “Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right” (Proverbs 16:8). The believer who lives in fear of the Lord has a wealth the world cannot measure.
Every righteous man is rich, whether or not he possesses the things of this life. His home is rich with prayer, with godly instruction, and with the blessings of obedience. The family that walks with God enjoys security and satisfaction that money cannot provide.
But in the revenues of the wicked is trouble. What the wicked earn often becomes a curse rather than a blessing. Even their wealth brings anxiety, guilt, and unrest. They may gain large revenues, but their gain is tainted with corruption or consumed by fear and dissatisfaction. “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36). The wicked’s possessions are often accompanied by divine judgment, inner turmoil, or sudden loss. Thus, the home of the wicked, though filled with wealth, lacks peace.
Proverbs 15:7
The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.
The lips of the wise disperse knowledge. The wise are not only possessors of knowledge but also distributors of it. Their words build, teach, and edify. They do not hoard what God has taught them but share it freely, enriching others through godly counsel and truth. “The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment” (Psalm 37:30). Knowledge in the heart of the wise flows outward through gracious speech, blessing all who hear.
But the heart of the foolish doeth not so. The fool cannot share what he does not possess. Since wisdom has not taken root in his heart, his lips are empty of truth. Instead of edification, his speech brings confusion and harm. His ignorance keeps him from being a source of blessing to others. “A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards” (Proverbs 29:11). The fool’s silence on what is good and his abundance of words on what is foolish both reveal the emptiness of his heart.
Proverbs 15:8
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord. Religious activity apart from righteousness is offensive to God. The wicked may bring offerings, attend worship, or perform outward acts of devotion, but these acts are meaningless when their hearts remain rebellious. God desires obedience over ritual, sincerity over formality. As Samuel told Saul, “Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams” (1 Samuel 15:22). The Lord despises hypocritical religion that seeks to cover sin with ceremony instead of repentance.
But the prayer of the upright is his delight. The Lord delights in the sincere prayers of His people. While the wicked attempt to impress God with ritual, the humble heart of the righteous moves God’s favor. “The Lord is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous” (Proverbs 15:29). Prayer offered in faith and obedience is precious to Him, for it reflects dependence, reverence, and love. The simplest prayer of a pure heart is more acceptable to God than the most elaborate sacrifice of a corrupt one.
Proverbs 15:9–12
God’s View of the Righteous and the Wicked
Proverbs 15:9
The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the Lord: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.
The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the Lord. God not only rejects the sacrifices and outward religion of the wicked (as shown in Proverbs 15:8), but He also despises their entire manner of life. Their path is characterized by rebellion, selfishness, and sin, which are utterly opposed to His holy nature. It is not merely the acts of sin that offend God but the way itself—the ongoing lifestyle and direction of the heart that resists Him. As Scripture declares, “The Lord trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth” (Psalm 11:5).
The Lord sees beyond religious performance and judges the motives and direction of a person’s life. The wicked may appear successful or moral before men, but their way is corruption before the eyes of a holy God. Their path, though it may seem smooth for a season, ends in destruction, for “there is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12).
But he loveth him that followeth after righteousness. God’s affection rests upon those who pursue righteousness with sincerity and faith. To “follow after righteousness” is to seek holiness, to walk in truth, and to conform one’s life to God’s will. Such a person does not earn God’s love but abides in it, as Jude 21 exhorts, “Keep yourselves in the love of God.” The righteous man walks humbly with his Lord, striving to live in obedience, and finds that God’s favor and protection accompany him. The love God shows to those who pursue righteousness is not passive; it is a delight in their faithful walk and an active blessing upon their lives.
Proverbs 15:10
Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.
Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way. When a man or woman abandons the path of righteousness, God, in mercy, sends correction to turn them back. Yet to those hardened in sin, that correction feels grievous and unwelcome. Divine chastening, meant as a mercy, becomes a burden to the rebellious heart. As Proverbs 3:11–12 teaches, “My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.” Those who forsake the way resist such correction and thus multiply their own misery.
He that hateth reproof shall die. To hate correction is to choose the way of death. Spiritual rebellion blinds the sinner, and rejection of God’s correction hardens the heart until repentance becomes nearly impossible. The end is not merely physical death but eternal separation from God, as the Scripture warns: “He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray” (Proverbs 5:23). The person who despises rebuke proves that he loves sin more than life. The Lord’s voice calls, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden” (Matthew 11:28), but those who continually resist will one day hear the dreadful sentence, “Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire” (Matthew 25:41).
