Reflections on Proverbs 15

Proverbs 15 (Contemporary English Version)


1. A kind answer soothes angry feelings, but harsh words stir them up.
   
2. Words of wisdom come from the wise, but fools speak foolishness.
   
3. The LORD sees everything, whether good or bad.
   
4. Kind words are good medicine, but deceitful words can really hurt.
   
5. Don't be a fool and disobey your parents. Be smart! Accept correction.
   
6. Good people become wealthy, but those who are evil will lose what they have.
   
7. Words of wisdom make good sense; the thoughts of a fool make no sense at all.
   
8. The LORD is disgusted by gifts from the wicked, but it makes him happy when his people pray.
   
9. The LORD is disgusted with all who do wrong, but he loves everyone who does right.
   
10. If you turn from the right way, you will be punished; if you refuse correction, you will die.
    
11. If the LORD can see everything in the world of the dead, he can see in our hearts.
    
12. Those who sneer at others don't like to be corrected, and they won't ask help from someone with sense.
    
13. Happiness makes you smile; sorrow can crush you.
    
14. Anyone with good sense is eager to learn more, but fools are hungry for foolishness.
    
15. The poor have a hard life, but being content is as good as an endless feast.
    
16. It's better to obey the LORD and have only a little, than to be very rich and terribly confused.
    
17. A simple meal with love is better than a feast where there is hatred.
    
18. Losing your temper causes a lot of trouble, but staying calm settles arguments.
    
19. Being lazy is like walking in a thorn patch, but everyone who does right walks on a smooth road.
    
20. Children with good sense make their parents happy, but foolish children are hateful to them.
    
21. Stupidity brings happiness to senseless fools, but everyone with good sense follows the straight path.
    
22. Without good advice everything goes wrong-- it takes careful planning for things to go right.
    
23. Giving the right answer at the right time makes everyone happy.
    
24. All who are wise follow a road that leads upward to life and away from death.
    
25. The LORD destroys the homes of those who are proud, but he protects the property of widows.
    
26. The LORD hates evil thoughts, but kind words please him.
    
27. Being greedy causes trouble for your family, but you protect yourself by refusing bribes.
    
28. Good people think before they answer, but the wicked speak evil without ever thinking.
    
29. The LORD never even hears the prayers of the wicked, but he answers the prayers of all who obey him.
    
30. A friendly smile makes you happy, and good news makes you feel strong.
    
31. Healthy correction is good, and if you accept it, you will be wise.
    
32. You hurt only yourself by rejecting instruction, but it makes good sense to accept it.
    
33. Showing respect to the LORD will make you wise, and being humble will bring honor to you.
    

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A lot of what Solomon has to say in this chapter, and for that matter throughout the book, is simple common sense. But as Voltaire said: "Common sense is not so common." It is usually a mistake to assume people know and understand what might seem to be plain and simple and just common sense. Here are what I see to be overarching themes in this chapter:

• The Lord takes delight in the upright. There are a number of reasons why life is more enjoyable, more pleasant, and runs smoother when we include the Lord in our life and plans. One is that the Lord takes delight in those who do. This brings with it His blessings. And, as Solomon says in this chapter, "The Lord hears the prayer of the righteous." He also says "The Lord detests the way of the wicked," and, "The Lord destroys the house of the proud." Although we cannot expect life not to have it troubles, it will be a much more pleasant ride when we are in partnership with the Lord.


• Pleasant words are pure. The tongue is a powerful tool for such a little part of our body. As James says in James 3:5, "So too, though the tongue is a small part of the body, it boasts great things. Consider how large a forest a small fire ignites." And the tongue can ignite a huge fire. But it can also turn away anger, be a tree of life, and give instruction. We have the power with our tongues to make life miserable for ourselves and those around us, or to make life a pleasure - also for ourselves and those around us. But he is a fool who does not guard his tongue, speaking without thinking, speaking whatever comes to mind, and speaking without considering the other person.


• A Cheerful heart has a continual feast. Contrary to what many think, we have a choice concerning our countenance. We can choose to be cheerful despite difficult circumstances, or we can choose to be downcast and sullen, even when everyone else around us is cheerful. And whichever choice we make will be contagious to the atmosphere around us. If we are cheerful we tend to bring joy to those around us and help them to be cheerful, and the opposite is also true. I can't understand why anyone would choose to be downcast and sullen. If it is intended to gain the sympathy of others, it is a misguided intent. It will only cause others not to want to be around them. We have the ability to choose our environment, whether it be pleasant or unpleasant.


• Having abundance is empty by itself. To be wealthy or have abundance is a poor goal to have, though it might be a pleasant byproduct of other goals. Too often the end (the goal of wealth) justifies the means and the wealth is gained through less than honorable methods. To this, Solomon says, "The one who profits dishonestly troubles his household." In the end, there is no pleasure in the wealth. With wealth as the goal other benefits tend to be lost along the way as well. Such as relationships and the Lord. To both of these, Solomon says, "Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure with turmoil." and also, "Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred."


• Ignoring Instruction is harmful to one's self. This is one of the most predominate themes throughout Proverbs. In this chapter Solomon gives four perspectives to this ignoring of instruction: He says such persons are fools, they despise themselves, they despise their mothers, and they will die. Pretty strong sentiments. But it is instruction I would not ignore without becoming a fool myself.