January 18, 2024

Self-Control Is Typically a Lesson for Kids, But Adults Need It, Too!

Proverbs 15

Reese Tomberlin
Thursday's Devo

January 18, 2024

Thursday's Devo

January 18, 2024

Thursday's Devo

January 18, 2024

Thursday's Devo

January 18, 2024

Big Book Idea

Living wisely; God's way.

Key Verse | Proverbs 15:18

A hot-tempered man stirs up strife,
but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.

Proverbs 15

1  A soft answer turns away wrath,
    but a harsh word stirs up anger.
2  The tongue of the wise commends knowledge,
    but the mouths of fools pour out folly.
3  The eyes of the LORD are in every place,
    keeping watch on the evil and the good.
4  A gentle 1 15:4 Or healing tongue is a tree of life,
    but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.
5  A fool despises his father's instruction,
    but whoever heeds reproof is prudent.
6  In the house of the righteous there is much treasure,
    but trouble befalls the income of the wicked.
7  The lips of the wise spread knowledge;
    not so the hearts of fools. 2 15:7 Or the hearts of fools are not steadfast
8  The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD,
    but the prayer of the upright is acceptable to him.
9  The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD,
    but he loves him who pursues righteousness.
10  There is severe discipline for him who forsakes the way;
    whoever hates reproof will die.
11  Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the LORD;
    how much more the hearts of the children of man!
12  A scoffer does not like to be reproved;
    he will not go to the wise.
13  A glad heart makes a cheerful face,
    but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed.
14  The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge,
    but the mouths of fools feed on folly.
15  All the days of the afflicted are evil,
    but the cheerful of heart has a continual feast.
16  Better is a little with the fear of the LORD
    than great treasure and trouble with it.
17  Better is a dinner of herbs where love is
    than a fattened ox and hatred with it.
18  A hot-tempered man stirs up strife,
    but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.
19  The way of a sluggard is like a hedge of thorns,
    but the path of the upright is a level highway.
20  A wise son makes a glad father,
    but a foolish man despises his mother.
21  Folly is a joy to him who lacks sense,
    but a man of understanding walks straight ahead.
22  Without counsel plans fail,
    but with many advisers they succeed.
23  To make an apt answer is a joy to a man,
    and a word in season, how good it is!
24  The path of life leads upward for the prudent,
    that he may turn away from Sheol beneath.
25  The LORD tears down the house of the proud
    but maintains the widow's boundaries.
26  The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD,
    but gracious words are pure.
27  Whoever is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own household,
    but he who hates bribes will live.
28  The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer,
    but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.
29  The LORD is far from the wicked,
    but he hears the prayer of the righteous.
30  The light of the eyes rejoices the heart,
    and good news refreshes 3 15:30 Hebrew makes fat the bones.
31  The ear that listens to life-giving reproof
    will dwell among the wise.
32  Whoever ignores instruction despises himself,
    but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence.
33  The fear of the LORD is instruction in wisdom,
    and humility comes before honor.

Footnotes

[1] 15:4 Or healing
[2] 15:7 Or the hearts of fools are not steadfast
[3] 15:30 Hebrew makes fat
Table of Contents
Introduction to Proverbs

Introduction to Proverbs

Timeline

Author and Date

Proverbs itself mentions Solomon (reigned c. 971–931 B.C.) as author or collector of its contents (1:1; 10:1), including the proverbs copied by Hezekiah’s men (25:1). There are also two batches of sayings from a group called “the wise” (22:17–24:22; 24:23–34), and “oracles” from Agur (30:1–33) and Lemuel (31:1–9). No author is named for the song in praise of the excellent wife that ends the book (31:10–31). Although Proverbs was begun in the time of Solomon, it probably was not in its present form until the time of Hezekiah (reigned c. 715–686 B.C.).

Theme

The goal of the book is stated right at the beginning (1:1–7): to describe what wisdom is and to help God’s people become wise. Wisdom is founded in the “fear of the Lord,” and it enables believers to express their faith in the practical details of everyday life.

Audience

The book is addressed to a young man. The situations he will face while he is young receive much attention. These situations supply concrete examples from which all readers can apply lessons to their own lives. Anyone who is wise and who pays attention will benefit (1:5) from this instruction.