Proverbs 15:11
Hell and destruction are before the Lord: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?
Hell and destruction are before the Lord. The words “Hell” (Sheol) and “Destruction” (Abaddon) refer to the unseen realm of the dead and the place of ruin beyond this life. Even these realms, which remain hidden and mysterious to human eyes, are open before the Lord. Nothing escapes His sight—not even the depths of judgment or the domain of death. As Job declared, “Hell is naked before him, and destruction hath no covering” (Job 26:6). God’s authority extends over every realm, from heaven’s throne to the lowest abyss.
This verse reminds man of his ignorance and God’s perfect knowledge. What we cannot see, God knows completely. If Hell and Destruction, invisible and dreadful, are fully exposed before Him, how foolish it is for man to think he can conceal his heart or motives from the Almighty. We live continually in the presence of the God who sees.
How much more then the hearts of the children of men? If the unseen world lies open before God, surely He knows the hidden thoughts and intentions of every person. “I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins” (Jeremiah 17:10). There is no secret so buried, no motive so disguised, that it escapes His understanding. Even when His servants preach, God at times reveals the thoughts of men, proving His omniscience. Charles Spurgeon once observed that God can so guide the preacher’s words that they pierce directly into the hearts of the hearers, revealing their hidden thoughts and convicting them of sin—demonstrating that “God is in you of a truth” (1 Corinthians 14:25).
Proverbs 15:12
A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.
A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him. The scoffer or mocker despises correction because it exposes his pride and folly. Instead of loving those who warn him for his good, he hates them as enemies. This is seen throughout Scripture: Ahab hated Micaiah for prophesying truth (1 Kings 22:8), Herodias hated John the Baptist for his rebuke (Mark 6:19), and the Pharisees hated Christ for exposing their hypocrisy (John 7:7). To the proud, truth feels like an attack; to the humble, it feels like mercy. The scorner refuses to see that correction is an act of love from God or from those sent by Him.
Neither will he go unto the wise. The scoffer not only rejects reproof but avoids wisdom altogether. He will not seek the company or counsel of the godly because truth makes him uncomfortable. As a result, he remains imprisoned in ignorance. “A wise man will hear, and will increase learning” (Proverbs 1:5), but the scoffer isolates himself from such wisdom. His pride separates him from the very help that could save him.
Proverbs 15:13–16
The Joy and Contentment of the Wise
Proverbs 15:13
A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance. Joy in the heart inevitably shines forth on the face. The inward state of a person often reveals itself outwardly, for the heart and countenance are closely connected. A joyful heart, one rooted in gratitude and peace with God, radiates through a cheerful countenance that uplifts both the bearer and those around them. True joy, however, differs greatly from the noisy mirth of the ungodly. The world’s laughter is fleeting and superficial, often masking emptiness and sin. The joy of the righteous flows from the Spirit of God within, as Galatians 5:22 declares, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…” This joy is steady and holy, not dependent on circumstances but anchored in God’s goodness.
Such cheerfulness was noted in the lives of the martyrs and saints, whose faces reflected heaven’s peace even amid suffering. As Proverbs 17:22 teaches, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.” The wise believer cultivates joy by meditating on God’s promises, trusting His providence, and maintaining fellowship with Him.
But by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. Sorrow and grief also find their expression outwardly. A heavy heart weakens the spirit, burdening the entire being with despair and fatigue. In this fallen world, affliction and disappointment are inevitable, but they weigh most heavily on those who lack the comfort of divine hope. For the believer, sorrow can be sanctified when it drives the heart nearer to Christ, “a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3). Yet continual sorrow without the balm of faith breaks the spirit and leads to hopelessness. Compassion and understanding should mark our response to the sorrowful, as we remember that even in brokenness, “the Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart” (Psalm 34:18).
Proverbs 15:14
The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.
The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge. The wise never cease to learn. Wisdom creates in the heart a hunger for more truth, much like a hungry man seeks bread. The one who truly understands knows that knowledge of God and His Word can never be exhausted. As Proverbs 9:9 states, “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.” The wise heart seeks knowledge with diligence, humility, and prayer, desiring to grow in discernment and godliness.
