Proverbs Chapter Study
Wisdom, Speech, and the Fear of the LORD
Proverbs 15 (KJV)
Proverbs 15 teaches the power of gentle speech, correction, humility, prayer, righteousness, and the fear of the LORD. Solomon shows that words can calm anger or stir it up, that God sees both the evil and the good, and that wisdom is revealed through a teachable heart, a controlled tongue, and a life that seeks righteousness before God.
Proverbs 15 shows the power of gentle speech, humble correction, and wisdom rooted in the fear of the LORD.
What You’ll Learn
- Why a soft answer can turn away wrath
- How wise speech differs from foolish speech
- Why correction reveals whether a person is wise or foolish
- How God sees the heart, motives, and actions of every person
- Why righteousness matters more than outward religious activity
- How humility and the fear of the LORD prepare the way for honor
Wisdom is revealed through gentle words, humble correction, righteous living, and reverence before the LORD.
Chapter Navigation
Bible Translation Note: All Scripture on this page is quoted from the King James Version (KJV) and presented in full without alteration.
Proverbs 15 (KJV)
Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
Proverbs 15:2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.
Proverbs 15:3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.
Proverbs 15:4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.
Proverbs 15:5 A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.
Proverbs 15:6 In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.
Proverbs 15:7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.
Proverbs 15:8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
Proverbs 15:9 The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.
Proverbs 15:10 Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.
Proverbs 15:11 Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?
Proverbs 15:12 A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.
Proverbs 15:13 A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
Proverbs 15:14 The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.
Proverbs 15:15 All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.
Proverbs 15:16 Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.
Proverbs 15:17 Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.
Proverbs 15:18 A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.
Proverbs 15:19 The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.
Proverbs 15:20 A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.
Proverbs 15:21 Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.
Proverbs 15:22 Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.
Proverbs 15:23 A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!
Proverbs 15:24 The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.
Proverbs 15:25 The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.
Proverbs 15:26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.
Proverbs 15:27 He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.
Proverbs 15:28 The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.
Proverbs 15:29 The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
Proverbs 15:30 The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.
Proverbs 15:31 The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.
Proverbs 15:32 He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.
Proverbs 15:33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.
Verse-by-Verse Study
Proverbs 15:1
A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
Study: Gentle speech can calm anger before it grows into conflict, while harsh words add fuel to strife. Spiritually, this verse calls for humility and self-control. Practically, tone often determines whether a conversation heals or escalates.
Proverbs 15:2
The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.
Study: Wise people know how to use knowledge properly, while fools speak without restraint. Spiritually, truth must be joined with wisdom. Practically, knowing something does not mean every moment is the right moment to say it.
Proverbs 15:3
The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.
Study: God sees everything, including both outward actions and hidden motives. Spiritually, this brings both warning and comfort. Practically, integrity matters even when no one else is watching.
Proverbs 15:4
A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.
Study: Healing words give life and strength, while twisted speech wounds the spirit. Spiritually, speech can reflect either life or corruption. Practically, words can restore confidence or deeply damage a person.
Proverbs 15:5
A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.
Study: Fools reject correction, but wise people receive it and grow. Spiritually, teachability is a sign of humility. Practically, correction can protect a person from repeated mistakes.
Proverbs 15:6
In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.
Study: Righteousness brings true treasure, while wicked gain brings trouble with it. Spiritually, blessing is not measured only by money. Practically, dishonest gain often costs more than it appears to give.
Proverbs 15:7
The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.
Study: Wise people spread helpful knowledge, but foolish people lack the heart to do so rightly. Spiritually, wisdom is rooted in the heart before it comes out of the mouth. Practically, the best teachers speak from understanding, not ego.
Proverbs 15:8
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
Study: Religious activity without righteousness does not please God, but sincere prayer from the upright delights Him. Spiritually, God cares about the heart behind worship. Practically, outward performance cannot replace obedience.
Proverbs 15:9
The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.
Study: God rejects wickedness but loves those who pursue righteousness. Spiritually, following righteousness means actively seeking God's ways. Practically, direction matters as much as intention.
Proverbs 15:10
Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.
Study: Correction feels painful to those who have left the right path, but rejecting reproof leads to destruction. Spiritually, correction is mercy when it turns someone back to God. Practically, refusing feedback can ruin a life, relationship, or calling.
Proverbs 15:11
Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?
Study: If even the depths of death and destruction are open before God, then human hearts are certainly known by Him. Spiritually, nothing is hidden from the LORD. Practically, this calls for honesty before God and ourselves.
Proverbs 15:12
A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.
Study: Mockers avoid people who correct them and refuse wise counsel. Spiritually, pride isolates a person from truth. Practically, one sign of foolishness is avoiding anyone who challenges you to grow.
Proverbs 15:13
A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
Study: The condition of the heart often shows outwardly. Spiritually, inner joy strengthens a person, while deep sorrow can break the spirit. Practically, the emotional and spiritual health of the heart matters.
Proverbs 15:14
The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.
Study: Understanding creates a hunger for more wisdom, while fools consume foolishness. Spiritually, what the heart desires shapes the direction of life. Practically, what you feed your mind will eventually shape your words and choices.
Proverbs 15:15
All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.
Study: A heavy heart can make life feel continually difficult, while a joyful heart experiences blessing even in simple things. Spiritually, joy changes perspective. Practically, contentment can turn ordinary days into a feast.
Proverbs 15:16
Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.
Study: A small amount with reverence for God is better than wealth filled with trouble. Spiritually, peace with God is greater than possessions. Practically, more money is not a blessing if it brings corruption, anxiety, or conflict.
Proverbs 15:17
Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.
Study: A simple meal with love is better than luxury filled with hatred. Spiritually, love matters more than abundance. Practically, peace in a home is more valuable than outward success without unity.
