THE
PROVERBS

Proverbs 15

Various observations of moral virtues and their contrary vices.


1A SOFTa1answer turneth away wrath: but 2grievous words stir up anger.

a Prov. 25:15.

1 Or, speech; also verse 23; Prov. 16:1. As the verb anah signifies not only to answer, but also to begin a speech. See Judges 18 on verse 14.

2 Hebr. a word of grief, trouble or pains, that is, grievous, troublesome, painful and hard to listen to.

2The tongue of the wise useth knowledge 3aright: butb the mouth of fools 4poureth out foolishness.

3 That is, acceptable, beautiful, profitable and useful, as being uttered in due time and place. Other, Knowledge adorneth the tongue of the wise.

b Prov. 12:23; 13:16; 15:28.

4 Namely, as a fountain ever gives out water in great abundance. See of the Hebrew word Prov. 1 on verse 23.

3Thec5eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.

c Job 34:21; Prov. 5:21; Jer. 16:17; 32:19.

5 Understand the Providence of God. See 2 Chron. 16 on verse 9.

46Ad wholesome tongue is a 7tree of life: but perverseness 8herein is a 9breach in the spirit.

6 Or, the health of the tongue, that is, wholesome speeches and soul-saving doctrine, concerning faith and life, which is propounded by the tongue. Compare Prov. 12 on verse 18.

d Prov. 12:18; 13:14.

7 That is, as a tree of life, bringing with it the prosperity and happiness, not only of temporal, but also of eternal life. Compare Prov. 3 on verse 18.

8 Namely, in the tongue. See Prov. 2 on verse 12.

9 That is, is a loss or damage of the soul. Other, a breaking by the wind; that is, a vehement destruction; as ships are broken in pieces by strong winds, Psalm 48:7; Jer. 18:17.

5A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth 10reproof is 11prudent.

10 Namely, his father’s reproof.

11 Or, shall be prudent. Also Prov. 19:25. Compare 1 Sam. 23:22.

6In the 12house of the righteous is 13much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is 14trouble.

12 Understand not only his habitation or dwelling, but also his means, as appears by the contrast. Compare Prov. 12 on verse 7.

13 Namely, because he, being well furnished and provided of inward goods, is very well content with the outward estate which God allots unto him. Other, strength or firmness.

14 That is, being discontent and disquiet of spirit, because he is empty of the heavenly treasure or wealth. See of the Hebrew word, Gen. 34 on verse 30; 1 Kings 18 on verse 17.

7The lips of the wise 15disperse 16knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth 17not so.

15 That is, utter, bring forth, to communicate it unto others.

16 That is, good doctrine, which ought to be known, and which makes a man wise, understanding and knowing. Also Num. 24:16; Psalm 119:66; Prov. 22:17.

17 That is, it will not disperse knowledge. Other, is not right, or scattereth that which is not right.

8Thee sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to 18the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.

e Prov. 21:27; Isa. 1:11; Jer. 6:20; Amos 5:21.

18 Hebr. the Lord’s abomination. Also in the next verse. See Prov. 3 on verse 32.

9The 19way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.

19 That is, intent, conduct. See Gen. 6 on verse 12.

10Correction is 20grievous unto him that forsaketh the 21way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.

20 Hebr. evil, that is, displeasing, hard, difficult; although it be in itself very good. Thus the word evil is taken 1 Kings 22:8, 18, as also the word good signifies that which is pleasing and acceptably delightful. See 1 Kings 1 on verse 42. Other, an evil discipline (that is, punishment) is for him that forsaketh the way.

21 Namely, the good and the right path. See Prov. 2 on verse 8.

1122Hellf and destruction are 23before the LORD: how much more then theg hearts of the 24children of men?

22 Compare the annotations at Job 26 on verse 6.

f Job 26:6.

23 That is, are naked and discovered before His eyes, Heb. 4:13.

g 2 Chron. 6:30; Psalm 7:9; 44:21; Jer. 17:9, 10; John 2:24, 25; 21:17; Acts 1:24.

24 Namely, who move about here on earth in the clear light of the sun. This is spoken of God after the manner of men; for with Him all things are alike possible, and easy to be done.

12 A 25scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: 26neither will he go unto the wise.

25 See Prov. 1 on verse 22.

26 Namely, because he hates reproof.

13 Ah merry heart maketh a 27cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart 28the spirit is broken.

h Prov. 17:22; 18:14.

27 Hebr. make it good, that is, joyful, glad, cheerful. See Judges 16 on verse 25; 1 Kings 21 on verse 7.

28 Understand bravery, courage and strength of the heart. Also Gen. 41:8; Joshua 5:1; 1 Sam. 1:15; Psalm 34:18; Prov. 17:22; Isa. 61:3. The meaning is: that a man’s courage, which is wont to discover itself in the face and countenance, is by grief or sorrow of heart cast down and broken.

14The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools 29feedeth on 30foolishness.

29 That is, does not only seek folly, but finds therein such a taste and relish that he thereby, as by sweet and pleasant meat, increases and grows strong in his folly.

30 That is, with false opinions and discourses.

15All the days of the afflicted are 31evil: but he that is of a 32merry heart hath 33a continual feast.

31 That is, sad and grievous. Also Gen. 40 on verse 7.

32 Hebr. good, that is, merry, joyful. See on verse 13.

33 That is, as a perpetual banquet, which is delightful to a man, refreshing him in body with good meat and drink, and in spirit with honest and profitable discourses.

16Betteriis little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and 34trouble therewith.

i Psalm 37:16; Prov. 16:8.

34 Or, disquietness, or, vexation; namely, which proceeds from a bad conscience, and a mistrust of God’s favor; and consequently not joined with the fear of God. Compare Prov. 16:8.

