#oldtestament #proverbs #proverbs15 # Proverbs 15 > [!info] Table of Contents > [[#📜 Scripture Text]] [[#📖 Verse-by-Verse Commentary]] [[#🧠 Chapter Summary]] [[#🔎 Key Observations / 🛟 Life Application]] [[#✍️ Key Verses to Remember]] [[#🔗 Related Passages]] [[#🙏 Devotional Reflection]] >[[Proverbs Overview]] --- ## 📜 Scripture Text A gentle answer deflects anger,     but harsh words make tempers flare. 2 The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing,     but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness. 3 The Lord is watching everywhere,     keeping his eye on both the evil and the good. 4 Gentle words are a tree of life;     a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. 5 Only a fool despises a parent’s discipline;     whoever learns from correction is wise. 6 There is treasure in the house of the godly,     but the earnings of the wicked bring trouble. 7 The lips of the wise give good advice;     the heart of a fool has none to give. 8 The Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked,     but he delights in the prayers of the upright. 9 The Lord detests the way of the wicked,     but he loves those who pursue godliness. 10 Whoever abandons the right path will be severely disciplined;     whoever hates correction will die. 11 Even Death and Destruction hold no secrets from the Lord.     How much more does he know the human heart! 12 Mockers hate to be corrected,     so they stay away from the wise. 13 A glad heart makes a happy face;     a broken heart crushes the spirit. 14 A wise person is hungry for knowledge,     while the fool feeds on trash. 15 For the despondent, every day brings trouble;     for the happy heart, life is a continual feast. 16 Better to have little, with fear for the Lord,     than to have great treasure and inner turmoil. 17 A bowl of vegetables with someone you love     is better than steak with someone you hate. 18 A hot-tempered person starts fights;     a cool-tempered person stops them. 19 A lazy person’s way is blocked with briers,     but the path of the upright is an open highway. 20 Sensible children bring joy to their father;     foolish children despise their mother. 21 Foolishness brings joy to those with no sense;     a sensible person stays on the right path. 22 Plans go wrong for lack of advice;     many advisers bring success. 23 Everyone enjoys a fitting reply;     it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time! 24 The path of life leads upward for the wise;     they leave the grave behind. 25 The Lord tears down the house of the proud,     but he protects the property of widows. 26 The Lord detests evil plans,     but he delights in pure words. 27 Greed brings grief to the whole family,     but those who hate bribes will live. 28 The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking;     the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words. 29 The Lord is far from the wicked,     but he hears the prayers of the righteous. 30 A cheerful look brings joy to the heart;     good news makes for good health. 31 If you listen to constructive criticism,     you will be at home among the wise. 32 If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself;     but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding. 33 Fear of the Lord teaches wisdom;     humility precedes honor. --- ## 📖 Verse-by-Verse Commentary Each verse is important. --- ## 🤔 Interesting Facts - Chapter 15 highlights the power of words to either heal or harm—“A gentle answer turns away wrath.” - Verse 3—“The eyes of the Lord are in every place”—teaches God’s omnipresence and moral oversight. - There’s a strong emphasis on teachability, shown in repeated praise for those who accept correction. - The chapter introduces the idea that God detests the sacrifice of the wicked, linking morality with worship. - Proverbs 15 includes themes that align closely with the teachings of Jesus, particularly in the Sermon on the Mount. --- ## 🧠 Chapter Summary **Main Teaching**: Proverbs 15 contrasts the responses and consequences of wisdom and foolishness, especially in speech and temperament. It teaches that gentle answers defuse conflict, while harsh words stir it up, and that the fear of the Lord leads to wisdom and contentment. **How It Fits in Proverbs**: This chapter emphasizes emotional intelligence and speech ethics as key components of wise living. It fits the overall theme by showing how wisdom brings peace, joy, and divine favor. **Apologetic Insight**: Proverbs 15 underscores that moral speech and self-control are not just social virtues, but spiritual indicators. It supports the idea that God sees both heart and behavior, challenging any worldview that limits morality to external actions alone. --- ## 🔎 Key Observations / 🛟 Life Application - 📌 A gentle answer turns away wrath; harsh words stir up anger. - 📌 The Lord sees everything, even the hidden motives of the heart. - 📌 Wisdom is found in those who humbly accept correction. #### Today, I can apply this chapter by: - ✅ Respond gently to criticism today instead of reacting in anger. - ✅ Make your home a peaceful place by choosing joy and kindness. - ✅ Don’t ignore correction; reflect on it and apply what’s helpful. - ✅ Take time to pray before making an important decision. - ✅ Speak to others in a way that brings healing, not harm. --- ## ✍️ Key Verses to Remember **📖 Proverbs 15:1** “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” - **Why it matters**: This is one of the most practical relational tools in Scripture. It teaches the power of tone and attitude in defusing conflict. --- ## 🔗 Related Passages - 🔗 James 1:19 – “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” - 🔗 1 Thessalonians 5:16–17 – “Rejoice always, pray continually…” - 🔗 Proverbs 17:22 – “A cheerful heart is good medicine…” (Also reinforces this theme later in Proverbs.) --- ## 🙏 Devotional Reflection Write 3–6 sentences reflecting on: - How this chapter encourages your faith, - Convicts your heart, - Reveals God's character. Optional format: "In light of this chapter, I am challenged to..." or "I am comforted by..." --- ## 📂 Tags