But the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness. In contrast, fools consume what corrupts them. Just as the wise man’s appetite drives him to truth, the fool’s appetite draws him to vanity, gossip, and sin. He feeds his mind and speech on what is worthless and degrading, and his words betray his heart’s emptiness. As Jesus said, “For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned” (Matthew 12:37). The fool’s constant diet of folly keeps him spiritually malnourished and blind to truth.
Proverbs 15:15
All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.
All the days of the afflicted are evil. To live under constant affliction is to experience the hardships of this fallen world. To the one burdened by sorrow, every day feels heavy and full of trouble. When the heart is weighed down by fear or discontent, even small inconveniences seem overwhelming. Without joy or hope in God, life becomes a continual drudgery.
But he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast. Joy transforms perspective. The one who trusts God and keeps a grateful spirit finds satisfaction even in little things. The merry heart enjoys a continual feast because it draws its delight not from circumstances but from the constancy of God’s presence. Such joy brings contentment in every condition, whether in abundance or in want, for “godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6). The true feast of the heart is spiritual, sustained by faith, hope, and love. It is richer and longer lasting than any earthly pleasure, enduring even in seasons of adversity.
This continual feast is not a shallow cheerfulness but a deep well of spiritual strength that sustains the believer through trials. Like Paul, the joyful heart can say, “I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content” (Philippians 4:11).
Proverbs 15:16
Better is little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble therewith.
Better is little with the fear of the Lord. This proverb cuts against the grain of worldly thinking. The natural man values wealth, possessions, and status; but the spiritual man knows that reverence for God is far greater than riches. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10), and where that fear exists, peace and blessing follow. A small portion, sanctified by God’s favor, is better than abundant riches burdened by sin and anxiety. Those who walk humbly before God find satisfaction in simplicity, knowing that the Lord Himself is their portion.
Than great treasure and trouble therewith. Wealth without righteousness brings more grief than comfort. Riches often come with unrest, divided affections, and moral danger. Many who possess treasure lack peace, for their hearts are filled with care and conflict. As Proverbs 10:22 declares, “The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.” True wealth is to be rich toward God, not merely in possessions. Great treasure without godliness brings only trouble; but little with the fear of the Lord brings contentment, security, and joy that money cannot buy.
Proverbs 15:17–20
Love, Anger, Diligence, and Wisdom in the Home
Proverbs 15:17
Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.
Better is a dinner of herbs where love is. Scripture here exalts love above luxury. A home with humble fare but filled with affection is far richer than one that possesses wealth and plenty but lacks love. A simple meal of vegetables, prepared and shared in kindness, brings more joy than the finest banquet seasoned with bitterness. True riches are not measured by possessions but by peace and contentment within the household. As 1 Corinthians 13:1–3 declares, all abundance without love profits nothing.
Riches and poverty are more in the heart than in the hand. A poor man content in love is wealthier than a rich man burdened with strife. Love sanctifies little, while hatred corrupts abundance. The family that fears the Lord and loves one another finds joy even in scarcity, for “godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6).
Than a stalled ox and hatred therewith. The “fatted calf” or “stalled ox” was the highest symbol of feasting and prosperity in ancient times. Yet even such abundance becomes tasteless when accompanied by hatred, resentment, or division. The absence of love robs all blessings of their sweetness. Many homes outwardly prosper yet inwardly suffer under the poison of hostility. It is better to eat herbs in peace than to feast in strife. Love turns poverty into plenty, while hatred turns plenty into misery.
Proverbs 15:18
A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.
A wrathful man stirreth up strife. Anger is not a passive emotion; it is an active destroyer. A wrathful person fans the flames of conflict wherever he goes. His temper infects those around him, spreading discord and contention. Strife is rarely accidental—it is most often kindled by someone driven by anger and pride. “He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly” (Proverbs 14:17), for wrath blinds judgment and opens the door to sin.
He that is slow to anger appeaseth strife. In contrast, the patient and wise man diffuses tension through calmness and restraint. He refuses to retaliate and instead brings peace. This is the character of one led by the Spirit, “slow to wrath: for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God” (James 1:19–20). The peacemaker’s composure disarms anger and restores order. As seen in Proverbs 15:1, “A soft answer turneth away wrath.” The slow-to-anger person reflects God’s own long-suffering nature, whose mercy tempers His justice and whose gentleness restores peace.
Proverbs 15:19
The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.
