About Proverbs

Proverbs is a collection of practical wisdom for daily living, teaching that the fear of the Lord is the foundation of all true knowledge and wise conduct.

Author: Solomon and othersWritten: c. 970-700 BCReading time: ~4 minVerses: 33

WisdomFear of the LordRighteousnessFamilySpeechWork

King James Version

Proverbs 15

33 verses with commentary

Proverbs on the Power of Words

1

A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

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KJV Study Commentary

The Hebrew 'rak' (soft, gentle) answer has power to 'turn away' (Hebrew 'shuv'—cause to return, avert) wrath, demonstrating wisdom's transformative effect on conflict. The contrast between soft answers and 'grievous' (Hebrew 'etseb'—painful, hurtful) words shows that tone and manner are as important as content. This proverb reveals that self-control in speech reflects godly wisdom and prevents the...

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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

3. After the manner directed (Nu 6:23). **out of Zion--**the Church, as His residence, and thus seat of blessings. Thus close the songs of degrees.

2

The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. poureth: Heb. belcheth, or, bubbleth

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KJV Study Commentary

The 'tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright'—Hebrew 'yatab' means to make good, beautiful, or beneficial. Wisdom doesn't just possess knowledge but deploys it appropriately, speaking truth in love at the right time. Meanwhile, 'the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness'—Hebrew 'naba' means to gush or bubble forth uncontrollably. This illustrates discipline versus impulsiveness. Reformed theolo...

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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

**XV.** (2) **Useth knowledge aright.—**Brings it forth at the proper time and place.

3

The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.

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KJV Study Commentary

This verse declares divine omniscience: 'The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.' God's comprehensive knowledge extends everywhere without limitation. The metaphor of eyes (einei Yahweh) emphasizes active observation—God doesn't merely know abstractly but actively watches. 'In every place' excludes any hidden corner; 'beholding the evil and the good' emphasizes mo...

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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(3) **Beholding the evil and the good.—**Waiting till the iniquity of the one is full (Genesis 15:16), watching to aid the other (Psalm 34:15; Psalm 34:17).

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

PSALM 135 Psa 135:1-21. A Psalm of praise, in which God's relations to His Church, His power in the natural world, and in delivering His people, are contrasted with the vanity of idols and idol-worship. 1-3. In the general call for praise, the priests, that stand in the house of the Lord, are specially mentioned.

4

A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit. A wholesome: Heb. The healing of the tongue

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KJV Study Commentary

A 'wholesome tongue is a tree of life,' but 'perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.' The Hebrew 'marpe' (wholesome/healing) connects speech to restoration and life-giving power. The 'tree of life' imagery recalls Eden (Genesis 2:9) and points to Christ, the ultimate life-giver. Conversely, 'perverseness' (Hebrew 'seleph'—distortion/crookedness) breaks ('sheber'—shatters) the spirit. Our w...

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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(4) **A wholesome tongue.—**One which heals and soothes by its gentleness and judicious words. (Comp. Proverbs 12:18.) **A tree of life.—**Comp. Proverbs 3:18; Proverbs 11:30. **Perverseness.—**Distortion of the truth. (Comp. Proverbs 11:3.) **A breach in the spirit—***i.e., *deeply wounds another’s spirit.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

PSALM 135 Psa 135:1-21. A Psalm of praise, in which God's relations to His Church, His power in the natural world, and in delivering His people, are contrasted with the vanity of idols and idol-worship. 1-3. In the general call for praise, the priests, that stand in the house of the Lord, are specially mentioned.

5

A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.

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KJV Study Commentary

A fool despises his father's instruction, but he that regards reproof is prudent. Fools reject paternal teaching; wise persons heed correction. The verb 'despise' (na'ats) suggests contempt, active rejection. In contrast, regarding reproof demonstrates prudence (aram - shrewdness, sensibility). This verse makes receptivity to correction the defining difference between wisdom and folly. Pride rejec...

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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(5) **A fool **(’*evîl*)*.*—See above, on Proverbs 1:7.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

PSALM 135 Psa 135:1-21. A Psalm of praise, in which God's relations to His Church, His power in the natural world, and in delivering His people, are contrasted with the vanity of idols and idol-worship. 1-3. In the general call for praise, the priests, that stand in the house of the Lord, are specially mentioned.