Reading Proverbs

The reader of Proverbs must seek to understand the various types of people the book describes. The most obvious characters in the book are the wise, the fool, and the simple. Proverbs urges its readers to be wise, which means embracing God’s covenant and living out the covenant in everyday situations (compare 2:2; 10:1). The fool is the person who constantly opposes God’s covenant (1:7b). The simple is the person who is not firmly committed, either to wisdom or to folly; he is easily misled (14:15).

The first nine chapters of Proverbs are “wisdom poems” that urge the reader to pursue wisdom. The main section of Proverbs—the concise, memorable statements of two or three lines—begins in 10:1. Proverbs often seem to be mere observations about life, but their deeper meanings will reveal themselves if the following questions are kept in mind: (1) What virtue does this proverb commend? (2) What vice does it disapprove of? (3) What value does it affirm?

Key Themes

Proverbs offers wisdom on a wide array of topics from daily life: diligence and laziness (6:6–11); friendship (3:27–28; 18:24); speech (10:19–21); marriage (18:22; 19:14); child rearing (22:6); domestic peace (15:17; 17:1); work (11:1); getting along and good manners (23:1–2; 25:16–17; 26:17–19; 27:14); eternity (14:32; 23:17–18); and much more. It shows that “godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (1 Tim. 4:8).

  1. God’s will is intensely practical, applying to every aspect of life. A proper relation to God involves trying hard to understand his truth, and then embracing and obeying that truth.
  2. A life lived by God’s will is a happy life (3:21–26).
  3. A life lived by God’s will is a useful life (3:27–28; 12:18, 25).
  4. A life lived by God’s will does not just happen. One must seek after it (9:1–6).

Outline

  1. Title, Goal, and Motto (1:1–7)
  2. A Father’s Invitation to Wisdom (1:8–9:18)
  3. Proverbs of Solomon (10:1–22:16)
  4. The Thirty Sayings of “the Wise” (22:17–24:22)
  5. Further Sayings of “the Wise” (24:23–34)
  6. Hezekiah’s Collection of Solomonic Proverbs (25:1–29:27)
  7. The Sayings of Agur (30:1–33)
  8. The Sayings of King Lemuel (31:1–9)
  9. An Alphabet of Womanly Excellence (31:10–31)
The Global Message of Proverbs

The Global Message of Proverbs

Proverbs: Wisdom for the World

The book of Proverbs is not simply a collection of “wise sayings” for life. It is heaven-sent help for stumbling sinners all over the world from every walk of life who are willing to listen to something other than their own fallen instincts. The “fool” in Proverbs is not someone who lacks intellectual capacity but one who stubbornly lives out of his own fallen intuitions, resisting instruction and correction. Likewise, the wise person in Proverbs is not someone who is intellectually superior but someone who humbly places himself beneath the authority of God. Such wisdom is for all God’s people everywhere.

In his great mercy God has clearly shown wisdom to the world—both through the instruction of his Word and in the person of his Son. The book of Proverbs summarizes true wisdom as rooted in the “fear of the LORD” (Prov. 1:7). In Jesus such wisdom takes on new clarity and glory as the one who is the “wisdom of God” (1 Cor. 1:24) and who “became to us wisdom from God” (1 Cor. 1:30). God’s global people are to receive such wise instruction, to base their wise living in the fear and worship of God, and to testify to a lost world about God’s saving wisdom.

God’s Wisdom Is Theological and Practical

In one sense wisdom is very much universal. It is difficult to find a culture or tradition without its own legacy of wise sayings. Some of these are culture-specific; others reflect the shared human experience.

Scripture’s admonition and exhortation about wisdom, however, is clear. Our faith is not to rest on man’s wisdom but is to be rooted in God’s power (1 Cor. 2:5). The wisdom of this world is “folly with God” (1 Cor. 3:19). Ultimate wisdom is from God (1 Cor. 1:30) and is revealed by God (1 Cor. 2:7). True wisdom is theological and God-given. Those who lack wisdom are to “ask God” for it (James 1:5). It is the Lord who gives wisdom (Prov. 2:6). In Proverbs 9:10 God’s people are reminded again that, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight” (compare 1:7). True wisdom is not the handy tips for life that get handed down from generation to generation among those who do not know God. True wisdom is divine. It is rooted in God’s own saving revelation to his people.