The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns. Laziness creates difficulty where none should exist. To the lazy man, every duty seems impossible, every task filled with obstacles. His path feels like a tangled hedge of thorns—painful, frustrating, and unending. This is not because the road itself is hard, but because sloth makes every step a burden. Proverbs 22:13 describes his excuses: “The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets.” His imagination becomes his greatest enemy, conjuring up excuses to justify inaction.
Laziness is more than a harmless flaw; it is moral failure. It is theft, living off the labors of others. It is selfishness, living only for comfort. It is neglect of duty, abandoning responsibility. Such a life leads to hardship, poverty, and spiritual decay. Charles Spurgeon vividly compared this to spiritual sloth, describing the soul that assents to truth without acting upon it. The spiritually lazy man nods in agreement to the Word of God but never obeys it, living in a perpetual half-sleep. His spiritual life, full of thorns, becomes joyless and stagnant, hindered by every trivial obstacle.
But the way of the righteous is made plain. The diligent and upright man walks in a clear path. His life is characterized by discipline, faithfulness, and purpose. Because he walks in integrity, the road before him is smoother and more direct. Hard work, guided by righteousness, removes many of life’s thorns. “The hand of the diligent shall bear rule” (Proverbs 12:24), while the sluggard remains trapped in his own briars. As Spurgeon noted, labor of a holy kind brings greater joy than any leisure born of idleness. The righteous, being industrious and steadfast, find their journey efficient and rewarding, for God blesses their effort.
Proverbs 15:20
A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.
A wise son maketh a glad father. A father’s heart finds great joy in the wisdom of his son. A son’s prudence and godliness validate the father’s faith and effort in raising him in the fear of the Lord. The wise son becomes his parents’ crown of rejoicing, for he honors God, prospers in life, and reflects the training he received. “My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me” (Proverbs 27:11). Such wisdom in children brings peace and pride to their parents, assuring them that their labor was not in vain.
But a foolish man despiseth his mother. The fool dishonors the very ones who gave him life and instruction. In scorning their counsel, he shows contempt for love, experience, and godly authority. To despise one’s parents is not only a moral failure but a spiritual sin, violating God’s commandment: “Honour thy father and thy mother” (Exodus 20:12). The foolish son, arrogant in his own eyes, rejects the wisdom that could save him. His pride isolates him and brings sorrow to his family.
Tragically, those most in need of parental instruction are often least willing to receive it. Pride blinds the heart to correction, producing an unteachable spirit. The wise son listens and grows, but the foolish son, hardened in rebellion, breaks the hearts of those who love him most.
Proverbs 15:21–24
Wisdom, Counsel, Speech, and the Upward Path of Life
Proverbs 15:21
Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.
Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom. To the fool, sin and foolishness are sources of entertainment. What should bring shame instead brings him pleasure. The fool laughs at things that are evil and delights in what should cause grief. His heart is blind to the moral weight of his actions. “Fools make a mock at sin” (Proverbs 14:9), and the absence of discernment allows him to treat folly as sport. Such a person only regrets his behavior when the consequences arrive, for sin is enjoyable for a moment but always leads to ruin. His joy is misplaced and fleeting, rooted in ignorance rather than righteousness.
But a man of understanding walketh uprightly. The wise, guided by understanding, find joy in obedience and truth. The man of understanding orders his life according to God’s principles, walking in integrity and moral clarity. His joy is not in sin but in righteousness, not in rebellion but in harmony with God. The inner serenity of walking uprightly far surpasses the false excitement of folly. As Nehemiah 8:10 declares, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” His sincerity supplies him with serenity; the oil of gladness from the Lord gives grace and ease to his steps in holiness.
Proverbs 15:22
Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.
Without counsel purposes are disappointed. Plans devised in isolation often fail because no one person possesses all wisdom or foresight. Human pride tempts us to rely solely on our own judgment, but wisdom teaches self-distrust. Even the most capable person benefits from wise input, as “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14). Failure to seek godly counsel reveals arrogance and short-sightedness. It is both humble and prudent to acknowledge our need for others’ wisdom.
But in the multitude of counsellors they are established. Many voices, when wise and godly, bring balance and discernment. Plans built upon the counsel of the righteous stand firm because they have been refined by collective insight. Each counselor adds perspective, experience, and caution, strengthening the plan against failure. The multitude here does not imply any or every opinion, but a gathering of those who walk in truth. “Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war” (Proverbs 20:18). The wise man listens, evaluates, and builds upon advice that aligns with God’s Word, and in this way, his purposes are established and endure.
Proverbs 15:23
A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!
