American King James Version - AKJV - 1999
Proverbs 15
2
The tongue of the wise uses knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools pours out foolishness.
Reference
3
The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.
Reference
Parallel theme
Hebrews 4:13
Jeremiah 16:17
Jeremiah 32:19
Job 31:4
References Lord
Jeremiah 23:24
2 Chronicles 16:9
Proverbs 5:21
4
A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.
Reference
6
In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.
Reference
Parallel theme
Proverbs 8:21
Proverbs 21:20
Proverbs 10:22
Hebrews 11:26
Proverbs 15:16
Ecclesiastes 4:6
Righteousness
Psalm 112:3
Proverbs 16:8
Psalm 37:16
Proverbs 13:22
7
The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish does not so.
Reference
Parallel theme
Matthew 12:34
8
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
Reference
Parallel theme
1 Chronicles 29:17
John 4:24
Prayer
Proverbs 15:29
Proverbs 28:9
Psalm 17:1
Sacrifice
Proverbs 21:27
Jeremiah 6:20
Isaiah 61:8
Ecclesiastes 5:1
Isaiah 66:3
9
The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but he loves him that follows after righteousness.
Reference
Love
1 Timothy 6:11
Parallel theme
Jeremiah 44:4
Matthew 7:13
References Lord
Hosea 6:3
Righteousness
Proverbs 21:21
Habakkuk 1:13
10
Correction is grievous to him that forsakes the way: and he that hates reproof shall die.
Reference
11
Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?
Reference
Parallel theme
Psalm 44:21
Psalm 139:8
Job 26:6
2 Chronicles 6:30
Hebrews 4:13
Revelation 2:23
Revelation 1:18
Psalm 7:9
Proverbs 27:20
References Lord
Jeremiah 17:10
13
A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
Reference
14
The heart of him that has understanding seeks knowledge: but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.
Reference
15
All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart has a continual feast.
Reference
19
The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.
Reference
21
Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walks uprightly.
Reference
22
Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.
Reference
23
A man has joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!
Reference
Good
Ephesians 4:29
Proverbs 12:14
Parallel theme
Proverbs 16:13
Proverbs 24:26
Ecclesiastes 3:1
Word
Isaiah 50:4
25
The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.
Reference
Parallel theme
Proverbs 12:7
Proverbs 23:10
Proverbs 14:11
James 1:27
Daniel 5:20
References Lord
Psalm 146:9
Isaiah 2:12
Psalm 138:6
26
The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.
Reference
28
The heart of the righteous studies to answer: but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.
Reference
29
The LORD is far from the wicked: but he hears the prayer of the righteous.
Reference
Parallel theme
John 9:31
Prayer
Proverbs 15:8
References Lord
Psalm 138:6
Psalm 10:1
Righteousness
1 Peter 3:12
Matthew 25:46
30
The light of the eyes rejoices the heart: and a good report makes the bones fat.
Reference
Good
Proverbs 25:25
Proverbs 17:22
Light
Revelation 22:5
Revelation 21:23
Psalm 89:15
Proverbs 13:9
Ecclesiastes 11:7
Ezra 9:8
Parallel theme
Isaiah 58:11
32
He that refuses instruction despises his own soul: but he that hears reproof gets understanding.
Reference
33
The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honor is humility.
Reference
Parallel theme
Proverbs 18:12
1 Peter 5:5
Proverbs 29:23
Luke 14:11
References Lord
Proverbs 1:7
Psalm 111:10
James 4:10
Psalm 34:11
Job 28:28
Proverbs 8:13
Summary of Proverbs 15
Proverbs 15 is largely about how the condition of the heart becomes visible through everyday behavior. The chapter moves through speech, anger, family, wealth, prayer, correction, leadership, and relationships, but one idea repeatedly appears: wisdom changes the way a person responds to life.
The chapter opens with one of its most memorable lessons: a gentle answer can turn away anger.
A harsh response can take a small disagreement and make it much worse. A calm response can interrupt that cycle. Wisdom therefore does not always mean having the strongest argument. Sometimes it means having enough self-control to answer without adding more anger.
This theme continues throughout the chapter's many observations about speech.
Wise people use words carefully.
They know when to speak.
They think before answering.
Their words can provide knowledge, encouragement, and healing.
Foolish words can do the opposite. They can wound people, create conflict, spread evil, or reveal a lack of understanding.
The chapter therefore presents speech almost like a tool. The same mouth can either build someone up or damage them.
But Proverbs 15 goes deeper than words.
It reminds the reader that God sees what happens inside the heart. People may only see outward behavior, but God sees motives, thoughts, desires, and intentions. This is why external religious activity cannot substitute for genuine righteousness. A person's prayers and offerings have little meaning when his life is built around wickedness.
The chapter then returns to correction.
A wise person accepts it.