God’s wisdom is not only theological; it is also practical. Indeed, wisdom is practical because it is theological. Theology impacts daily life, and this is clearly seen in the instruction of Proverbs. Everyday life issues are addressed, including parental relations (Prov. 10:1; 15:20; 19:26; 23:25), marriage (5:18; 12:4; 18:22; 19:13–14; 31:10), money (3:9; 10:4; 11:1; 15:16; 16:11), and the power and danger of words (4:5; 7:5; 10:19; 16:24; 17:27). These are life issues that affect people of every age and place. Proverbs provides a picture of both the blessed life grounded in the fear of the Lord and the danger-filled and foolish life of those who despise the Lord’s wisdom and instruction (1:7).

God’s Wisdom Is Individual and Global

Individual wisdom. For every person, in every place, in every time, the message of Proverbs rings true: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Prov. 9:10). Wisdom from above is not mere advice or pithy sayings. Rather, the worthiest and most blessed advice flows from God, when he has his proper central place in the heart and worship of each individual created by his hand and in his image.

Global wisdom. The message of Proverbs is also global. This is true, first, because only God’s wisdom comprehensively instructs and skillfully dissects with perfect insight the hearts of mankind from every place and for every time. God’s wisdom is global, second, in that God’s global people are called to global engagement and a global mission. The Lord is not a tribal god. The teaching of Proverbs is not tribal lore. God’s wisdom is eternal and global. And God’s people are called to be instruments, through word and deed, of teaching his wisdom to the world. Those who are wise in God represent God to the world. For example, the wise exhibit generosity to the poor and the needy (Prov. 14:21, 31). The wise in God speak enduring and reliable wisdom to a world desperately looking for life-giving counsel. The wise in God feed even their own enemies (25:21).

Taking God’s Saving Wisdom to the World

In the book of Proverbs the Lord has equipped his people to fulfill his global and eternal purposes. God’s purpose is to reveal himself to and then through a people who will bring eternal blessing to the world, and that purpose is still unfolding around the world today (Matt. 28:18–20). In his kindness God has made known both the path of the wicked (Prov. 4:14) and the path of righteousness (12:28). The one leads to destruction and the other to life (11:19).

When love and grace is observed by the world in the lives of God’s people and supremely in the cross of Christ, it is indeed “folly” to them (1 Cor. 1:18, 21). But “the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men” (1 Cor. 1:25). The wise in God share the good news of the wisdom of God in the gospel of Christ with nations both near and far. Such sharing, when it lands on receptive ears, is “like cold water to a thirsty soul” (Prov. 25:25).In grace God is opening blind eyes through the gospel to his glorious wisdom. In grace he has shown us and empowered us toward a life of God-honoring, upright living. In grace he will use us as his global ambassadors till the day we join in the angelic choir proclaiming, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen” (Rev. 7:12).

Job Fact #9: Proverbs in Job

Fact: Proverbs in Job

Proverbs in Job. In 17:5, Job may have been quoting a proverb to warn his friends not to make false accusations against him. Proverbs are an effective and memorable way of stating a truth. The book of Proverbs is a rich resource of such wisdom.

Proverbs Fact #1: Wisdom

Fact: Wisdom

Wisdom is a key term in Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. The word can mean “skilled at making sound decisions in life.” Proverbs 9:10 states that “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.”

Proverbs Fact #4: Garlands

Fact: Garlands

Garlands were wreaths woven from leaves and flowers. They were worn around the head or neck during various celebrations such as weddings. They were also symbols of honor for military success. In Proverbs, they symbolize the honor that comes from following the way of wisdom (4:9).

Proverbs Fact #7: The simple person

Fact: The simple person

The simple person (7:7) is one of the primary character types described in the book of Proverbs. The term describes someone who is immature and easily misled (14:15).

Proverbs Fact #10: A different kind of security

Fact: A different kind of security

A different kind of security. In biblical times, if a person was unable to pay his debt, the consequences could be serious. The whole family could be sold into slavery. If someone put up “security” for another person, he promised to pay that person’s debt if he was unable to do so himself. Proverbs teaches that putting up security for another person is generally unwise, since those who do so risk losing everything if the other person cannot pay his debt (11:15).

Proverbs Fact #27: Gluttony

Fact: Gluttony

Gluttony refers to excessive eating. The Bible condemns gluttony as well as drunkenness. Proverbs teaches that eating and drinking in excess can lead to poverty (23:19–21).