Proverbs 15:18
A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.
Study: Angry people create conflict, but patient people calm it. Spiritually, self-control reflects wisdom. Practically, one steady person can reduce tension in a room, family, or team.
Proverbs 15:19
The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.
Study: Laziness makes life feel blocked and painful, while righteousness clears the path. Spiritually, obedience brings clarity. Practically, neglect often creates obstacles that diligence would have prevented.
Proverbs 15:20
A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.
Study: Wisdom brings honor to parents, while foolishness shows contempt for them. Spiritually, family relationships reveal character. Practically, choices do not affect only the individual; they also affect those who love them.
Proverbs 15:21
Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.
Study: Foolishness entertains those who lack wisdom, but understanding leads a person to walk uprightly. Spiritually, maturity changes what a person enjoys. Practically, not everything that feels fun is wise or life-giving.
Proverbs 15:22
Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.
Study: Plans often fail without wise counsel, but they become stronger through many good advisers. Spiritually, humility seeks wisdom outside itself. Practically, strong decisions are usually tested by counsel before action.
Proverbs 15:23
A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!
Study: A timely word brings joy and goodness. Spiritually, wise speech includes both truth and timing. Practically, the right words at the right moment can encourage, guide, and strengthen others.
Proverbs 15:24
The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.
Study: Wisdom lifts a person toward life and away from destruction. Spiritually, God's way leads upward in righteousness. Practically, wise choices move a person away from ruin one step at a time.
Proverbs 15:25
The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.
Study: God opposes pride and defends the vulnerable. Spiritually, the LORD sees both arrogance and need. Practically, power without humility is dangerous, but God cares for those who lack protection.
Proverbs 15:26
The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.
Study: God judges not only outward actions but also wicked thoughts. Spiritually, purity begins in the heart and mind. Practically, pure motives produce words that are more pleasing and life-giving.
Proverbs 15:27
He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.
Study: Greed brings trouble into the home, while rejecting corrupt gain preserves life. Spiritually, covetousness damages the soul. Practically, dishonest or greedy choices eventually affect the whole household.
Proverbs 15:28
The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.
Study: The righteous think carefully before answering, while the wicked speak evil without restraint. Spiritually, wisdom includes patience. Practically, pausing before speaking can prevent regret and damage.
Proverbs 15:29
The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
Study: Sin creates distance from God, but the LORD hears the prayer of the righteous. Spiritually, relationship with God matters deeply in prayer. Practically, a life of obedience gives confidence in seeking God.
Proverbs 15:30
The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.
Study: Encouragement, joy, and good news strengthen the inner person. Spiritually, hope refreshes the heart. Practically, uplifting words and reports can bring real strength to someone who is weary.
Proverbs 15:31
The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.
Study: A person who listens to life-giving correction will remain among the wise. Spiritually, reproof can be a tool of growth. Practically, the ability to hear correction keeps a person from foolish patterns.
Proverbs 15:32
He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.
Study: Refusing instruction harms the soul, but receiving correction brings understanding. Spiritually, instruction is part of God's mercy. Practically, people who reject all correction often become their own greatest obstacle.
Proverbs 15:33
The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.
Study: True wisdom begins with reverence for the LORD, and honor is preceded by humility. Spiritually, humility prepares the heart to receive God’s instruction. Practically, lasting honor does not come through pride but through humble obedience.
Chapter Synopsis
Proverbs 15 teaches that wisdom is shown through speech, humility, correction, righteousness, and the fear of the LORD. Solomon repeatedly contrasts gentle words with harsh words, teachable hearts with stubborn hearts, and righteous living with wickedness. The chapter shows that God sees every person clearly, that prayer from the upright delights Him, and that outward religious activity cannot replace a righteous heart. Proverbs 15 also emphasizes the value of counsel, patience, contentment, love, and humility. The chapter closes by teaching that the fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom and that humility comes before honor.
Prayer
Lord, teach me to speak with wisdom, patience, and grace. Help me respond gently when I am tempted to answer harshly. Give me a teachable heart that receives correction instead of resisting it. Keep me from pride, greed, anger, and foolishness. Let my prayers, words, and actions be pleasing to You. Teach me to fear You, walk humbly, and pursue righteousness each day. Amen.
Personal Application
Speech and Tone
Choose words that calm conflict, bring life, and reflect self-control instead of stirring up anger.
Correction and Teachability
Receive correction as a tool for wisdom instead of treating it as a personal attack.
Prayer and Righteousness
Pursue a life that aligns with the prayers you bring before God.
Humility Before Honor
Seek humility before recognition, remembering that lasting honor follows reverence for the LORD.
Weekly Actions
- Read Proverbs 15 every day this week
- Memorize Proverbs 15:1 or Proverbs 15:33
- Pause before responding during one difficult conversation
- Ask someone wise for honest correction or counsel
- Replace one harsh response with a gentle answer
- Pray daily for wisdom in speech and humility in correction
- Identify one area where pride needs to be replaced with humility
Chapter Summary
Proverbs 15 teaches that wisdom is deeply connected to speech, humility, correction, prayer, and reverence for God. The chapter begins by showing that a soft answer can turn away wrath while harsh words stir up anger. Solomon then contrasts the tongue of the wise with the mouth of fools, reminding readers that God sees every action, motive, and heart. The chapter warns against rejecting correction and shows that teachability is essential to wisdom. It also teaches that righteousness is more valuable than wealth, that love is better than abundance with hatred, and that wise counsel helps establish good plans. Proverbs 15 repeatedly shows that God delights in the prayer of the upright and hears the righteous, while wickedness and pride are offensive to Him. The chapter closes with a foundational truth: the fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, and humility comes before honor.
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