Proverbs 15:2 - Printer Friendly

ESV: The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.

NIV: The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.

NASB: The tongue of the wise makes knowledge pleasant, But the mouth of fools spouts foolishness.

CSB: The tongue of the wise makes knowledge attractive, but the mouth of fools blurts out foolishness.

NLT: The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness.

KJV: The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.

NKJV: The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.

Addressing the subject of speech in this verse, Solomon observes that the wise person compliments knowledge by speaking wisely. Wise speech persuades others to pursue and gain knowledge. Likewise, the thoughtful person is focused on concepts such as truth and wisdom, rather than merely filling the air with words. The fool, however, speaks foolishly. Words gush out of their mouths thoughtlessly and reveal a lack of knowledge. Critics of Christian faith often rely on volume—both in the sense of bulk and noise—instead of reason. Through a flood of repeated criticisms, angry words, and shallow attacks, they seek to avoid deeper engagement on subjects.

Jesus, who possessed all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:3), astounded people with His wise words. Even at the age of twelve Jesus manifested wisdom when He conversed with the teachers in the temple. Luke 2:47 reports that "all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers." In the synagogue in Nazareth, Jesus' hometown, Jesus taught those who were present. Subsequently, those who heard Him, "were astonished, and said, 'Where did this man get this wisdom and these mighty works?'" (Matthew 13:54).

Christ also taught His disciples to pray wisely instead of using empty words. He said, "When you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him" (Matthew 6:7–8).

Proverbs 15:1–5 focuses on the wisdom of responding correctly to disagreement and correction. Several verses note the value in "soft" or "gentle" answers in resolving conflict. Those who unleash a torrent of attacks and criticisms are foolish, compared to those who take the time to consider an answer. Solomon reminds the reader that God sees and knows all, and he gives another reminder of the importance of listening to wise counselors.

Solomon begins this chapter of Proverbs by addressing subjects such as anger and self-control and how those reactions produce different responses from others. That extends to how carefully a person guards their words, and their responses to questions. Wise people seek wisdom and humbly accept it. Foolish people are careless, lazy, or arrogant. Solomon also notes the importance of perspective, and once again commends those who sincerely seek godly wisdom.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.