Context No. 2849 of 4322 · Proverbs

Proverbs 15:1-16: in context

1A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. 2The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools gush out folly. 3The LORD’s eyes are everywhere, keeping watch on the evil and the good. 4A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but deceit in it crushes the spirit. 5A fool despises his father’s correction, but he who heeds reproof shows prudence. 6In the house of the righteous is much treasure, but the income of the wicked brings trouble. 7The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so with the heart of fools. 8The sacrifice made by the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is his delight. 9The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but he loves him who follows after righteousness. 10There is stern discipline for one who forsakes the way. Whoever hates reproof shall die. 11Sheol and Abaddon are before the LORD— how much more then the hearts of the children of men! 12A scoffer doesn’t love to be reproved; he will not go to the wise. 13A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but an aching heart breaks the spirit. 14The heart of one who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly. 15All the days of the afflicted are wretched, but one who has a cheerful heart enjoys a continual feast. 16Better is little, with the fear of the LORD, than great treasure with trouble.

This cluster of proverbs keeps returning to two things: the tongue and the heart. A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. A gentle tongue is a tree of life, while a deceitful one crushes the spirit. A glad heart makes a cheerful face; an aching heart breaks the spirit. The eyes of the LORD are in every place, watching both the evil and the good.

The words we speak can heal or wound, and the difference is often simply gentleness; the same true thing said harshly or kindly lands as a wound or a tree of life. And the closing proverb names a scale the world keeps getting backward: better is a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure with trouble. Peace with God and a quiet conscience are worth more than a fortune that comes with turmoil attached.

In my speech, am I giving the soft answers and gentle words that heal, and in my wanting, do I truly believe a little with the fear of God beats much with trouble?

Sources

Proverbs 15:1: "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."
Proverbs 15:16: "Better is little, with the fear of the LORD, than great treasure with trouble."
James 3:10: "Out of the same mouth comes blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so."