Proverbs 15 Summary - 5 Minute Bible Study

Proverbs 15 Short Summary:

Proverbs 15 continues the short proverbs of Solomon that began in chapter 10. Solomon’s proverbs are recorded in Proverbs chapter 10 through chapter 29. These proverbs are typically short and concise statements of wisdom for the medication of the reader. Several of the proverbs in this chapter touch on the delicacy of words and how they can either positively or negatively impact a situation.

Proverbs 15 Summary

DEFINITIONS:

• Prudent (15:5) - Acting carefully; moving through life cautiously and thoughtfully.

• Sheol and Abaddon (15:11) – These terms signify the underworld and the spiritual powers that are present there.

HIGHLIGHTED PROVERBS:

• PROVERB #1-3:

  • Proverbs 15:1 – “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

  • Proverbs 15:4 – “A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.”

  • Proverbs 15:23 – “To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is!”

  • Several of the proverbs in this chapter touch on the delicacy of words and how they can either positively or negatively impact a situation.

  • A well-spoken word can (1) prevent anger from dominating an interaction, (2) it can build up rather than tear down, and (3) it can be a source of joy.

  • But we all know choosing the wisest words at any given moment is very difficult, especially when we’re mad at someone, or someone is mad at us.

  • This is why the Proverbs talk about the wise man speaking slowly. A wise man knows he needs time to think through his responses. He needs time to come up with the most constructive words, but he can only do that after evaluating the variables of a situation.

  • A wise man may never be the first to speak, because he understands the power of words, and always chooses his carefully.

  • Those who speak quickly may get the most attention, but their words are likely not the most helpful and they’re often harmful.

  • For application, consider the dangers of our modern online world. The internet rewards those who react first. The first person to put out a video or article on the latest news story gets the most views. The first person to break news on Facebook or X gets the most likes.  

  • We are incentivized to speak first, which I suspect is a trap of the devil.

  • Consider also the way words can build people up or tear them down.

  • You can encourage someone in their work, and they’ll be motivated to continue on.

  • You can discourage someone in their work, and they’ll quit and never try again.

  • That is real power! And you better be careful how you use that power!

  • What a shame it would be to speak a critical word about someone’s work in the Church and they quit because of it.

  • What a blessing you could be to your church if the majority of your words were words of life that infused your congregation with fresh encouragement.

  • It is true that “death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21).