Proverbs 15
Lutheran reading notes
In Proverbs chapter 15, the wisdom literature continues to explore wisdom for righteous living and reverence for God. Lutheran interpretation often emphasizes humanity’s limitations and the need to rely on God's grace and promises. The chapter highlights the contrast between human striving and the faithfulness of God.
1
A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
Proverbs 15:1 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
2
The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. {poureth: Heb. belcheth, or, bubbleth}
Proverbs 15:2 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
3
The eyes of the LORD {are} in every place, beholding the evil and the good.
Proverbs 15:3 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
4
A wholesome tongue {is} a tree of life: but perverseness therein {is} a breach in the spirit. {A wholesome...: Heb. The healing of the tongue}
Proverbs 15:4 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
5
A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.
Proverbs 15:5 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
6
In the house of the righteous {is} much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.
Proverbs 15:6 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
7
The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish {doeth} not so.
Proverbs 15:7 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
8
The sacrifice of the wicked {is} an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright {is} his delight.
Proverbs 15:8 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
9
The way of the wicked {is} an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.
Proverbs 15:9 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
10
Correction {is} grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: {and} he that hateth reproof shall die. {Correction: or, Instruction}
Proverbs 15:10 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
11
Hell and destruction {are} before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?
Proverbs 15:11 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
12
A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.
Proverbs 15:12 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
13
A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
Proverbs 15:13 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
14
The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.
Proverbs 15:14 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
15
All the days of the afflicted {are} evil: but he that is of a merry heart {hath} a continual feast.
Proverbs 15:15 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
16
Better {is} little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.
Proverbs 15:16 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
17
Better {is} a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.
Proverbs 15:17 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
18
A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but {he that is} slow to anger appeaseth strife.
Proverbs 15:18 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
19
The way of the slothful {man is} as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous {is} made plain. {is made...: Heb. is raised up as a causey}
Proverbs 15:19 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
20
A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.
Proverbs 15:20 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
21
Folly {is} joy to {him that is} destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly. {destitute...: Heb. void of heart}
Proverbs 15:21 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
22
Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.
Proverbs 15:22 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
23
A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word {spoken} in due season, how good {is it}! {due...: Heb. his season}
Proverbs 15:23 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
24
The way of life {is} above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.
Proverbs 15:24 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
25
The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.
Proverbs 15:25 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
26
The thoughts of the wicked {are} an abomination to the LORD: but {the words} of the pure {are} pleasant words. {pleasant...: Heb. words of pleasantness}
Proverbs 15:26 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
27
He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.
Proverbs 15:27 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
28
The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.
Proverbs 15:28 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
29
The LORD {is} far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
Proverbs 15:29 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
30
The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: {and} a good report maketh the bones fat.
Proverbs 15:30 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
31
The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.
Proverbs 15:31 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
32
He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding. {instruction: or, correction} {heareth: or, obeyeth} {getteth...: Heb. possesseth an heart}
Proverbs 15:32 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
33
The fear of the LORD {is} the instruction of wisdom; and before honour {is} humility.
Proverbs 15:33 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.