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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 15:15 All the days of the oppressed are bad, but a cheerful heart has a continual feast.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/15-15.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/20_Pro_15_15.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 15:15 - A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="All the days of the oppressed are bad, but a cheerful heart has a continual feast." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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for the happy heart, life is a continual feast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/15.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />All the days of the afflicted are evil, but the cheerful of heart has a continual feast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/15.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />All the days of the oppressed are bad, but a cheerful heart has a continual feast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/15.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />All the days of the afflicted <i>are</i> evil: but he that is of a merry heart <i>hath</i> a continual feast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/15.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />All the days of the afflicted <i>are</i> evil, But he who is of a merry heart <i>has</i> a continual feast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/15.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />All the days of the needy are bad, But a cheerful heart <i>has</i> a continual feast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/15.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />All the days of the afflicted are bad, But a cheerful heart has a continual feast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/15.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />All the days of the afflicted are bad, But a cheerful heart <i>has</i> a continual feast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/15.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />All the days of the afflicted are evil, But a good heart <i>has</i> a continual feast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/15.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />All the days of the afflicted are bad, But a glad heart has a continual feast [regardless of the circumstances].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/15.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />All the days of the oppressed are miserable, but a cheerful heart has a continual feast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/15.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />All the days of the oppressed are miserable, but a cheerful heart has a continual feast. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/15.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />All the days of the afflicted are evil; But he that is of a cheerful heart hath a continual feast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/15.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />The poor have a hard life, but being content is as good as an endless feast. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/15.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a cheerful heart hath a continual feast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/15.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Every day is a terrible day for a miserable person, but a cheerful heart has a continual feast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/15.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The life of the poor is a constant struggle, but happy people always enjoy life. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/15.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The entire life of the afflicted seems disastrous, but a good heart feasts continuously.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/15.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />All the days of the oppressed are bad, but a cheerful heart has a continual feast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/15.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />All the days of the afflicted are bad, but one with a cheerful heart has a continual feast. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/15.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />All the days of the afflicted are wretched, but one who has a cheerful heart enjoys a continual feast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/15.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/15.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />All the days of the afflicted are wretched, but one who has a cheerful heart enjoys a continual feast. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/15.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />All the days of the afflicted [are] evil, "" And gladness of heart [is] a perpetual banquet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/15.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> All the days of the afflicted are evil, And gladness of heart is a perpetual banquet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/15.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />All the days of the afflicted are evil: and the good of heart drinking always.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/15.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />All the days of the poor are evil: a secure mind is like a continual feast. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/15.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />All the days of the poor are evil. A secure mind is like a continual feast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/15.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />All the days of the poor are evil, but a good heart is a continual feast. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/15.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />All the days of the poor are hard, but a cheerful heart has a continual feast.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/15.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />All the days of the poor are filled with hardships; but those who are of merry heart have a continual tranquillity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/15.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />All the days of the poor are poor, and the sweet are always calm.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/15.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />All the days of the poor are evil; But he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/15.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />The eyes of the wicked are always looking for evil things; but the good are always quiet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/15-15.