New International Reader s Version - NIrV - 1996
Proverbs 15
2
The tongues of wise people use knowledge well. But the mouths of foolish people pour out foolish words.
Reference
3
The eyes of the Lord are everywhere. They watch those who are evil and those who are good.
Reference
Parallel theme
Hebrews 4:13
Jeremiah 16:17
Jeremiah 32:19
Job 31:4
References Lord
Jeremiah 23:24
2 Chronicles 16:9
Proverbs 5:21
4
A tongue that brings healing is like a tree of life. But a tongue that tells lies produces a broken spirit.
Reference
5
A foolish person turns his back on how his father has trained him. But anyone who accepts being corrected shows understanding.
Reference
6
The houses of those who do what is right hold great wealth. But those who do what is wrong earn only trouble.
Reference
Parallel theme
Proverbs 8:21
Proverbs 21:20
Proverbs 10:22
Hebrews 11:26
Proverbs 15:16
Ecclesiastes 4:6
Righteousness
Psalm 112:3
Proverbs 16:8
Psalm 37:16
Proverbs 13:22
7
The lips of wise people spread knowledge. But that's not true of the hearts of foolish people.
Reference
Parallel theme
Matthew 12:34
8
The Lord hates the sacrifice of sinful people. But the prayers of honest people please him.
Reference
Parallel theme
1 Chronicles 29:17
John 4:24
Prayer
Proverbs 15:29
Proverbs 28:9
Psalm 17:1
Sacrifice
Proverbs 21:27
Jeremiah 6:20
Isaiah 61:8
Ecclesiastes 5:1
Isaiah 66:3
9
The Lord hates how sinners live. But he loves those who run after what is right.
Reference
Love
1 Timothy 6:11
Parallel theme
Jeremiah 44:4
Matthew 7:13
References Lord
Hosea 6:3
Righteousness
Proverbs 21:21
Habakkuk 1:13
10
Hard training is in store for anyone who leaves the right path. A person who hates to be corrected will die.
Reference
11
Death and the Grave lie open in front of the Lord. So the hearts of mere men certainly lie open to him!
Reference
Parallel theme
Psalm 44:21
Psalm 139:8
Job 26:6
2 Chronicles 6:30
Hebrews 4:13
Revelation 2:23
Revelation 1:18
Psalm 7:9
Proverbs 27:20
References Lord
Jeremiah 17:10
12
Anyone who makes fun of others doesn't like to be corrected. He won't ask wise people for advice.
Reference
14
A heart that understands what is right looks for knowledge. But the mouths of foolish people feed on what is foolish.
Reference
15
All the days of those who are crushed are filled with pain and suffering. But a cheerful heart enjoys a good time that never ends.
Reference
16
It is better to have respect for the Lord and have little than to be rich and have trouble.
Reference
17
A meal of vegetables where there is love is better than the finest meat where there is hatred.
Reference
18
A man who burns with anger stirs up fights. But a person who is patient calms things down.
Reference
19
The way of people who don't want to work is blocked with thorns. But the path of honest people is a wide road.
Reference
21
A person who has no sense enjoys doing foolish things. But a man who has understanding walks straight ahead.
Reference
23
Joy is found in giving the right answer. And how good is a word spoken at the right time!
Reference
Good
Ephesians 4:29
Proverbs 12:14
Parallel theme
Proverbs 16:13
Proverbs 24:26
Ecclesiastes 3:1
Word
Isaiah 50:4
24
The path of life leads up for those who are wise. It keeps them from going down to the grave.
Reference
25
The Lord tears down the proud person's house. But he keeps the widow's property safe.
Reference
Parallel theme
Proverbs 12:7
Proverbs 23:10
Proverbs 14:11
James 1:27
Daniel 5:20
References Lord
Psalm 146:9
Isaiah 2:12
Psalm 138:6
26
The Lord hates the thoughts of sinful people. But the thoughts of pure people are pleasing to him.
Reference
27
Anyone who always wants more brings trouble to his family. But a person who refuses to be paid off will live.
Reference
28
The hearts of those who do right think about how they will answer. But the mouths of those who do wrong pour out evil.
Reference
29
The Lord is far away from those who do wrong. But he hears the prayers of those who do right.
Reference
Parallel theme
John 9:31
Prayer
Proverbs 15:8
References Lord
Psalm 138:6
Psalm 10:1
Righteousness
1 Peter 3:12
Matthew 25:46
30
A cheerful look brings joy to your heart. And good news gives health to your body.
Reference
Good
Proverbs 25:25
Proverbs 17:22
Light
Revelation 22:5
Revelation 21:23
Psalm 89:15
Proverbs 13:9
Ecclesiastes 11:7
Ezra 9:8
Parallel theme
Isaiah 58:11
31
If you listen to a warning, you will live. You will be at home among those who are wise.
Reference
32
Anyone who turns away from his training hates himself. But anyone who accepts being corrected gains understanding.
Reference
33
Having respect for the Lord teaches you how to live wisely. So don't be proud if you want to be honored.
Reference
Parallel theme
Proverbs 18:12
1 Peter 5:5
Proverbs 29:23
Luke 14:11
References Lord
Proverbs 1:7
Psalm 111:10
James 4:10
Psalm 34:11
Job 28:28
Proverbs 8:13
Chapter Summary
Proverbs 15 is largely about how the condition of the heart becomes visible through everyday behavior. The chapter moves through speech, anger, family, wealth, prayer, correction, leadership, and relationships, but one idea repeatedly appears: wisdom changes the way a person responds to life.
The chapter opens with one of its most memorable lessons: a gentle answer can turn away anger.