A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth. There is deep satisfaction in speaking rightly and wisely. To give a proper response—to comfort, instruct, or encourage—is a cause of joy both to the speaker and to the hearer. Speech guided by discernment brings peace and honor, while rash words bring regret. As Proverbs 12:18 states, “The tongue of the wise is health.” The believer finds joy in knowing that his words were used for good, that his mouth became an instrument of grace rather than harm.
And a word spoken in due season, how good is it! The value of speech is not only in its content but also in its timing. A good word, delivered at the right moment, can lift the weary, calm the angry, or strengthen the fainthearted. It is the art of speaking truth wrapped in discernment and love. The Lord Himself exemplified this, as Isaiah 50:4 declares: “The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary.” Words fitly spoken are like “apples of gold in pictures of silver” (Proverbs 25:11)—precious, timely, and full of beauty.
Proverbs 15:24
The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.
The way of life is above to the wise. Wisdom lifts a person’s gaze heavenward. The path of the wise leads upward, toward spiritual maturity, holiness, and eternal life. Each step taken in wisdom ascends closer to God’s purpose. The life of the wise is not stagnant but ever rising—from faith to faith, from grace to grace, and from glory to glory, as 2 Corinthians 3:18 teaches. This “way of life” contrasts sharply with the downward pull of sin and worldliness. The believer, guided by divine wisdom, walks the narrow and ascending road that leads to life everlasting.
That he may depart from hell beneath. Wisdom not only guides us toward heaven but also guards us from the pit of destruction. The wise man’s upward path turns him away from the snare of hell and the judgment that awaits the ungodly. “Enter ye in at the strait gate… because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matthew 7:13–14). Godly wisdom is both preventive and preservative—it not only teaches the good but steers the soul from evil. The wise choose the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14), escaping the descent toward ruin that characterizes the fool.
Proverbs 15:25–28
God’s Justice, Purity, Integrity, and Wisdom in Speech
Proverbs 15:25
The Lord will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.
The Lord will destroy the house of the proud. Pride is one of the most serious offenses before God because it is rebellion against His sovereignty. The proud exalt themselves, trusting in their own power and wisdom rather than humbly submitting to the Lord. Such pride provokes divine opposition, for “God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble” (James 4:6; cf. 1 Peter 5:5). The “house of the proud” not only refers to their dwelling but to their legacy, family, and prosperity — all that they depend upon for security. When pride builds the house, God Himself becomes the demolisher. His judgment may come through downfall, humiliation, or destruction, for “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18).
He will establish the border of the widow. The widow represents the weak, the humble, and those who depend wholly on God. In Israel’s society, widows were among the most vulnerable, often defenseless against exploitation. Yet God personally guarantees their protection. “A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation” (Psalm 68:5). He ensures that her land and livelihood remain intact, enforcing justice against those who would oppress her. The Lord’s care for the widow stands as a vivid contrast to His judgment against the proud. What pride builds in self-reliance collapses; what humility trusts to God endures.
The story of Naboth’s vineyard (1 Kings 21) perfectly illustrates this principle. Ahab and Jezebel, driven by greed and pride, seized Naboth’s inheritance through murder and deceit. Yet God avenged Naboth and judged Ahab’s house. In contrast, the humble widow, though powerless in human strength, finds her boundaries established and guarded by the Almighty.
Proverbs 15:26
The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.
The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord. God not only judges actions but also motives and inner thoughts. Wickedness begins in the heart long before it is expressed in deeds. “The Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts” (1 Chronicles 28:9). The wicked may restrain their outward behavior for fear of man, but before God, their secret plans and intentions are laid bare. The Lord detests the corrupt imagination that plots evil, deceit, or lust. Sin in thought form is the seed of open rebellion, and God condemns it before it matures into action.
How few realize that they are accountable for their thoughts as much as for their deeds. The wicked man indulges his imagination freely, believing thoughts are his private domain. Yet Jesus said that even to look with lust or hate in the heart is sin (Matthew 5:22, 28). Every unrepented thought of pride, greed, or malice is abominable before the Lord who sees all.
But the words of the pure are pleasant words. The speech of the pure springs from clean hearts. What begins as righteous meditation within results in gracious and pleasant words without. “The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment” (Psalm 37:30). God delights in such speech because it reflects His truth and grace. The contrast is striking — the inner corruption of the wicked is hateful to God, but the outward expression of purity is His delight. A sanctified heart produces words that edify, heal, and bring joy to others and pleasure to God.