Proverbs Fact #28: Hezekiah’s contribution to Proverbs

Fact: Hezekiah’s contribution to Proverbs

Hezekiah’s contribution to Proverbs. Although most of the Proverbs were collected or written by King Solomon, who reigned from 971–931 B.C., the book of Proverbs did not exist in its present form until the time of King Hezekiah, some 200 years later. Hezekiah and “his men,” probably his scribes, recorded chs. 25–29.

Proverbs Fact #29: Rock badgers

Fact: Rock badgers

Rock badgers are small cliff-dwelling animals closely resembling guinea pigs. They live and forage for food in large groups and are good at hiding. They are best known for posting sentries that alert the group when danger is near. Perhaps it was this mark of wisdom that earned them a mention in Proverbs (30:26).

Proverbs Fact #14: Thorns

Fact: Thorns

Thorns grew abundantly in the lands of the Bible (15:19). In both the OT and NT, thorns were used as instruments of torture and punishment. During the crucifixion, Roman soldiers mocked Jesus by placing a crown made from thorns on his head (Matt. 27:29).

OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

Romans 3 OT Reference
Sinful Condition
v. 10, none is righteous Ps. 14:3/53:3; Eccles. 7:20
v. 11a, no one understands Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 11b, no one seeks for God Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 12, all have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one Ps. 14:3/53:3
Sinful Speech (note progression from throat to tongue to lips)
v. 13a, b, their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive Ps. 5:10, Septuagint (English, 5:9)
v. 13c, the venom of asps is under their lips Ps. 140:3
v. 14, their mouth is full of curses and bitterness Ps. 10:7
Sinful Action
v. 15, their feet are swift to shed blood Prov. 1:16/Isa. 59:7
v. 16, in their paths are ruin and misery Isa. 59:7
v. 17, and the way of peace they have not known Isa. 59:8
Summary Statement
v. 18, there is no fear of God before their eyes Ps. 36:1
Study Notes

Prov. 15:3 The eyes of the LORD is a major theme in Proverbs. The Lord knows the actions and hearts of all. He is neither pleased with nor fooled by one who offers sacrifices while continuing in the way of wickedness (see vv. 8–9, 11, 26, 29).

Study Notes

Prov. 15:1–2, 4 Harsh word is literally “word of pain,” that is, a word that is hurtful. Words wisely chosen promote peace rather than anger, they instruct by example (v. 2), and they encourage rather than discourage (v. 4).

Study Notes

Prov. 15:5 The description of a fool who despises his father’s instruction mirrors that of the foolish man who “despises his mother” (v. 20). In Proverbs, the way a person responds to wise parental instruction is an indication of whether he or she will follow the path of wisdom or the way of folly (see 1:8; 4:1; 6:20; 13:1). Note also the references in ch. 15 to how a person responds to reproof (vv. 5, 10, 12, 31, 32).

Study Notes

Prov. 15:8–9 The sacrifice of the wicked is meaningless. By contrast, the prayer of the upright, as a part of a life that pursues righteousness, is pleasing to the Lord (see also vv. 26, 29; 21:3, 27; 28:9).

Study Notes

Prov. 15:13–15 These proverbs focus on the heart. A cheerful face indicates a positive attitude toward life. Such a person has inner joy (v. 15b). But circumstances can rob a person of this joy (vv. 13b, 15a). The key to regaining a joyful heart is in v. 14: seek knowledge.

Study Notes

Prov. 15:1–17 This is a series of proverbs dealing primarily with speech, submission to instruction, and God’s providence.

Prov. 15:16–17 These verses show how to develop the kind of heart described in vv. 13–15. One who “seeks knowledge” (v. 14) recognizes that contentment is found not primarily in external circumstances but in a life governed by the fear of the LORD.

Study Notes

Prov. 15:19 The life of the sluggard is like a hedge of thorns. It is filled with one difficulty after another.

Proverbs Fact #14: Thorns

Fact: Thorns

Thorns grew abundantly in the lands of the Bible (15:19). In both the OT and NT, thorns were used as instruments of torture and punishment. During the crucifixion, Roman soldiers mocked Jesus by placing a crown made from thorns on his head (Matt. 27:29).

Study Notes

Prov. 15:20 On the fool who despises his mother, see the complementary proverb of v. 5.