6

In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.

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KJV Study Commentary

The 'house of the righteous' contains 'much treasure,' while 'in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.' This isn't prosperity gospel—the 'treasure' (Hebrew 'chocen') includes spiritual riches, peace, and God's blessing. The wicked's 'revenue' (Hebrew 'tebuah'—increase/income) brings 'trouble' (Hebrew 'akar'—disturbance/misery). Reformed theology distinguishes between true and false prosperity. Ri...

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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(6) **In the house of the righteous is much treasure.—**For God’s blessing (Proverbs 3:33) is upon it; while the wicked, from his recklessness in the pursuit of gain, brings trouble (Proverbs 15:27) upon himself and his family.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

4-7. God's choice of Israel is the first reason assigned for rendering praise; the next, His manifested greatness in creation and providence.

7

The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.

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KJV Study Commentary

The 'lips of the wise disperse knowledge,' but 'the heart of the foolish doeth not so.' Hebrew 'zarah' (disperse/scatter) suggests generosity and wide distribution, like a farmer sowing seed. The wise don't hoard knowledge but share it liberally. Meanwhile, fools lack the knowledge to disperse and the generosity to share what they have. Reformed theology values the teaching office and the responsi...

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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(7) **But the heart of the foolish doeth not **so.—Or, *disperseth that which is not right.*

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

4-7. God's choice of Israel is the first reason assigned for rendering praise; the next, His manifested greatness in creation and providence.

8

The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.

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KJV Study Commentary

God's moral preferences are stark: 'The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is his delight.' Even religious activity (sacrifice) is 'abomination' (Hebrew 'toebah'—detestable) when offered by the wicked. This echoes Samuel's rebuke: 'to obey is better than sacrifice' (1 Samuel 15:22). Reformed theology emphasizes that external religion without heart ...

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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(8) **The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord.—**And their prayers also (Isaiah 1:11). The worthlessness of sacrifice without obedience (comp. 1Samuel 15:22) may be here especially mentioned, because men are apt to think that what involves cost and trouble must be pleasing to God, even when not accompanied with what alone He cares for, a loving heart. **The prayer of the upright ...

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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

4-7. God's choice of Israel is the first reason assigned for rendering praise; the next, His manifested greatness in creation and providence.

9

The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.

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KJV Study Commentary

The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness. <em>To'avat YHVH derekh rasha</em> (תּוֹעֲבַת יְהוָה דֶּרֶךְ רָשָׁע, an abomination to the LORD is the way of the wicked). <em>To'evah</em> (תּוֹעֲבָה, abomination, disgusting thing) expresses God's intense revulsion toward wicked paths. <em>Umeraddef tsedaqah ye'ehav</em> (וּמְרַדֵּף צְדָק...

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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

4-7. God's choice of Israel is the first reason assigned for rendering praise; the next, His manifested greatness in creation and providence.

Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die. Correction: or, Instruction

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KJV Study Commentary

Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die. <em>Musar ra le'ozev orach</em> (מוּסָר רָע לְעֹזֵב אֹרַח, discipline is evil to one forsaking the path). Those abandoning the right way find correction <em>ra</em> (רָע, evil, grievous, offensive). <em>Sone tokhachat yamut</em> (שׂוֹנֵא תוֹכַחַת יָמוּת, hating reproof will die). Active hatred of correcti...

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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(10) **Correction is grievous.—**Rather, *There is a grievous correction for him that forsaketh the *(right) *way; *first of all, punishment for the sake of “correction” (Leviticus 26:14, *sqq.*)*, *and then, lastly, in the case of obstinate hatred of “reproof,” death (*Ibid. *Proverbs 15:33).

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

8-9. The last plague [Ex 12:29] is cited to illustrate His "tokens and wonders."

Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?

