Proverbs 15:1-10: A Modern Bible Commentary

Proverbs 15:1 – “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

The wisdom of gentleness in speech is profound here. The Hebrew word for “soft” is rak, meaning tender or gentle, contrasting sharply with a “harsh” word, which comes from etsev, meaning painful or hurtful.

This verse connects with James 1:19, which encourages believers to be “slow to anger” and “quick to listen.” It’s sound advice because we live in a world that doesn’t teach patience or kindness. As a parent, I must be reminded of this when communicating with my children. First, to be slow to anger, understanding that they are prone to disobedience and need constant reminders of how to follow directions.

Moreover, quick to listen illustrates that we should be patient and willing to listen to the person we communicate with. Instead of thinking about what to say next, find a way to ask a follow-up question to what the person is saying to you. This strategy shows you are listening to what they are saying, and a follow-up question to their statement gives them more opportunity to share what’s on their mind. This is what good communication is all about.

Historically, this concept is seen in biblical stories such as Abigail’s gentle approach to David in 1 Samuel 25, which turned away his wrath. The theological significance is clear: human anger can be de-escalated by humility and careful speech, reflecting the peacemaking heart of God. Therefore, we ought to be wise like Abigail and other biblical characters when we approach conversations with others because we serve the God of peace.

Proverbs 15:2 – “The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.”

Here, the contrast between the speech of the wise and the fool is further highlighted. The phrase “commends knowledge” in Hebrew can be rendered as yatib da‘at, implying the wise make knowledge attractive or acceptable. The fool, on the other hand, speaks recklessly, pouring out folly (ewiluth), a word that suggests moral deficiency.

Whenever Jesus spoke, the crowds listened attentively. It’s because he was full of wisdom and knowledge. That’s why he drew such large crowds. He is the infinite source of wisdom since John 1 tells us that in the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was God. And that word, logos, became incarnate in Jesus of Nazareth, who is the essence of God’s knowledge.

Theologically, the wise speaker resembles the person in Psalm 37:30, whose mouth “utters wisdom.” This verse echoes Jesus’ warning in Matthew 12:36, where people will be judged for every careless word spoken.

I am sure we have had moments we regret. Out of anger or during intense moments, we may say something hurtful or disrespectful. There is not one word, deed, or careless action we have taken that God is not aware of. He is omniscient and will expose all the darkness to the light someday.

At the same time, God is also the one who forgives us, heals us, and purifies us from all unrighteousness. Therefore, when we do fall into sin through a careless statement, confess it before the Lord and He will heal your wounds. Praise be to God for his mercy.

Proverbs 15:3 – “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.”

This verse emphasizes God’s omnipresence and omniscience. The “eyes of the Lord” (eneh YHWH) is a metaphor seen throughout Scripture (see 2 Chronicles 16:9), reminding us that God is aware of every action, both righteous and wicked.

Historically, the idea that God sees all serves as a comfort to the righteous and a warning to the wicked. This theme also appears in Hebrews 4:13, which asserts that “nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight.”

The world is broken. Turning on the news can even bring forth anxiety because it’s mostly bad. There are wars around the world, natural disasters, crime in our cities, and all of this is happening before God. Why doesn’t he stop it? He has the power to do so, doesn’t he?

God is fully capable of bringing peace in an instant and establishing the kingdom of God here on earth. However, he is not willing that anyone perish but all come to repentance and faith. There are still people in this world who God is waiting to turn from their sin because He is patient and longsuffering with all of us. Let’s be thankful for his compassion towards us all.