Proverbs 15King James Version
A soft answer turneth away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger. The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright. A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance. A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth, and a word spoken in due season, how good is it.
Opens with 'A soft answer turneth away wrath,' one of the most-used proverbs in any language. The chapter is rich on speech, prayer, and the heart: 'The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous' (verse 29). Better a dinner of herbs with love than a fatted ox with strife (verse 17). Wisdom accepts correction; fools hate reproof. Pride goes before destruction.
Tone shapes outcomes. A soft answer, a loving household, and a receptive heart to correction all belong to the same wisdom posture.
15:1: 'A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.' The most widely applied verse in the chapter; interpersonal de-escalation as wisdom.
Domestic and court life in ancient Israel. The contrast between a house with love and a house with strife (verse 17) is universal across cultures, but it carries particular weight in a society where extended families shared close quarters.
Solomon's wisdom collected; no named characters. The 'cheerful heart' (verse 15) as an interior character worth noting.
Proverbs 15 is one of the most accessible chapters for contemporary readers, with numerous verses about communication, emotional regulation, and domestic happiness that translate directly across cultures. The chapter places God's oversight (verses 3, 11, 29) within a chapter otherwise focused on human relational dynamics, grounding ethics in theology.
For when a relationship is fraying and you are not sure whether to push back or absorb. Verse 1 is not weakness; it is a strategy.
1A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
2The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.
3The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.
4A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.
5A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.
6In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.
7The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.
8The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
9The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.
10Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.
11Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?
12A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.
13A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
14The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.
15All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.
16Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.
17Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.
18A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.
19The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.
20A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.
21Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.
22Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.
23A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!
24The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.
25The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.
26The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.
27He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.
28The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.
29The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
30The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.
31The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.
32He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.
33The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.