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KJV Study Commentary

Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men? <em>She'ol va'avaddon neged YHVH</em> (שְׁאוֹל וַאֲבַדּוֹן נֶגֶד יְהוָה, Sheol and Abaddon before the LORD). <em>She'ol</em> (שְׁאוֹל, the grave, realm of death) and <em>Avaddon</em> (אֲבַדּוֹן, destruction, place of ruin) lie open (<em>neged</em>, נֶגֶד, before, in front of) God's sight. <em>Af ki leve...

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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(11) **Hell and destruction.—“**Hell” is here the general name for the unseen world (*Hades*) beyond the grave, so called, according to one derivation, from its always “asking” for more victims, and never being satisfied. (Comp. Proverbs 27:20.) “Destruction” (*Abaddon*) is the lowest hell, corresponding to the “abyss” of Luke 8:31; Revelation 9:1; Revelation 9:11; the abode of evil spirits and th...

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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

8-9. The last plague [Ex 12:29] is cited to illustrate His "tokens and wonders."

A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.

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KJV Study Commentary

A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise. <em>Lo ye'ehav-lets lehokiyach lo</em> (לֹא יֶאֱהַב־לֵץ לְהוֹכִיחַ לוֹ, a scorner does not love one who reproves him). <em>Lets</em> (לֵץ, scorner, mocker, scoffer) refuses correction. <em>El-chakhamim lo yelekh</em> (אֶל־חֲכָמִים לֹא יֵלֵךְ, to the wise he will not go). Scorners avoid wise people who might confront the...

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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(12) **A scorner.—**See above on Proverbs 1:22.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

10-12. The conquest of Canaan was by God's power, not that of the people.

A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.

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KJV Study Commentary

Merry heart produces cheerful countenance, while heartache crushes the spirit. Inner spiritual/emotional state manifests outwardly. Joy is fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22), reflecting gospel transformation. Sorrow by worldly concerns versus godly sorrow producing repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10) shows different kinds of heartache.

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(13) **By sorrow of heart the spirit is broken.—**See above on Proverbs 12:25.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

10-12. The conquest of Canaan was by God's power, not that of the people.

The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.

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KJV Study Commentary

The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness. The wise person's heart actively pursues wisdom. <em>Lev navon yevaqesh da'at</em> (לֵב נָבוֹן יְבַקֵּשׁ דָּעַת, the heart of the discerning seeks knowledge). <em>Baqash</em> (בָּקַשׁ, seek, search for, request) shows active pursuit. By contrast, <em>upney kesilim yir'eh ivvelet</em> (וּפְנֵי...

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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

10-12. The conquest of Canaan was by God's power, not that of the people.

All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.

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KJV Study Commentary

All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast. This proverb addresses perspective's power. <em>Kol-yemey ani ra'im</em> (כָּל־יְמֵי עָנִי רָעִים, all the days of the afflicted are evil). The afflicted (<em>ani</em>, עָנִי, poor, afflicted, humble) experience every day as difficult. <em>Vetov-lev mishteh tamid</em> (וְטוֹב־לֵב מִשְׁתֶּה תָמִיד, but g...

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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(15) **All the days of the afflicted are evil.—**Another caution against over-anxiety. The “afflicted” here evidently means, not one who has to bear great misfortunes, but one who makes the worst of everything, to whom the “clouds return after the rain” (Ecclesiastes 12:2); while one who is “of a merry heart” does just the contrary.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**13. heritage--**or, "possession." **name ... memorial--**Each denote that by which God is made known.

Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.

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KJV Study Commentary

Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure with trouble. This comparative proverb establishes priority of spiritual riches over material wealth. Contentment with godliness surpasses anxious abundance, showing true prosperity is measured by covenant relationship, not possessions.

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(16) **Trouble.—**The “disquiet” (Psalm 39:6) which attends the pursuit and care of riches, in contrast to the “peace which they have who love God’s law. (Psalm 119:165.)

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**14. will judge--**do justice (Psa 72:2). **repent himself--**change His dealings (Psa 90:13).

Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.

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KJV Study Commentary

Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith. Modest meal with love beats lavish feast with hatred. This 'better than' saying subordinates material abundance to relational harmony. The 'stalled ox' represents expensive feast; 'dinner of herbs' represents simple vegetables. Yet love makes poverty rich; hatred makes wealth miserable. Relationships matter more tha...