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=2905" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/15.htm">A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">14</span>A discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly. <span class="reftext">15</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">All</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: yə·mê (N-mpc) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">the days</a> <a href="/hebrew/6041.htm" title="6041: ‘ā·nî (Adj-ms) -- Poor, afflicted, humble. From anah; depressed, in mind or circumstances.">of the oppressed</a> <a href="/hebrew/7451.htm" title="7451: rā·‘îm (Adj-mp) -- Bad, evil. From ra'a'; bad or evil.">are bad,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: wə·ṭō·wḇ- (Conj-w:: Adj-ms) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">but a cheerful</a> <a href="/hebrew/3820.htm" title="3820: lêḇ (N-ms) -- A form of lebab; the heart; also used very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything.">heart</a> <a href="/hebrew/8548.htm" title="8548: ṯā·mîḏ (Adv) -- From an unused root meaning to stretch; properly, continuance; but used only constant; ellipt. The regular sacrifice.">has a continual</a> <a href="/hebrew/4960.htm" title="4960: miš·teh (N-ms) -- A feast, drink. From shathah; drink, by implication, drinking; also a banquet or feast.">feast.</a> </span><span class="reftext">16</span>Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure with turmoil.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/4-11.htm">Philippians 4:11-13</a></span><br />I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances. / I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. In any and every situation I have learned the secret of being filled and being hungry, of having plenty and having need. / I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/4-16.htm">2 Corinthians 4:16-18</a></span><br />Therefore we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day. / For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory that is far beyond comparison. / So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/34-19.htm">Psalm 34:19</a></span><br />Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him from them all.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:7-9</a></span><br />Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a cheerful heart, for God has already approved your works: / Let your garments always be white, and never spare the oil for your head. / Enjoy life with your beloved wife all the days of the fleeting life that God has given you under the sun—all your fleeting days. For this is your portion in life and in your labor under the sun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-28.htm">Romans 8:28</a></span><br />And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-2.htm">James 1:2-4</a></span><br />Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, / because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. / Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/118-24.htm">Psalm 118:24</a></span><br />This is the day that the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-16.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:16-18</a></span><br />Rejoice at all times. / Pray without ceasing. / Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/16-11.htm">Psalm 16:11</a></span><br />You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-25.htm">Matthew 6:25-34</a></span><br />Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? / Look at the birds of the air: They do not sow or reap or gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? / Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/8-10.htm">Nehemiah 8:10</a></span><br />Then Nehemiah told them, “Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send out portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/16-33.htm">John 16:33</a></span><br />I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/37-4.htm">Psalm 37:4</a></span><br />Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/61-3.htm">Isaiah 61:3</a></span><br />to console the mourners in Zion—to give them a crown of beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and a garment of praise for a spirit of despair. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/1-6.htm">1 Peter 1:6-9</a></span><br />In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in various trials / so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. / Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with an inexpressible and glorious joy, ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart has a continual feast.</p><p class="hdg">all</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/37-35.htm">Genesis 37:35</a></b></br> And all his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted; and he said, For I will go down into the grave unto my son mourning. Thus his father wept for him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/47-9.htm">Genesis 47:9</a></b></br> And Jacob said unto Pharaoh, The days of the years of my pilgrimage <i>are</i> an hundred and thirty years: few and evil have the days of the years of my life been, and have not attained unto the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimage.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/90-7.htm">Psalm 90:7-9</a></b></br> For we are consumed by thine anger, and by thy wrath are we troubled… </p><p class="hdg">but</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/16-22.htm">Proverbs 16:22</a></b></br> Understanding <i>is</i> a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools <i>is</i> folly.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/17-22.htm">Proverbs 17:22</a></b></br> A merry heart doeth good <i>like</i> a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/16-25.htm">Acts 16:25</a></b></br> And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/14-21.htm">Afflicted</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-17.htm">Bad</a> <a href="/job/41-6.htm">Banquet</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-13.htm">Cheerful</a> <a href="/psalms/109-19.htm">Continual</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-2.htm">Enjoys</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-3.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-14.htm">Feast</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-13.htm">Glad</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-10.htm">Gladness</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-14.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-13.htm">Merry</a> <a href="/psalms/146-7.htm">Oppressed</a> <a href="/psalms/78-66.htm">Perpetual</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-31.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/psalms/140-12.htm">Troubled</a> <a href="/psalms/74-3.htm">Unending</a> <a href="/psalms/10-14.htm">Wretched</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/22-22.htm">Afflicted</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-14.htm">Bad</a> <a href="/songs/2-4.htm">Banquet</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-30.htm">Cheerful</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-13.htm">Continual</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-16.htm">Enjoys</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-26.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-1.htm">Feast</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-20.htm">Glad</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-1.htm">Gladness</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-21.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-22.htm">Merry</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-19.htm">Oppressed</a> <a href="/jeremiah/5-22.htm">Perpetual</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-19.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-19.htm">Troubled</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-15.htm">Unending</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-30.htm">Wretched</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 15</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/15-1.htm">A gentle answer turns away wrath</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/15.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/15.