Proverbs
Chapter 15
A gentle response calms anger, while a harsh word fuels fury.
The wise person’s tongue speaks knowledge, but the fool’s mouth spreads ignorance.
The Lord’s eyes are everywhere, observing both the good and the evil.
The calming tongue is a tree of life, while the viper’s tongue destroys the heart.
Paternal correction is mocked by the fool, but the one who listens demonstrates wisdom.
Abundance lives in the home of the virtuous, but dishonor falls on the earnings of the wicked.
The lips of the wise share knowledge, while the fool’s thoughts are unsafe.
The Lord despises the sacrifice of the wicked but hears the prayer of the honest man.
The Lord detests the behavior of the wicked but loves those who pursue virtue.
Correct him severely who strays from the way; anyone who hates being rebuked will face death.
The Lord perceives into Sheol and the abyss; how much more does he see into the human heart!
The mocker dislikes being scolded; he refuses to heed the wise.
A joyful heart makes the face shine, while a sorrowful one drags down the spirit.
A wise heart pursues knowledge, but the mouth of fools consumes foolishness.
Every day feels like a burden to those who are suffering, while the joyful heart is constantly celebrating.
It’s better to have little and fear the Lord than to have wealth accompanied by worry.
Better to have vegetables where there is love than to have a fattened ox with nothing but hatred.
The quick-tempered man triggers fights, while the calm one reconciles differences.
The path of laziness is full of thorns, but the road of diligent workers is wide and open.
The wise child is his father’s joy, but the foolish despises his mother.
Foolishness appeals to the senseless man, but the discerning man continues on his way.
Plans fail without careful thought; many advisors lead to success.
Happy is the one who knows how to reply. Welcome, truly, is the right word!
To the discerning man, the path of life rises upward; he will be saved from the darkness below.
The Lord destroys the house of the proud, but he strengthens the boundaries of the widow.
The Lord despises corrupt intents, but words of kindness are pleasing to him.
He who seeks dishonest gain brings trouble to his household; he who rejects tempting bribes will live peacefully.
An upright man thinks before he speaks, while the mouth of the wicked spews evil.
The Lord remains distant from the wicked but listens to the prayer of the virtuous.
A kind look delights the heart, and good news restores one’s strength.
The ear that listens to helpful correction is found among the wise.
He who ignores correction despises himself; he who listens to the reprimand gains understanding.
The fear of the Lord is a school of wisdom; humility comes before praise.
Commentaries
Second Collection – Proverbs of Solomon.
The core and oldest part of the book begins with the title “Proverbs of Solomon.” In reality, scholars place this section shortly after the reign of Josiah (640-609 BC). Babylon had already entered Jewish territory, and violence increased daily. During this crisis, a group of wise men compiled a series of sayings and proverbs, some moral and others legislative, aiming to encourage the community and teach that the righteous—those who believe in the Lord and truly love him—will not suffer violence or death. Throughout this section, wisdom calls for conversion and justice, as well as the experience of poverty.
Second Collection.
The tongue (2:4) and the lips (7), organs that symbolize communication, serve as the motif that unifies this passage. A person who seeks wisdom—the secret to a good life—uses their tongue and lips solely to share knowledge; that is, by living a life committed to doing good and practicing righteousness. Knowledge here doesn’t refer just to facts, but to the art of living rightly.
Second Collection.
The true practice of religion guarantees pleasing the Lord; no sacrifice and ultimately no religious act pleases him if there is no sincere search for justice, love, and respect for one’s neighbor. The judgment that affects all religious practices comes from the attitudes and dispositions with which these practices are carried out.
Second Collection.
The wise person should strive to keep their heart always joyful and content, because this is the way to healthy relationships with others.
Second Collection.
One of the secrets to a good life is to possess things with dignity; possessions or riches gained through injustice and deceit are ultimately destructive for the greedy person. Having what is necessary to live means allowing others also to get what they need; that is the fear of God.
Second Collection.
Once again, the theme of the wise and sensible son appears in contrast to the foolish and judgmental son. The wise man knows how to judge prudently, respond appropriately, and convey suitable words; on the other hand, the fool, besides being a disgrace to the family, is at risk of appearing arrogant and unjust.
Second Collection.
The house of the proud represents those who reject the Lord and the path that leads to him; the boundaries of the widow symbolize God’s special people: the poor. Above all, the Lord loves the poor and the weak and takes their side.
Second Collection.
Another key to good living is honesty; it allows people to be heard by God and respected by others. Once again, we are reminded of the importance of accepting correction and viewing it as a sign of personal love; those who love themselves recognize that they might be wrong at any moment, and healthy correction helps them grow and mature. Philosophical anthropology teaches us that humans are a work in progress, never finished; therefore, another key to living well is to accept constructive criticism from our peers.