17Betterjis a 35dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.

j Prov. 17:1.

35 The Hebrew word here translated dinner signifies properly victual, which a man takes along with him on his journey, Jer. 40:5, but it is also taken for other food, 2 Kings 25:30; Jer. 52:34, and here.

18 Ak36wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.

k Prov. 28:25; 29:22.

36 Hebr. A man of wrath or of fierce anger, that is, who is soon angry or is easily provoked; also Prov. 22:24; 29:22.

1937The way of the slothful man is 38as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the 39righteous is 40made plain.

37 That is, all that he has to do, to order and to execute or perform.

38 Since it is very troublesome and difficult to pass through briars and thorns, so the slothful person persuades himself that whatever he is to do, it is as difficult and troublesome to go through briars and thorns, and therefore he seeks all excuses to abstain from working. Compare Prov. 26:13.

39 The righteous is contrasted with the sluggard because the sluggards do walk disorderly and do idleness, 2 Thes. 3:11, yea, he seeks to live from another’s labor, and, coming to poverty, he gives himself unto unrighteousness, Eph. 4:28.

40 Or, heightened, that is, is even, smooth, easy and without difficulty that might cause any impediment or block to be laid in the traveler’s way.

20 Al wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.

l Prov. 10:1.

21Follymis joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh 41uprightly.

m Prov. 10:23; 14:9.

41 Hebr. will direct to walk, that is, will order and guide his whole life, words and works, doing and omitting, arranging and guiding, according to what is good and acceptable unto God. See Prov. 3 on verse 6.

2242Without counseln purposes are disappointed: but 43in the multitude of counsellers 44they are established.

42 Understand the purposes, or that which a man intends to set upon, especially if it is a matter of concernment.

n Prov. 11:14.

43 Compare Prov. 11 on verse 14.

44 Namely, of the aforementioned thoughts.

2345A man hath joy by the 46answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how 47good is it!

45 Namely, a wise and understanding man.

46 Or, in the speech and the discourse of his mouth. Compare on verse 1 and the annotation. Here is spoken of what is brought forward wisely and edifyingly; as the following words declare.

47 That is, honest to him who speaks it, and profitable or acceptable to those who hear it.

24The way 48of life is 49above to the wise, that he may depart from 50hell 51beneath.

48 That is, which leads unto life. See Prov. 2 on verse 19.

49 Namely, toward heaven, where true life and happiness is only to be found. See Philip. 3:20; Col. 3:1, 2.

50 That is, from damnation and everlasting destruction.

51 That is, which is below or downward.

25The LORD will destroy theo house of the proud: but he will 52establish the border of the widow.

o Prov. 2:21, 22; 12:7; 14:11.

52 That is, make that it shall not be removed nor diminished to her loss and damage; for in those parts the borders were not distinguished by fields or ditches, but by posts, stakes and stones.

26Thep thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are 53pleasant words.

p Prov. 6:18.

53 Hebr. speeches of pleasantness, namely, proceeding from wise and godly men. Understand words or speeches that, tending only to honor and virtue, are pleasing to God and profitable unto men. Compare Prov. 16:24 and the annotation. Other, the pleasant speeches are pure, namely, before the Lord, Who accounts and esteems them pure, because they flow from an heart that is purified by faith, Acts 15:9.

27Heq that is 54greedy of gain 55troubleth his own house; but he 56that hateth gifts shall live.

q Prov. 1:19.

54 Hebr. he that coveteth covetousness. See Prov. 1 on verse 19.

55 See of the signification of this word 1 Kings 18 on verse 17.

56 Compare Exod. 23:8; Deut. 16:19.

28The heart of the righteous 57studieth 58to answer: but the mouth of the wicked 59poureth out 60evil things.

57 The meaning is: that the heart of a righteous man does not rashly and indiscreetly pour out whatsoever comes upon the lips, but does wisely ponder and consider beforehand what is good and profitable to be spoken.

58 That is, to speak, or to begin a speech. See Judges 18 on verse 14.

59 See of the Hebrew word Psalm 19 on verse 2; Prov. 1 on verse 23.

60 That is, unprofitable and hurtful things.

29The LORD 61is far from the wicked: butr he heareth the prayer of the righteous.

61 Namely, with or in respect of His gracious hearing and Fatherly help. Compare Psalm 10:1; 22:1. On the contrary God is said to be nigh unto them to whom He is gracious, whom He hears and helps, Psalm 34:18; 145:18.

r Psalm 10:17; 34:18; 145:18, 19.

3062The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and as good 63report 64maketh the bones 65fat.

62 That is, that which is seen by the clearness of the eyes, as namely, the difference or variety of colors, the beauty and pleasantness of the fields and meadows, the presence of those whom we love and affect, and that are beneficial to us, etc. Or understand the friendly sight and countenance of one whom we highly esteem, as Prov. 16:15.

s Prov. 25:25.

63 Hebr. hearing. Understand a good report or an honest name, which is apprehended and taken hold of by the hearing.

64 That is, it quickens and enlivens the innermost parts and members of the body, and consequently cheers and refreshes the soul also. Compare the annotation at Prov. 12 on verse 4.

65 Compare Prov. 11 on verse 25.

31The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.

32He that refuseth instruction 66despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth 67understanding.

66 Compare Prov. 8 on verse 36.

67 Hebr. an heart; that is, understanding and wisdom. See Job 9 on verse 4.

33Thet fear of the LORD is the 68instruction of wisdom; and before 69honour is uhumility.

t Prov. 1:7; 9:10.

68 That is, the discipline, the exhortation and amendment, which leads to wisdom. See Prov. 1 on verse 2.

69 Namely, the honor both of this present life and of that which is to come.

u Prov. 18:12.