Study Notes

Prov. 15:25–33 These proverbs begin and end with a contrast: the LORD opposes the proud (v. 25) but is near those who act in humility that comes from the fear of the LORD (v. 33). Verses 24–32 expand on this by illustrating the pride of the wicked and the humility of the righteous. At the center of this section is the reminder that the Lord is far from the wicked but hears the prayer of the righteous (v. 29).

S3:014 Proverbs 15

Listen Now

Dive Deeper | Proverbs 15

There is often a connection between what you feel and what you say to others. On the other hand, what is said to you can often dictate how you feel toward others.

It's easy to say what you feel or respond to someone based on your emotions, but what may feel good to share in the moment could end up making the situation worse. God has given us emotions and the freedom to feel them, but how should we steward our emotions well? Proverbs 15 has several verses (Proverbs 15:1, 2, 4, 7, 18) that highlight the power of our emotions and the power of our tongue.

  • What you feel can often dictate what you say. "A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention." (Proverbs 15:18) A man who is quick to anger only makes matters worse, but a man who is slow to anger—meaning he doesn't let his emotions quickly dictate what he says—quiets contention.
  • What is said to you can often dictate how you feel. "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." (Proverbs 15:1) Your words have power—the power to stir up anger or promote peace. Be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger. (James 1:19-20)

What is the lesson that we can take away from Proverbs 15? What is it that can make us not be quickly led by our emotions? Self-control. Self-control is the last characteristic Paul lists in describing the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:23. Our emotional responses, rather than being fixed dispositions, can and must be trained through the power of the Holy Spirit. Discipline yourself to exercise self-control, for this will give you and others you address an abundance of life.

This month's memory verse

with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

– Ephesians 4:2

Discussion Questions

1. How have you let your emotions get the best of you recently? Confess this to your community group.

2. Are you quick to anger? Are you quick to stir up strife? What are action steps you can take to lessen the control your emotions have over you?

3. How can you exercise self-control today? This week? This month? Share with your community group.

As we gear up to release even more features for Join The Journey in 2025, our staff team, unfortunately, no longer has the margin to continue to support the comment functionality. We have big things in store for Join The Journey 2025. Stay tuned!

MS

Michael Scaman

Anatomy Dissection Lecture - Proverbs 15 The old medical school professor continued with his dissection lessons and now analyzing an uncharacteristically wise heart. His lecture began " I draw your attention to the unique features of this heart, namely. 1. Soft Answer Resilience: The foundational resilience of a wise heart is evidenced in its capacity to respond with soft answers. This characteristic, akin to an anchor, diffuses wrath and fosters a peaceful demeanor in all interactions. A caution on wrongly applying this: Jesus knew when to use both soft and hard words. 2. Knowledge Commendation Network: Analogous to the intricate branches of a mighty tree, a wise heart establishes a network for the commendation of knowledge. This network facilitates the generous spread of wisdom, echoing the sentiment of the Tree of Life in Proverbs 15:2. Not passing on important truths may indicate a heart problem. 3. Vigilant Core Dynamics: At the core of a wise heart lies a vigilant awareness, recognizing the omnipresence of the Lord's watchful eyes. This dynamic core ensures alignment with righteousness and a receptive heart attuned to divine guidance. A wise heart knows At the core, Jesus is a wonderful counselor but much than that. 4. Articulate Communication Musculature: The musculature of a wise heart is embodied in the articulate communication of a gentle tongue. Inspired by Proverbs 15:4, this musculature empowers the heart to deliver words of encouragement, instruction, and kindness. If you are giving a rebuke not coming from a heart of love maybe don't. Consider other council as well. Goldman Sachs says 'shorter is more powerful' in communication. This heart lets words be sufficient for the need. 5. Harmony Haven Integration: The integration of virtues in a wise heart creates an aura reminiscent of Harmony Haven. This collective energy radiates positivity, tranquility, and a harmonious blend of soft answers, knowledge, and righteousness, embodying the principles of Proverbs 15. It includes listening to that 'fear of the Lord speaking through your conscience.' As a caution, students, this is a-typical. I hope you run across more of these traits in your patients when you yourselves practice medicine of the heart. They may be few but they stand out. The truth is these 'new heart' traits are both a gift from God and also something to be nurtured as you will see in your study notes from Jeremiah and Ezekiel as well as Romans."
HS