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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

15-18. (Compare Psa 115:4-8).

A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.

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KJV Study Commentary

A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife. <em>Ish chema yeggareh madon</em> (אִישׁ חֵמָה יְגָרֶה מָדוֹן, a man of heat stirs up strife). Hot-tempered people provoke (<em>garah</em>, גָּרָה, stir up, provoke) conflict (<em>madon</em>, מָדוֹן, strife, contention). <em>Ve'erekh appayim yashqit riv</em> (וְאֶרֶךְ אַפַּיִם יַשְׁקִיט רִיב, but long of nostrils qui...

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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

15-18. (Compare Psa 115:4-8).

The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain. is made: Heb. is raised up as a causey

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KJV Study Commentary

The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain. <em>Derekh atsel kimsukat-chadeq</em> (דֶּרֶךְ עָצֵל כִּמְשֻׂכַת חָדֶק, the way of the sluggard like a hedge of thorns). The lazy person sees every path obstructed—real or imagined obstacles prevent action. <em>Ve'orach yesharim selulah</em> (וְאֹרַח יְשָׁרִים סְלֻלָה, but the path of the upright is a...

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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(19) **As a hedge of thorns.**—Every difficulty in his path serves as an excuse for inaction (comp. Proverbs 22:13); while the upright man, who does his duty as in the sight of God, goes “from strength to strength” (Psalm 84:7), along the path of life smoothed for him (Isaiah 26:7), performing the “just works” appointed for him to do.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

15-18. (Compare Psa 115:4-8).

A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.

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KJV Study Commentary

A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother. This proverb echoes 10:1, emphasizing parental heartbreak or joy through children's character. <em>Ben chakham yesammach-av</em> (בֵּן חָכָם יְשַׂמַּח־אָב, a wise son gladdens father). Wisdom brings parental joy. <em>Ukhesil adam bozeh immo</em> (וּכְסִיל אָדָם בּוֹזֶה אִמּוֹ, but a foolish man despises his mother). <em>Bazah...

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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

15-18. (Compare Psa 115:4-8).

Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly. destitute: Heb. void of heart

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KJV Study Commentary

Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly. <em>Simchah le'chasar-lev ivvelet</em> (שִׂמְחָה לַחֲסַר־לֵב אִוֶּלֶת, folly is joy to one lacking heart). Those lacking discernment find pleasure in foolishness. <em>Ve'ish tevunah yosher halokh</em> (וְאִישׁ תְּבוּנָה יֹשֶׁר הָלֹךְ, but a man of understanding walks straight). The discerning walk uprigh...

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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(21) **Folly.—**Shown in wasted opportunities, and the commission of evil (Proverbs 10:23), while the “man of understanding” directs his way in accordance with the will of God.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

19-21. (Compare Psa 115:9-11). There we have "trust" for "bless" here.

Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.

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KJV Study Commentary

Plans fail without counsel, but succeed with many advisors. This repeats 11:14's emphasis on wisdom through community. God typically guides through biblically-wise counselors, not mystical individual impressions. Rejecting advice reflects proud self-sufficiency contrary to body-of-Christ interdependence.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

19-21. (Compare Psa 115:9-11). There we have "trust" for "bless" here.

A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it! due: Heb. his season

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KJV Study Commentary

Apt answers bring joy to the speaker and hearer. Words fitly spoken meet needs with timely truth and grace. This requires wisdom to discern what, when, and how to speak for maximum benefit. Gospel ministry involves such fitting application of eternal truth to particular circumstances.

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(23) **A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth.**—So much mischief is done by the tongue, and its slips are so many, that when a man makes a suitable reply, he may well rejoice and look upon it as the gift of God (Proverbs 16:1).

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

19-21. (Compare Psa 115:9-11). There we have "trust" for "bless" here.

The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.

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KJV Study Commentary

The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath. <em>Orach chayyim lema'alah lemaskil</em> (אֹרַח חַיִּים לְמַעְלָה לְמַשְׂכִּיל, the path of life upward for the wise). The wise walk an upward path toward life. <em>Lema'an sur mishe'ol matah</em> (לְמַעַן סוּר מִשְּׁאוֹל מָטָּה, in order to turn from Sheol below). This upward path's purpose: avoiding <em>She'ol</em> (שְׁ...