A harsh response can take a small disagreement and make it much worse. A calm response can interrupt that cycle. Wisdom therefore does not always mean having the strongest argument. Sometimes it means having enough self-control to answer without adding more anger.
This theme continues throughout the chapter's many observations about speech.
Wise people use words carefully.
They know when to speak.
They think before answering.
Their words can provide knowledge, encouragement, and healing.
Foolish words can do the opposite. They can wound people, create conflict, spread evil, or reveal a lack of understanding.
The chapter therefore presents speech almost like a tool. The same mouth can either build someone up or damage them.
But Proverbs 15 goes deeper than words.
It reminds the reader that God sees what happens inside the heart. People may only see outward behavior, but God sees motives, thoughts, desires, and intentions. This is why external religious activity cannot substitute for genuine righteousness. A person's prayers and offerings have little meaning when his life is built around wickedness.
The chapter then returns to correction.
A wise person accepts it.
A foolish person avoids it.
This distinction is repeated because it is so important. Correction can be uncomfortable, but it can save a person from continuing down the wrong path. Pride says, "I already know." Wisdom says, "I may still have something to learn."
The chapter also gives a beautiful picture of contentment.
It says that a little with the fear of the LORD is better than great wealth accompanied by trouble. A simple meal shared with love is better than an expensive feast surrounded by hatred.
These statements challenge the idea that more is automatically better.
A wealthy home filled with conflict is not necessarily a successful home.
A modest home filled with love and peace may contain something far more valuable.
The chapter also emphasizes wise counsel. Plans can fail when people refuse advice, but decisions become stronger when thoughtful people contribute their perspectives. Wisdom is therefore not always about finding the answer alone.
Another important theme is the connection between inner peace and outward life.
A joyful heart can bring brightness to a person's life.
A broken spirit can weigh heavily.
An encouraging message can lift someone.
A peaceful heart is healthier than one consumed by envy and anger.
The chapter gradually moves toward its conclusion by emphasizing the fear of the LORD and humility.
These are presented as foundations of wisdom.
A person who reverences God recognizes that he is not the ultimate authority over everything. That humility makes him more willing to listen, learn, change, and seek wise counsel.
The chapter ends with a powerful sequence:
fear of the LORD ? wisdom ? humility ? honor.
Overall, Proverbs 15 teaches that wisdom begins inside but becomes visible outside.
It appears in the way we answer an angry person.
It appears in whether we accept correction.
It appears in whether we choose peace over conflict.
It appears in how we treat our family.
It appears in whether we value integrity more than wealth.
It appears in the way we pray.
And it appears in whether we are humble enough to admit that we still have something to learn.
The central message is:
A wise life is not measured by wealth, status, or outward appearance. It is revealed through a humble heart, careful words, peaceful relationships, willingness to accept correction, and genuine reverence for God.
The chapter opens with one of its most memorable lessons: a gentle answer can turn away anger.
A harsh response can take a small disagreement and make it much worse. A calm response can interrupt that cycle. Wisdom therefore does not always mean having the strongest argument. Sometimes it means having enough self-control to answer without adding more anger.
This theme continues throughout the chapter's many observations about speech.
Wise people use words carefully.
They know when to speak.
They think before answering.
Their words can provide knowledge, encouragement, and healing.
Foolish words can do the opposite. They can wound people, create conflict, spread evil, or reveal a lack of understanding.
The chapter therefore presents speech almost like a tool. The same mouth can either build someone up or damage them.
But Proverbs 15 goes deeper than words.
It reminds the reader that God sees what happens inside the heart. People may only see outward behavior, but God sees motives, thoughts, desires, and intentions. This is why external religious activity cannot substitute for genuine righteousness. A person's prayers and offerings have little meaning when his life is built around wickedness.
The chapter then returns to correction.
A wise person accepts it.
A foolish person avoids it.
This distinction is repeated because it is so important. Correction can be uncomfortable, but it can save a person from continuing down the wrong path. Pride says, "I already know." Wisdom says, "I may still have something to learn."
The chapter also gives a beautiful picture of contentment.
It says that a little with the fear of the LORD is better than great wealth accompanied by trouble. A simple meal shared with love is better than an expensive feast surrounded by hatred.
These statements challenge the idea that more is automatically better.
A wealthy home filled with conflict is not necessarily a successful home.
A modest home filled with love and peace may contain something far more valuable.
The chapter also emphasizes wise counsel. Plans can fail when people refuse advice, but decisions become stronger when thoughtful people contribute their perspectives. Wisdom is therefore not always about finding the answer alone.
Another important theme is the connection between inner peace and outward life.
A joyful heart can bring brightness to a person's life.
A broken spirit can weigh heavily.
An encouraging message can lift someone.
A peaceful heart is healthier than one consumed by envy and anger.
The chapter gradually moves toward its conclusion by emphasizing the fear of the LORD and humility.
These are presented as foundations of wisdom.
A person who reverences God recognizes that he is not the ultimate authority over everything. That humility makes him more willing to listen, learn, change, and seek wise counsel.
The chapter ends with a powerful sequence:
fear of the LORD ? wisdom ? humility ? honor.
Overall, Proverbs 15 teaches that wisdom begins inside but becomes visible outside.
It appears in the way we answer an angry person.
It appears in whether we accept correction.
It appears in whether we choose peace over conflict.
It appears in how we treat our family.
It appears in whether we value integrity more than wealth.
It appears in the way we pray.
And it appears in whether we are humble enough to admit that we still have something to learn.
The central message is:
A wise life is not measured by wealth, status, or outward appearance. It is revealed through a humble heart, careful words, peaceful relationships, willingness to accept correction, and genuine reverence for God.