Proverbs 15:27
He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.
He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house. The greedy man pursues wealth with reckless ambition, often at the expense of justice, relationships, and peace. He justifies his avarice by claiming to provide for his family, but his obsession with gain ultimately destroys them. “He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live” (Proverbs 15:27). His deceit, dishonesty, or moral compromise brings God’s curse rather than blessing. “He that is greedy of gain taketh away the life of the owners thereof” (Proverbs 1:19).
Greed is never satisfied. It blinds the conscience and corrupts judgment. The greedy man becomes restless, anxious, and unjust. His home suffers from the strife his greed invites — whether through ruined trust, financial ruin, or God’s direct chastening. By contrast, the righteous man is content with what God provides and values integrity over riches.
But he that hateth gifts shall live. The one who refuses bribes and dishonest gain lives securely under God’s favor. Hatred of “gifts” refers to rejecting corrupt rewards or unlawful incentives that pervert justice. Such integrity is rare, yet essential for godliness. As Exodus 23:8 warns, “And thou shalt take no gift: for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous.” The one who despises such corruption values righteousness more than profit and thus enjoys peace, honor, and life — both temporal and eternal.
Proverbs 15:28
The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.
The heart of the righteous studieth to answer. The righteous are thoughtful and deliberate in speech. They consider their words carefully before they speak, seeking to respond with truth, grace, and understanding. The wise do not speak merely to be heard; they speak to build up, instruct, or reconcile. “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:19). Their words are guided by reflection and prayer, not impulse. They study how to answer rightly, knowing that speech reveals the heart.
The righteous understand that careless words can cause great harm. They weigh their replies, ensuring that their words are fitting, timely, and edifying. “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver” (Proverbs 25:11). The wise person seeks divine guidance before responding, recognizing that every word will be judged (Matthew 12:36).
But the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things. The wicked speak without restraint or thought. Their mouths overflow with corruption, deceit, gossip, and hostility. They have no filter of conscience or wisdom, for “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh” (Matthew 12:34). Their speech reflects the evil that fills their hearts. Like a polluted spring, their words pour forth filth rather than refreshment. The wicked cannot help but reveal their moral decay through their speech, and their words become a snare to their souls.
Proverbs 15:29–32
Divine Nearness, Joy, Correction, and the Path of Understanding
Proverbs 15:29
The Lord is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
The Lord is far from the wicked. The separation between God and the wicked is moral and spiritual, not spatial. God is omnipresent in essence, but His favor and fellowship are withdrawn from those who persist in rebellion. Sin builds a wall of estrangement between man and his Creator, for “your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you” (Isaiah 59:2). The wicked live as if God does not see or care, and in return, they experience His absence in blessing, protection, and peace.
This distance is not absolute in every sense, for in His mercy, God draws near to the sinner through the gospel, offering redemption to those who repent. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Yet until they turn, the wicked remain alienated, outside the circle of divine favor. The Lord’s nearness is reserved for those who walk humbly and uprightly before Him.
But he heareth the prayer of the righteous. God delights to hear the prayers of His children. The righteous are those who live in reverent fellowship with Him, trusting in His mercy and obeying His Word. Their prayers rise not only from lips but from hearts in harmony with His will. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16). To such, the Lord is near, guiding, protecting, and answering in His perfect timing. “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you” (James 4:8). The prayers of the righteous reach heaven’s throne and move the heart of God, while the prayers of the unrepentant find no audience until they come in humility and faith.
Proverbs 15:30
The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.
The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart. The eyes are the lamp of the body and the mirror of the soul (Matthew 6:22–23). When one’s eyes are bright with joy, purity, and hope, they reflect an inward peace that gladdens both the person and those around them. A radiant countenance is contagious, for joy begets joy. The “light of the eyes” may also symbolize the cheerful look of a friend or the refreshing presence of someone whose countenance brings comfort. As Proverbs 16:15 declares, “In the light of the king’s countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain.” The light of kindness and encouragement reflected through the eyes can heal weary hearts and inspire confidence.
And a good report maketh the bones fat. Good news refreshes the spirit and strengthens the body. It revives vitality much like nourishment strengthens the bones. Joy and health are often connected; a hopeful heart promotes physical well-being, while despair weakens it. “Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones” (Proverbs 16:24). The ultimate good report is the gospel—the glad tidings of salvation through Christ’s finished work. It is the message that heals the deepest wounds and restores the soul: “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you… that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:1–4). Nothing brings greater joy or health to the spirit than the good news of redemption.
