“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Explanation and Commentary of Proverbs 15:1 If someone is angry with you, if they are wrathful towards you, the difficult thing is to refuse to return malice for malice, wrath for wrath, but doing so is crucial if you want to “turn away wrath.” Summary The way to avoid stirring up strife, is to be slow to anger (v18) instead of becoming angry quickly or easily. Saying things that grieve people cause them to become more and more angry (v1), but responding gently can calm them down even when they’re starting to get mad. The way we speak is so important. This is an interesting chapter made up of more contrasting proverbs in regard to living life in society and before God. Commentators break this chapter down in many different ways. As we have in our NASB and King James Bibles, this chapter ends with vs. 33. In the house of the righteous there is much treasure: Because wisdom and godliness tend to bring prosperity, this is generally true of material treasure. Thankfully, the treasure in the house of the righteous isn’t only material; the greater treasure is spiritual.
Proverbs Chapter 15:1-33
A soft answer turns away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. The tongue of the wise uses knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools pours out foolishness. The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit. A fool despises his father’s instruction: but he that regards reproof is prudent. In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble. The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so. The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight. The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that follows after righteousness. Correction is grievous unto him that forsakes the way: and he that hates reproof shall die. Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men? A scorner loveth not one that reproves him: neither will he go unto the wise. A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. The heart of him that hath understanding seeks knowledge: but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness. All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast. Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith. Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith. A wrathful man stirs up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeases strife. The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain. A wise son makes a glad father: but a foolish man despises his mother. Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walks uprightly. Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established. A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it! The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath. The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow. The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words. He that is greedy of gain troubles his own house; but he that hates gifts shall live. The heart of the righteous studies to answer: but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things. The LORD is far from the wicked: but he hears the prayer of the righteous. The light of the eyes rejoices the heart: and a good report makes the bones fat. The ear that hears the reproof of life abides among the wise. He that refuses instruction despises his own soul: but he that hears reproof gets understanding. The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honor is humility.
{Lets Pray}
Father God in heaven, I believe that I may take note of the godly and gracious way to speak to others and apply it in my life. I thank You and praise You for this mind that is a gift from You. Assist me in being careful when responding to the words of others so that I do not promote anger. Guide me to turn away any bitterness or wrath with a soft and gentle answer. Let my speech be a tree of life to others and prevent me from ever crushing anyone’s heart or soul, through careless speech. I believe for my lips to spread wisdom, knowledge, and keep me from foolish reactions or from spouting folly in some unguarded moment. Let my speech and language reflect the gracious words that fell from the lips of the Lord Jesus during His temporary stay on earth, and I only want to say and do those things that honor Your Precious Name Jesus Amen.
{Power Verse}
The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honor is humility.
Proverbs 15:33
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