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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(24) **The way of life is above to the wise.—**These words sound like a faint echo of such passages as Philippians 3:20; Colossians 3:1-2, though the writer’s meaning may only have been that the wise man who fears the Lord (Proverbs 1:7) is rewarded with long life on earth (Proverbs 3:16), and escapes death and hell (Proverbs 2:18-19). Comp. Isaiah 38:18-19.

The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.

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KJV Study Commentary

The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow. <em>Beyt ge'im yissach YHVH</em> (בֵּית גֵּאִים יִסַּח יְהוָה, the house of the proud the LORD tears down). God actively destroys (<em>nasach</em>, נָסַח, tear away, pull up, uproot) prideful households. <em>Veyatsev gevul almanah</em> (וְיַצֵּב גְּבוּל אַלְמָנָה, but He establishes the border of the widow...

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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(25) **The proud**—who trust in their own strength; while He will “establish the border,” or landmark, of the helpless widow, who has none to cry to but Him. The frequently threatened punishment against one who removes his neighbour’s landmark, shews the offence to have been a common form of oppression. (Comp. Deuteronomy 19:14; Deuteronomy 27:17; Proverbs 22:28; Job 24:2; Hosea 5:10.)

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

PSALM 136 Psa 136:1-26. The theme is the same as that of Psalm 135. God should be praised for His works of creation and providence, His deliverance and care of His people, and judgments on their enemies, and His goodness to all. The chorus to every verse is in terms of that of Psa 106:1; 118:1-4, and was perhaps used as the Amen by the people, in worship (compare 1Ch 16:36; Psa 105:45). 1-3. The ...

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The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words. pleasant: Heb. words of pleasantness

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KJV Study Commentary

The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words. <em>To'avat YHVH machshevot ra</em> (תּוֹעֲבַת יְהוָה מַחְשְׁבוֹת רָע, an abomination to the LORD are thoughts of evil). God finds wicked <em>machashavot</em> (מַחֲשָׁבוֹת, thoughts, plans, schemes) abominable. <em>Uthorim imrey-no'am</em> (וּטְהֹרִים אִמְרֵי־נֹעַם, but pure ones—pleasant words...

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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(26) **The thoughts of the wicked.**—Rather, *thoughts of evil, wicked designs.* **But the words of the pure are pleasant words.**—Rather, *pleasant words *(i.e., kindly meant, soothing words; comp. Proverbs 16:24) *are pure *in God’s sight; accepted by Him as coming from a well-meaning heart.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

PSALM 136 Psa 136:1-26. The theme is the same as that of Psalm 135. God should be praised for His works of creation and providence, His deliverance and care of His people, and judgments on their enemies, and His goodness to all. The chorus to every verse is in terms of that of Psa 106:1; 118:1-4, and was perhaps used as the Amen by the people, in worship (compare 1Ch 16:36; Psa 105:45). 1-3. The ...

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He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.

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KJV Study Commentary

He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live. <em>Botsea' batsa ֹokher beyto</em> (בּוֹצֵעַ בֶּצַע עֹכֵר בֵּיתוֹ, one greedy for gain troubles his house). <em>Akhar</em> (עָכַר, trouble, disturb, bring calamity) recalls Achan whose greed troubled Israel (Joshua 7:25). Greed destroys families. <em>Vesone matanot yichyeh</em> (וְשֹׂנֵא מַתָּנֹת יִחְיֶה, but ...

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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(27) **He that is greedy of gain.—**Ill-gotten gain, especially bribes, as is seen in the next line. **Troubleth his own house.—**The word used of Achan (Joshua 7:25). **Gifts.—**Bribes taken by a judge. (Ecclesiastes 7:7.)

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

PSALM 136 Psa 136:1-26. The theme is the same as that of Psalm 135. God should be praised for His works of creation and providence, His deliverance and care of His people, and judgments on their enemies, and His goodness to all. The chorus to every verse is in terms of that of Psa 106:1; 118:1-4, and was perhaps used as the Amen by the people, in worship (compare 1Ch 16:36; Psa 105:45). 1-3. The ...

