Proverbs 15

15:1 Moderating emotions and suiting them to the context helps others listen to what we say without reacting.

15:2 A wise teacher presents lessons in an attractive way. Crude belching describes the ugly teaching of a fool.

15:3 Knowing that thethe eyes of the Lord is watching everywhere is motivation for wise behavior.

15:5 Wisdom requires learning from correction.

15:6 God blesses the godly with wealth (10:22; cp. 10:15 and 14:24). The wicked may also gain wealth, but it will bring trouble rather than blessing (11:4, 18; 13:11; 21:6; 22:16).

15:8 God looks beyond the outward actions of sacrifice and prayers to see if they reflect the heart’s attitude (see also 21:27; Ps 40:6-8; Mic 6:6-8).

15:11 Death and Destruction (Hebrew Sheol and Abaddon) personify the destiny of the dead. Sheol is the abode of the dead; Abaddon is a synonym for Sheol that has an added implication of punishment. • God knows all secrets (see Ps 139:1-12).

15:12 Mockers cannot become wise because they keep criticism at a distance (cp. 10:17; 13:1, 10).

15:13 What people feel affects how they present themselves (cp. 15:30).

15:14 Whether we enjoy knowledge or trash reveals whether we are on the path of wisdom or of folly.

15:15 Personality affects our outlook on life.

15:16 A healthy fear for the Lord counteracts inner turmoil and brings inner peace. • Better to have little: See also 16:8.

15:17 This better than proverb shows the relative value of wealth. A substantial meal (steak) is good, but love is better.

15:18 Controlling one’s anger is a sign of wisdom (see also Jas 1:19-20).

15:19 A lazy person can find all kinds of obstacles (e.g., a path blocked with briers) to avoid work (see 10:4, 26; 12:11, 14; 13:4; 14:4).

15:22 An individual might not think of all the angles of a problem; a wise person invites advice from many advisers.

15:24 A wise person avoids death by choosing the path of life.

15:25 The proud think that they are self-sufficient. Widows in the ancient Near East were just the opposite—completely vulnerable and without means of support or protection.

15:29 The heart behind prayers determines whether God hears them.

15:30 Just as how we feel affects our demeanor (see 15:13), what we experience (such as another person’s cheerful look or good news) can affect how we feel.

15:33 Fear of the Lord fosters humility because proper regard for God counteracts our delusions of self-sufficiency.