Hugh Stephenson

DON’T BE A WENI!!!! I see two big takeaways in this passage: -A focus on the heart and -A focus on the importance of speech. To me, the right heart will produce the right speech. In marriage, among the most valuable truths I have learned is how important word choice, voice tone, and body language are. They will convey where my heart is. In high school and college I played my share of poker and learned about having a “poker face”. (I give my poker face self a C+/B-. At most.) What I have learned over time is that away from a poker table I don’t have a poker face. In addition, I was hugely blessed by this September 14, 2014 message from John and Pam McGee on Christlike communication. The key word is WENI. Taking in this teaching has been transformational in how I communicate. https://www.watermark.org/message/3053-don-t-be-a-weni-christlike-communication THANKS JOHN AND PAM!! More here also- https://marriagerevolution.org/dont-be-a-weni/
HS

Hugh Stephenson

I count 8 mentions of “heart” in Proverbs 15. I also link to Proverbs 3:5-6, Proverbs 4:23, Psalm 51:10, Ezekiel 36:26, Jeremiah 17:9. A complete list of what the Bible says about “heart’ can be found here- https://www.openbible.info/topics/heart. The verses are ranked by “most helpful” from the top down. The Bible Project guys offer this- “So the heart is the generator of physical life. It's also the center of your intellectual and emotional life. And there's more. In biblical Hebrew, the heart is where you make choices motivated by your desires. So David had it “in his heart” to build a temple for God.” Longer but very helpful and a quick read- https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/lev-heart/
HS

Hugh Stephenson

My favorite verse in this chapter is verse 22 “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.” A reprise post- This is another key verse in Prodigal. It is also a key verse for Amy and me. Many times in the last few years we have looked back on some really bad decisions and wondered if we would have made them had we had wise counsel. These decisions covered every imaginable part of our lives from finances to marriage to kids to business to family and so on. It was God’s blessing that He never shielded us from the consequences from any of these decisions. We learned the hard way - which is what happens when we think we are smarter than God. Since 2013 we have consulted our Prodigal wise counsel or our community group for as many decisions as possible. The decisions we made in isolation usually turned out to be wrong. Gratitude - For enough scar tissue to realize we need help in all decision of any importance. Also, for wise people in our lives that use God’s word to guide us. Prayer - That I can die daily to my sin of pride so that I don’t hesitate to seek the counsel of many advisers.
MS

Michael Sisson

Re: Pr 15:6 Proverbs 15:6 (NASB) >>>Great wealth is in the house of the righteous,<<< But trouble is in the income of the wicked. cf. Mt 13:52
HS

Hugh Stephenson

Notes from the ESV SB and TC On the heart- Prov. 15:13–15 These proverbs focus on the heart. A cheerful face indicates a positive attitude toward life; this comes about when the inner self is healthy (v. 13a). Such a person has inner joy all the time (v. 15b). But circumstances, whether internal (v. 13b) or external (v. 15a), can rob a person of tranquility. The key to gaining a joyful heart is in v. 14: seek knowledge. 15:13 A person's "heart" condition affects both his material and immaterial parts, seen in the "joyful heart"/"cheerful face" connection in this verse. Here the "heart" has its typical biblical metaphorical signification as the wellspring of human personality. Haman was joyful and glad of heart until he saw Mordecai (Esth. 5:9). Nehemiah's sad face betrayed his broken spirit (Neh. 2:2). Prov. 15:16–17 These verses help establish a proper value system for forming the kind of heart described in vv. 13– 15. One who “seeks knowledge” (v. 14) recognizes that contentment is found not primarily in external circumstances but in a life governed by the fear of the LORD (v. 16a). To gain wealth through trouble (v. 16b) or attended by hatred (v. 17b) is to “feed on folly” (v. 14b), which afflicts the heart and crushes the spirit. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- On speech- Prov. 15:18–33 This is another extended section of proverbs that, like vv. 1–17, begins with a proverb on avoiding provocative, argumentative language (cf. v. 1and v. 18) and ends with a reference to “the fear of the LORD” (cf. vv. 16–33). The sections also share references to the folly of despising parental instruction (vv. 5, 20) and reproof (vv. 10, 12, 31–32) on the grounds that it is the Lord who knows and judges in these matters (vv. 3, 8–9, 25–26, 29). "Fit speech is calming to those on the brink of anger."[432] "... hard arguments do best with soft words."[433] "The wise do not merely speak the truth bluntly; they give it elegant form. ... The knowledge, the substance of wisdom, is already there, and the wise man employs rhetorical skills in conveying it. Fools just vomit up their nonsense."[435] "When you summarize what Proverbs teaches about human speech, you end up with four important propositions: (1) speech is an awesome gift from God; (2) speech can be used to do good; (3) speech can be used to do evil; and, (4) only God can help us use speech to do good."[436] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fear of the LORD- "Next to fear of the Lord, honor of parents may well be the sages' [who wrote Proverbs] highest value [cf. v. 20; 10:1; 17:2, 6, 21, 25; 19:13, 26; 20:20; 27:11, 28:7; 29:3]."[439] --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A great closing- "God does interior decorating before He can do any exterior decorating. He is not interested in your exterior decorating until He has done a job of interior decorating in your life."[441]
GJ

