15:1 A soft answer A patient or gentle answer (Prov 14:3; 25:15) defuses anger (e.g., Gideon’s response to the men of Ephraim in Judg 8:1–3). In contrast, a harsh answer escalates a situation (e.g., Nabal’s response to David in 1 Sam 25:10–13 [“Nabal” means “fool”]).

15:3 keep watch over the evil and the good Yahweh sees the ways of all people (Prov 5:21). The Psalms portray Him as examining humanity from His heavenly throne (Psa 11:4–5). He watches so He can eventually bring all actions under His judgment (Eccl 12:14).

15:4 Gentleness of tongue is a tree of life Because it defuses anger, a gentle tongue is portrayed as a tree of life—a symbol of renewal (Prov 15:1; see note on 3:18).

15:5 A fool will despise the instruction of his father The fool is characterized by rejection of instruction and correction. See 1:7 and note; compare vv. 20; 23:22.

15:6 much treasure Proverbs consistently holds up long life and success as rewards for wisdom. See note on 3:2.

15:7 The lips of the wise will spread knowledge The wise benefit those around them, while the fool should be avoided (13:20; 14:7).

Wisdom and Related Terms

15:8 The sacrifice of the wicked Describes a sacrifice made insincerely or for the purpose of appearing righteous.

15:9 An abomination of Yahweh In addition to their sacrifices, Yahweh considers the lives of wicked people—and even their thoughts—an abomination (Prov 15:26).

15:11 Sheol The scope of God’s watch stretches even to the realm of the dead.

Abaddon The Hebrew word used here, avad, refers to perishing or going to ruin—like she’ol, it describes the underworld (Prov 27:20; Psa 88:10–12; compare Rev 9:11)

Old Testament Theology of the Afterlife

15:12 A scoffer does not like his rebuke Scoffers are characterized by their attitude, which prevents them from finding wisdom (see Prov 1:22 and note; 9:7–8; 13:1; 14:6; 21:24).

15:16 Better is little Wealth is a good thing, but its value is negated by trouble.

15:18 A man who is hot-tempered will stir up strife Like hard words, someone quick to anger only causes problems; in contrast, the level-headed person defuses anger (see v. 1 and note).

15:19 The way of the lazy Idleness makes the lazy person’s way more difficult. See 6:9 and note.

15:21 Folly is a joy The fool enjoys folly and sees no need to become wise.

The Fool in Proverbs

15:22 Plans go wrong when there is no counsel The wise person seeks advice from others before acting. An abundance of counselors ensures that any foolish decisions are noticed and prevented (11:14; 24:6).

15:24 turn away from Sheol below Prudence protects a person’s life from the realm of the dead, called she’ol in Hebrew (see note on 3:2; Gen 37:35 and note; compare Job 3:13; 14:13; 26:6).

Wisdom and Related Terms

Old Testament Theology of the Afterlife

15:25 the property line of the widow Widows were among the most impoverished people in the ancient Near East. The law included special protections for widows so that they would not be exploited (Exod 22:22–24; see note on Ruth 1:5). Moving another person’s boundary marker amounts to theft and thus is condemned.

15:33 Fear of Yahweh Denotes reverence for Yahweh (see note on Prov 1:7).

Fearing God in the Old Testament