Proverbs 15 - Contrast The Upright And The Wicked Series

Pearls From Proverbs – Chapter Fifteen

We will now look at Proverbs chapter fifteen:

Contrast the Upright and the Wicked

1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1 (NASB)

This is an excellent verse to commit to memory. Have you ever tried to argue in a whisper? It is equally hard to argue with someone who insists on answering gently. On the other hand, a rising voice and harsh words almost always trigger an angry response. To turn away wrath and seek peace, choose gentle words.

2 The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable, But the mouth of fools spouts folly. Proverbs 15:2 (NASB)

It is very difficult to know:

- when to speak, and when to be silent

- what to speak, and what to leave unspoken

I am sure there have been times when all of us have spoken when there should have been silence. Let wisdom be our teacher.

3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place, Watching the evil and the good. Proverbs 15:3 (NASB)

Where can you go to hide from God? There is no such a place.

At times it seems that God has let evil run rampant in the world and we wonder if he even notices it. But God sees everything clearly—both the evil actions and the evil intentions lying behind them. God is not standing idly by – He is not an indifferent observer. He cares and is active in our world. Right now, His work may be unseen and unfelt – but don't give up. One day He will wipe out evil and punish the evildoers. He will establish the good and reward those who do His will.

4 A soothing tongue is a tree of life, But perversion in it crushes the spirit. Proverbs 15:4 (NASB)

The words we say can bring healing or hurt. Our words can bring life to a soul or crush a person. Words have a great influence – let us be very careful how we use our words.

5 A fool rejects his father's discipline, But he who regards reproof is sensible. Proverbs 15:5 (NASB)

Let us listen to the instructions of those who are over us. Regard the words spoken to you. If correction needs to be made – don’t ignore it. That would be foolish.

6 Great wealth is in the house of the righteous, But trouble is in the income of the wicked. Proverbs 15:6 (NASB)

The righteous will have wealth – but it may or may not be material. To have peace of mind and a clean heart is a great thing. To be able to look at oneself in the mirror and have no shame is great wealth indeed. But I hope and pray that the wicked will have no rest.

7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge, But the hearts of fools are not so. Proverbs 15:7 (NASB)

Those who have wisdom – share it. Thus wisdom and knowledge is spread.

8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, But the prayer of the upright is His delight. Proverbs 15:8 (NASB)

To come before the Lord with a crooked and perverse heart is not a good thing. It is an abomination to the Lord. Before you worship make sure your heart is pure.

9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, But He loves one who pursues righteousness. Proverbs 15:9 (NASB)

Note that the verse says that God loves those who “pursues righteousness”. This is a life long journey. Be inconstant pursuit of it. Seek for it. Hunt for it. It is a prey not easily caught.

10 Grievous punishment is for him who forsakes the way; He who hates reproof will die. Proverbs 15:10 (NASB)

Don’t give up on the pursuit of righteousness. The warnings are clear. Punishment and death are for the unrighteous.

11 Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the Lord, How much more the hearts of men! Proverbs 15:11 (NASB)

The abodes of destruction lie open before the Lord. He sees it all. Do you not think that He can see into the hearts of men – no matter how dark their hearts may be?

12 A scoffer does not love one who reproves him, He will not go to the wise. Proverbs 15:12 (NASB)

None of us like reproof – but at times perhaps it is needed. Approach any correction with humility. Listen and if correction is needed – heed.

13 A joyful heart makes a cheerful face, But when the heart is sad, the spirit is broken. Proverbs 15:13 (NASB)

When there is joy in the heart there should be a smile on the face. But when the heart is sad – it affects the spirit.