greg jones

Great dive. The Galatians reference resonated with me. Galatians 5:16-26 is like a great commentary on the book of Proverbs and wisdom living. My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold, and my yield than choice silver. Proverbs 8:-19 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23
LD

Lindsey Driscoll

Thank you Reese for pointing out how we all need self control, not just children. Q2 - Are you quick to anger? At times yes. I see the heart being addressed several times in Proverbs 15. It interesting to see the overflow of a heart that pursues righteousness is Proverbs 15:30 a cheerful look and Proverbs 15:13 a happy heart. If I am pursuing righteousness and loved by the Lord Proverbs 15:9, how can my attitude and words be that of anger?
SB

Sue Bohlin

Thanks so much, Reese. Hugh's WENI reference is the first thing that came to mind when I read verse 1: "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." For context, WENI is an acronym for four negative communication patterns that scuttle relationships: W- withdrawing and isolating E - escalating N - negatively interpreting I - invalidating Proverbs 15:1 is GOLD in countering back-and-forth patterns of escalating words and emotions and actions that build up conflict and ramp up all sorts of pain. It's about backing up, slowing down, shifting into a lower emotional gear . . . and choosing soft words and a conciliatory tone instead of harsh words and an aggressive, ugly tone. In doing some digging into the Hebrew for "turns away," the image that came to mind was probably some long-ago comic book illustration of Superman holding up his hand, palm facing his opponent, blocking whatever power zap was coming at him and refusing it, turning it back on the other guy. Like holding up a mirror to a beam of light so it bounces back whence it came. A soft answer acts like a blockade, not giving in to the temptation to escalate but actually DE-escalating the conflict. And it's usually immediate, whether you're dealing with a little or with a big. People tend to mirror each other's level of emotion, so when we respond with a soft answer, the other person is much more likely to lower their energy level in response to us. It works with toddlers . . . and often, with grownups wanting to pick a fight. It's genius.
JC

Jason Cromwell

Proverbs 15 is also the lesson of the entire "Back To The Future" Saga. The entire series is learning when to stand up to a bully, and when not to. Though some of my favorite movies it took me years to learn this lesson in my own life. I much like Marty had a quick temper and was quick to fight back either verbally or with my fists. However it didn't take bouncing around time in a DeLorean to learn my lesson it was through the gentle guidance of the Holy Spirit over time that helped me out.
AL

Amy Lowther

1. I trust God with everything, but somehow I still get nervous in certain situations. Recently (within the past year), I have especially worked on giving those nerves to God. It is totally worth it. It is absolutely best to let God lead me through life each day and comfort me through life each day. 2. I was a VERY impatient child and expressed a variety of emotions and ideas because I was impatient. But, as I have learned more about how God prefers I live, my impatience has grown patient. I have never been “a stirring up strife” person. I have always wished for the best and wished for the best for everyone. God helps me to express my emotions in healthy positive ways by providing His words at service on Sunday for everyone to hear, by providing His words in the Bible for everyone to read, and by providing life in which everyone can apply what we learn from Him. 3. I can be responsible for what I think and what I do. Reese - Thank you for sharing your ideas. You make a good point in saying “It's easy to say what you feel or respond to someone based on your emotions, but what may feel good to share in the moment could end up making the situation worse”. This is so true. It’s important to remember God is with us every moment as well. We need to include Him in the things we do for best results.