Proverbs 15

Prov. 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath,

         But a harsh word stirs up anger.

This is another extremely practical and helpful Proverb. In volatile situations a soft answer can ratchet down the tension while harsh angry words raise the level of tension and animosity.

Prov. 15:2   The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly,

         But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.

Wise people know how to apply knowledge, while fools have nothing but foolishness.

Prov. 15:3   The eyes of the LORD are in every place,

         Keeping watch on the evil and the good.

God’s all knowing nature is a comfort to the good and is terrifying to the evil.

Prov. 15:4   A wholesome tongue is a tree of life,

         But perverseness in it breaks the spirit.

Words can encourage or discourage. Words are so powerful they can be like a tree of life in reviving and restoring people and situations.

Prov. 15:5   A fool despises his father’s instruction,

         But he who receives correction is prudent.

Our response to constructive criticism and instruction reveals our character.

Prov. 15:6   In the house of the righteous there is much treasure,

         But in the revenue of the wicked is trouble.

A righteous household is a place where treasure is found that exceeds money, but the wicked provide trouble.

Prov. 15:7   The lips of the wise disperse knowledge,

         But the heart of the fool does not do so.

You receive useful knowledge from wise people but not from fools.

Prov. 15:8   The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD,

         But the prayer of the upright is His delight.

A person’s spiritual condition determines the acceptability of their worship.

Prov. 15:9   The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD,

         But He loves him who follows righteousness.

The way the wicked and the righteous live are very different. One is an abomination to God, the other He loves.

Prov. 15:10          Harsh discipline is for him who forsakes the way,

         And he who hates correction will die.

If you forsake the right way, you will be disciplined, if that discipline is refused it leads to death.

Prov. 15:11          Hell and Destruction are before the LORD;

         So how much more the hearts of the sons of men.

God knows all things and so He certainly knows our hearts.

Prov. 15:12          A scoffer does not love one who corrects him,

         Nor will he go to the wise.

Proverbs stresses again and again the importance of receiving correction, instruction and counsel.

Prov. 15:13          A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance,

         But by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.

What’s in your heart effects your disposition and attitude.

Prov. 15:14          The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge,

         But the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.

Be understanding and seek valuable knowledge, don’t be a fool who only feeds on foolishness. What we take into our life will impact us.

Prov. 15:15          All the days of the afflicted are evil,

         But he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast.

Life is miserable for those who are afflicted, yet life is wonderful for those who have joy.

Prov. 15:16          Better is a little with the fear of the LORD,

         Than great treasure with trouble.

Proverbs puts a high value on wealth but having material wealth does not compare to having the fear of the Lord.

Prov. 15:17          Better is a dinner of herbs where love is,

         Than a fatted calf with hatred.

Continuing that line of thinking – having love with meager means is better than hatred with great wealth.

Prov. 15:18          A wrathful man stirs up strife,

         But he who is slow to anger allays contention.

This is yet another admonition to be slow to anger.

Prov. 15:19          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 seems like a hedge of thorns (a life filled with obstacles), while the diligent upright have a smooth road.

Prov. 15:20          A wise son makes a father glad,

         But a foolish man despises his mother.

A wise person will honor their parents and improve their happiness in life.

Prov. 15:21          Folly is joy to him who is destitute of discernment,

         But a man of understanding walks uprightly.

If you have no discernment you won’t see the negative consequences coming due to your foolishness, while those who understand the consequences of foolish living choose to walk uprightly.

Prov. 15:22          Without counsel, plans go awry,

         But in the multitude of counselors they are established.

Once again we are told not to make unilateral decision but to seek counsel on major decisions.

Prov. 15:23          A man has joy by the answer of his mouth,

         And a word spoken in due season, how good it is!

To say the right thing at the right time is wonderful.

Prov. 15:24          The way of life winds upward for the wise,

         That he may turn away from hell below.

Wisdom will give our life an upward trajectory.

Prov. 15:25          The LORD will destroy the house of the proud,

         But He will establish the boundary of the widow.

God is the defender of the helpless and will bring ultimate justice.

Prov. 15:26          The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD,

         But the words of the pure are pleasant.

Thoughts turn into words and wicked ones are an abomination, while pure ones are pleasant.

Prov. 15:27          He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house,

         But he who hates bribes will live.

Greed causes people to take illegal shortcuts that cause trouble to their family.

Prov. 15:28          The heart of the righteous studies how to answer,

         But the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil.

Think before you speak.

Prov. 15:29          The LORD is far from the wicked,

         But He hears the prayer of the righteous.

Your moral and spiritual state affects the effectiveness of your prayers.

Prov. 15:30          The light of the eyes rejoices the heart,

         And a good report makes the bones healthy.

It is uplifting and even healing to hear good news.

Prov. 15:31          The ear that hears the rebukes of life

         Will abide among the wise.

Prov. 15:32          He who disdains instruction despises his own soul,

         But he who heeds rebuke gets understanding.

To become wise, be teachable and receive correction.

Prov. 15:33          The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom,

         And before honor is humility.

Walking in the fear of the Lord and living a humble life are major keys to living a wise life.  

Todd Hudnall - Senior Pastor - Radiant Church - Colorado Springs, CO