A foolish person avoids it.
This distinction is repeated because it is so important. Correction can be uncomfortable, but it can save a person from continuing down the wrong path. Pride says, "I already know." Wisdom says, "I may still have something to learn."
The chapter also gives a beautiful picture of contentment.
It says that a little with the fear of the LORD is better than great wealth accompanied by trouble. A simple meal shared with love is better than an expensive feast surrounded by hatred.
These statements challenge the idea that more is automatically better.
A wealthy home filled with conflict is not necessarily a successful home.
A modest home filled with love and peace may contain something far more valuable.
The chapter also emphasizes wise counsel. Plans can fail when people refuse advice, but decisions become stronger when thoughtful people contribute their perspectives. Wisdom is therefore not always about finding the answer alone.
Another important theme is the connection between inner peace and outward life.
A joyful heart can bring brightness to a person's life.
A broken spirit can weigh heavily.
An encouraging message can lift someone.
A peaceful heart is healthier than one consumed by envy and anger.
The chapter gradually moves toward its conclusion by emphasizing the fear of the LORD and humility.
These are presented as foundations of wisdom.
A person who reverences God recognizes that he is not the ultimate authority over everything. That humility makes him more willing to listen, learn, change, and seek wise counsel.
The chapter ends with a powerful sequence:
fear of the LORD ? wisdom ? humility ? honor.
Overall, Proverbs 15 teaches that wisdom begins inside but becomes visible outside.
It appears in the way we answer an angry person.
It appears in whether we accept correction.
It appears in whether we choose peace over conflict.
It appears in how we treat our family.
It appears in whether we value integrity more than wealth.
It appears in the way we pray.
And it appears in whether we are humble enough to admit that we still have something to learn.
The central message is:
A wise life is not measured by wealth, status, or outward appearance. It is revealed through a humble heart, careful words, peaceful relationships, willingness to accept correction, and genuine reverence for God.
The chapter opens with one of its most memorable lessons: a gentle answer can turn away anger.
A harsh response can take a small disagreement and make it much worse. A calm response can interrupt that cycle. Wisdom therefore does not always mean having the strongest argument. Sometimes it means having enough self-control to answer without adding more anger.
This theme continues throughout the chapter's many observations about speech.
Wise people use words carefully.
They know when to speak.
They think before answering.
Their words can provide knowledge, encouragement, and healing.
Foolish words can do the opposite. They can wound people, create conflict, spread evil, or reveal a lack of understanding.
The chapter therefore presents speech almost like a tool. The same mouth can either build someone up or damage them.
But Proverbs 15 goes deeper than words.
It reminds the reader that God sees what happens inside the heart. People may only see outward behavior, but God sees motives, thoughts, desires, and intentions. This is why external religious activity cannot substitute for genuine righteousness. A person's prayers and offerings have little meaning when his life is built around wickedness.
The chapter then returns to correction.
A wise person accepts it.
A foolish person avoids it.
This distinction is repeated because it is so important. Correction can be uncomfortable, but it can save a person from continuing down the wrong path. Pride says, "I already know." Wisdom says, "I may still have something to learn."
The chapter also gives a beautiful picture of contentment.
It says that a little with the fear of the LORD is better than great wealth accompanied by trouble. A simple meal shared with love is better than an expensive feast surrounded by hatred.
These statements challenge the idea that more is automatically better.
A wealthy home filled with conflict is not necessarily a successful home.
A modest home filled with love and peace may contain something far more valuable.
The chapter also emphasizes wise counsel. Plans can fail when people refuse advice, but decisions become stronger when thoughtful people contribute their perspectives. Wisdom is therefore not always about finding the answer alone.
Another important theme is the connection between inner peace and outward life.
A joyful heart can bring brightness to a person's life.
A broken spirit can weigh heavily.
An encouraging message can lift someone.
A peaceful heart is healthier than one consumed by envy and anger.
The chapter gradually moves toward its conclusion by emphasizing the fear of the LORD and humility.
These are presented as foundations of wisdom.
A person who reverences God recognizes that he is not the ultimate authority over everything. That humility makes him more willing to listen, learn, change, and seek wise counsel.
The chapter ends with a powerful sequence:
fear of the LORD ? wisdom ? humility ? honor.
Overall, Proverbs 15 teaches that wisdom begins inside but becomes visible outside.
It appears in the way we answer an angry person.
It appears in whether we accept correction.
It appears in whether we choose peace over conflict.
It appears in how we treat our family.
It appears in whether we value integrity more than wealth.
It appears in the way we pray.
And it appears in whether we are humble enough to admit that we still have something to learn.
The central message is:
A wise life is not measured by wealth, status, or outward appearance. It is revealed through a humble heart, careful words, peaceful relationships, willingness to accept correction, and genuine reverence for God.