Proverbs 15:31
The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.
The ear that heareth the reproof of life. The reproofs of life come from two sources—divine instruction through God’s Word and providential correction through life’s experiences. To hear them means to receive them humbly and to apply them obediently. Wisdom is not gained merely by experience but by heeding the lessons that experience and Scripture provide. “Reproofs of instruction are the way of life” (Proverbs 6:23). The one who listens with a teachable heart learns from mistakes and avoids the repeated pain of folly.
Will abide among the wise. Those who welcome rebuke find themselves among the wise, for they share their humility and discernment. The willingness to learn and accept correction distinguishes the mature from the foolish. To “abide” among the wise means to live in their fellowship, enjoying the company and counsel of those who walk in truth. It implies a life continually shaped by divine instruction, surrounded by godly influence. The path to wisdom begins with listening, and the ear that hears reproof will dwell securely in the circle of the wise.
Proverbs 15:32
He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.
He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul. To reject correction is not an act of strength but of self-destruction. When a person turns away from discipline or refuses to be taught, he wrongs his own soul. Wisdom’s rebuke is meant to protect and preserve life; to ignore it is to choose harm. “Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded” (Proverbs 13:13). Those who scorn instruction ultimately injure themselves spiritually, morally, and even physically. They act as enemies of their own well-being, preferring ignorance to truth and comfort to correction.
But he that heareth reproof getteth understanding. The one who listens to rebuke gains insight, humility, and discernment. Every correction, rightly received, becomes a steppingstone toward wisdom. To heed rebuke is to cultivate a teachable spirit, one open to the voice of God through Scripture, conscience, and circumstance. As Psalm 141:5 says, “Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil.” The wise recognize that painful correction is often the Lord’s mercy in disguise. By hearing and obeying, they not only gain understanding but preserve their souls.
Proverbs 15:33
The Fear of the Lord and the Path to True Honor
The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.
The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom. This truth, repeated throughout the book of Proverbs, stands as the foundation of all true knowledge and discernment. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding” (Proverbs 9:10). To fear the Lord is not to cower in dread but to revere Him with holy awe, to recognize His absolute holiness, power, and justice, and to live in submission to His authority. This reverential fear teaches the heart to turn away from evil and to walk in obedience. “By the fear of the Lord men depart from evil” (Proverbs 16:6).
Such fear is the “instruction of wisdom,” meaning it both precedes and continually instructs the wise. One cannot be truly wise without first learning to fear God. The fear of the Lord trains the mind, disciplines the soul, and shapes the conscience. It teaches us that wisdom is not intellectual achievement but moral alignment with God’s will. It humbles man under the divine hand, keeping him from pride, folly, and self-sufficiency. The fear of God instructs by revealing our smallness and His greatness, leading us to dependence, obedience, and holiness.
And before honour is humility. Honor follows humility as harvest follows seed. True exaltation begins in lowliness of heart. Pride seeks glory and falls; humility seeks God and is lifted up. “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time” (1 Peter 5:6). To stand honored before men or blessed before God, one must first bow low before Him.
Humility is the natural fruit of the fear of the Lord. When a person sees God as He truly is—majestic, holy, and sovereign—he sees himself rightly: small, dependent, and sinful. This recognition destroys self-exaltation and opens the heart to grace. As James 4:6 declares, “God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.”
Luther observed that before God used him in any great work, He first humbled him deeply—often through suffering or sickness. The principle remains: God prepares His servants through trials that teach dependence before He entrusts them with honor. Just as the ocean’s tide rises highest after the water has ebbed to its lowest point, so divine exaltation follows deep humility. The lower a man stoops before God, the higher the Lord can raise him.
Poole notes that humility not only earns the favor of God but also wins respect among men, for the proud invite opposition, while the meek command love. Pride provokes resistance, but humility draws blessing. Waltke adds that the paradox of divine wisdom is this: the one who seeks no glory for himself before a glorious God is the very one whom God crowns with glory and esteem.
Therefore, humility is both the gateway to wisdom and the path to honor. It is the soil in which grace grows and the condition upon which God bestows His favor. To fear the Lord rightly is to humble oneself beneath His majesty—and those who walk that path find both wisdom and honor awaiting them.