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The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.

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KJV Study Commentary

The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things. <em>Lev tsaddiq yehgeh la'anot</em> (לֵב צַדִּיק יֶהְגֶּה לַעֲנוֹת, the heart of the righteous meditates to answer). <em>Hagah</em> (הָגָה, meditate, mutter, study) shows thoughtful preparation before speaking. <em>Ufi resha'im yabiya' ra'ot</em> (וּפִי רְשָׁעִים יַבִּיעַ רָעוֹת, but the mouth of th...

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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(28) **The heart of the righteous studieth to answer**—*i.e.*, aright, knowing how much good and evil is caused by words. (Comp. James 3:5, *sqq.*)

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**4. alone--**excluding all help.

The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.

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KJV Study Commentary

The LORD is far from the wicked but hears the righteous. This doesn't deny God's omnipresence but His relational nearness and favor. Prayer's efficacy requires righteous standing before God, obtained only through Christ's imputed righteousness. The wicked have no access to God's throne apart from repentance.

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(29) **He heareth the prayer of the righteous.—**For they desire above all things to do His will, and so their petitions to this effect are heard by Him.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**5-6. by wisdom--**or, "in wisdom" (Psa 104:24). **made--**literally, "maker of." **above the waters--**or, "higher than the waters" (Psa 24:2).

The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.

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KJV Study Commentary

The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat. <em>Me'or-eynayim yesammach-lev</em> (מְאוֹר־עֵינַיִם יְשַׂמַּח־לֵב, the light of eyes gladdens the heart). Pleasant sights bring joy. <em>Shemu'ah tovah tedashshen-atsem</em> (שְׁמוּעָה טוֹבָה תְּדַשֶּׁן־עָצֶם, good news makes bones fat). Good reports bring physical vitality. The proverb observes psychosomatic real...

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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(30) **The light of the eyes **. . .—It does the heart good to see one whose eyes are sparkling with happiness. **A good report.—**Good news, affecting either oneself or others.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**5-6. by wisdom--**or, "in wisdom" (Psa 104:24). **made--**literally, "maker of." **above the waters--**or, "higher than the waters" (Psa 24:2).

The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.

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KJV Study Commentary

The ear that hears the reproof of life abides among the wise. Those who receive life-giving correction dwell with wise persons. 'Reproof of life' (tokachat chayim) is correction leading to life, not mere criticism. Hearing such reproof demonstrates and produces wisdom. The verb 'abides' (lin) suggests permanent dwelling - receiving correction makes one at home among wise community.

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(31) **The ear that heareth the reproof of life—***i.e., *one which does not refuse reproof, or instruction, which leads to life. (Comp. Proverbs 6:23.) The “ear” is put for the person, as in Job 29:11.

He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding. instruction: or, correction heareth: or, obeyeth getteth: Heb. possesseth an heart

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KJV Study Commentary

He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding. <em>Pore'a musar mo'es nafsho</em> (פּוֹרֵעַ מוּסָר מוֹאֵס נַפְשׁוֹ, one refusing discipline despises his soul). Rejecting instruction is self-hatred. <em>Veshome'a tokhachat qoneh-lev</em> (וְשׁוֹמֵעַ תּוֹכַחַת קוֹנֶה־לֵב, but one hearing reproof acquires heart/understanding). <em>Qanah lev</em...

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The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.

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KJV Study Commentary

This verse pairs fear of God with humility: 'The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.' Fear of Yahweh functions as wisdom's curriculum (musar chokhmah)—the disciplinary instruction that produces wise living. This reiterates the book's central thesis (1:7, 9:10). The second phrase presents sequence: humility precedes honor. Those who humble themselves will b...

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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(33) **The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom.**—Or, *a discipline which leads to wisdom. *(Comp. Proverbs 1:7.) **Before honour is humility.—**Humility leads to it. (Comp. Luke 1:52.) Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers Text Courtesy of BibleSupport.com. Used by Permission. Bible Hub

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