Chapter 15
Have you ever watched an argument deflate just because someone responded with a calm voice and a level head? It’s like emotional judo. They don’t fight harder; they just refuse to swing. On the flip side, one sarcastic comeback or raised eyebrow can throw gas on the fire and send Thanksgiving dinner into DEFCON 1.
The Lord is probably the only one who could count how many times my words have lit the fuse on a relational bomb, especially in my marriage. I may have meant well, but the wrong words at the wrong time have launched more unnecessary battles than I care to admit. Intent doesn’t always matter when your tone comes in hot. Honestly, I find myself circling back to this chapter often. It is like spiritual carb-loading. This bread of truth – you can never eat too much of it.
Proverbs 15 opens with this gem: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” It’s not just about what you say — it’s how you say it. Tone can either be a bridge or a bomb.
This chapter draws sharp contrasts: wisdom vs. foolishness, gentle words vs. cutting ones, the life of the righteous vs. the path of the wicked. But running through all of it is one simple truth: your words carry weight. They can build someone up or tear them down. They can bring calm or chaos. They can either reflect the wisdom of God — or the frustration of your ego.
And let’s be honest, we live in a world where harsh words are currency. Whether it’s social media rants, passive-aggressive emails, or group chat shade, people love the quick clapback. But Proverbs 15 shows us a better way, not weaker, not timid but wiser. A way that doesn’t just win the argument but saves the relationship.
Jesus modeled this perfectly. He spoke truth, but never used it as a weapon. He could shut down a Pharisee with a sentence, but He could also calm a storm with just a few words. He didn’t shout people into the Kingdom. He invited them with grace and conviction.
Following Him means choosing our words carefully, not to impress, intimidate, or overpower, but to heal, encourage, and point others to truth. Because sometimes the most powerful thing you can say… is said gently.
1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
2 The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.
3 The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.
4 The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.
5 A fool spurns a parent’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.
6 The house of the righteous contains great treasure, but the income of the wicked brings ruin.
7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but the hearts of fools are not upright.
8 The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him.
9 The LORD detests the way of the wicked, but he loves those who pursue righteousness.
10 Stern discipline awaits anyone who leaves the path; the one who hates correction will die.
11 Death and Destruction lie open before the LORD–how much more do human hearts!
12 Mockers resent correction, so they avoid the wise.
13 A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.
14 The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.
15 All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.
16 Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great wealth with turmoil.
17 Better a small serving of vegetables with love than a fattened calf with hatred.
18 A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.
19 The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway.
20 A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother.
21 Folly brings joy to one who has no sense, but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course.
22 Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.
23 A person finds joy in giving an apt reply–and how good is a timely word!
24 The path of life leads upward for the prudent to keep them from going down to the realm of the dead.
25 The LORD tears down the house of the proud, but he sets the widow’s boundary stones in place.
26 The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked, but gracious words are pure in his sight.
27 The greedy bring ruin to their households, but the one who hates bribes will live.
28 The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.
29 The LORD is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.
30 Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.
31 Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise.
32 Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding.
33 Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the LORD, and humility comes before honor.