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>All the days of the oppressed are bad</b><br>This phrase highlights the constant struggle and suffering experienced by those who are oppressed. In biblical times, oppression often came from foreign rulers, unjust leaders, or societal structures that marginalized certain groups. The Hebrew word for "oppressed" can also imply being afflicted or in distress, suggesting a broader application to anyone experiencing hardship. This aligns with the experiences of the Israelites under Egyptian bondage (<a href="/exodus/1-11.htm">Exodus 1:11-14</a>) and during the Babylonian exile (<a href="/lamentations/1-3.htm">Lamentations 1:3</a>). Theologically, it reflects the fallen state of the world due to sin, where injustice and suffering are prevalent. The oppressed are often depicted in Scripture as those who cry out to God for deliverance, as seen in the Psalms (<a href="/psalms/9-9.htm">Psalm 9:9</a>, <a href="/psalms/10-17.htm">Psalm 10:17-18</a>).<p><b>but a cheerful heart has a continual feast</b><br>In contrast, this phrase emphasizes the power of inner joy and contentment, which transcends external circumstances. A "cheerful heart" suggests a disposition of gratitude and trust in God, which is a recurring theme in wisdom literature. This joy is not dependent on material wealth or favorable conditions but is rooted in a relationship with God. The idea of a "continual feast" symbolizes abundance and satisfaction, reminiscent of the peace and provision found in God's presence (<a href="/psalms/23-5.htm">Psalm 23:5</a>). This concept is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to rejoice always (<a href="/philippians/4-4.htm">Philippians 4:4</a>) and find contentment in Christ (<a href="/philippians/4-11.htm">Philippians 4:11-13</a>). The cheerful heart can be seen as a type of Christ, who embodies perfect joy and offers spiritual abundance to His followers (<a href="/john/10-10.htm">John 10:10</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_oppressed.htm">The Oppressed</a></b><br>This refers to individuals who are burdened by life's difficulties, whether through external circumstances or internal struggles. In the context of Proverbs, it often implies those who lack wisdom or are ensnared by folly.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_cheerful_heart.htm">The Cheerful Heart</a></b><br>This represents a person who maintains a positive and joyful outlook on life, regardless of circumstances. In biblical terms, this joy often stems from a deep trust in God and His providence.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom. His insights into human behavior and godly living are encapsulated in the Proverbs.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/a/ancient_israel.htm">Ancient Israel</a></b><br>The cultural and historical backdrop of Proverbs, where wisdom literature was a key component of teaching and moral instruction.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_literature.htm">Wisdom Literature</a></b><br>A genre of biblical writing that includes Proverbs, focusing on practical living and the pursuit of a godly life through wisdom.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_perspective.htm">The Power of Perspective</a></b><br>Our outlook on life can transform our experiences. A cheerful heart, rooted in faith, can turn even difficult days into a "continual feast."<br><br><b><a href="/topical/j/joy_as_a_choice.htm">Joy as a Choice</a></b><br>Biblical joy is not dependent on circumstances but is a deliberate choice to trust in God's goodness and sovereignty.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_impact_of_inner_attitude.htm">The Impact of Inner Attitude</a></b><br>Our internal state affects our external experiences. Cultivating a heart of gratitude and joy can lead to a more fulfilling life.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_in_adversity.htm">Wisdom in Adversity</a></b><br>Seeking God's wisdom can help us navigate oppression and find joy even in challenging times.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_and_support.htm">Community and Support</a></b><br>Surrounding ourselves with fellow believers can encourage a cheerful heart and provide support during wretched days.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_15.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 15</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_should_christians_treat_foes.htm">What does 'a merry heart does good like medicine' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/meaning_of_'a_merry_heart_is_medicine'.htm">What does "a merry heart does good like medicine" mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_proverbs_10_15_conflict_with_jesus.htm">Proverbs 10:15 depicts wealth as a 'fortified city'--does this conflict with Jesus' warnings about riches in the New Testament?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_can_god_'see_all'_scientifically.htm">Proverbs 15:3: How can an omnipresent God 'see everything' in a scientifically verifiable way?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/15.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(15) <span class= "bld">All the days of the afflicted are evil.--</span>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" (<a href="/ecclesiastes/12-2.htm" title="While the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, be not darkened, nor the clouds return after the rain:">Ecclesiastes 12:2</a>); while one who is "of a merry heart" does just the contrary.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/15.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 15.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">All the days of the afflicted are evil.</span> "The days of the poor are evil," says the Talmud ('Dukes,' 73); but in our verse the contrasted clause restricts the sense of "the afflicted" to mental, not material, evil. The Vulgate <span class="accented">pauperis</span> gives a wrong impression. The persons intended are such as take a gloomy view of things, who are always in low spirits, and cannot rise superior to present circumstances. These never have a happy moment; they are always taking anxious thought (<a href="/matthew/6-25.htm">Matthew 6:25</a>), and forecasting evil. The LXX., reading <span class="hebrew">עיני</span> for <span class="hebrew">עני</span>, translates, "At all times the eyes of the evil expect evil." <span class="cmt_word">But he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.</span> The cheerful man's condition is a banquet unceasingly, a fixed state of joy and contentment. Septuagint, "But the righteous are at peace always;" Vulgate, "A secure mind is like a perpetual feast." "For," says St. Gregory ('Moral,' 12:44), "the mere repose of security is like the continuance of refreshment. Whereas, on the other hand, the evil mind is always set in pains and labours, since it is either contriving mischiefs that it may bring down, or fearing lest these be brought down upon it by others." Our own proverb says, "A contented mind is a continual feast." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/15-15.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">All</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּל־</span> <span class="translit">(kāl-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the days</span><br /><span class="heb">יְמֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(yə·mê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> </span><span class="str2">A day</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the oppressed</span><br /><span class="heb">עָנִ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6041.htm">Strong's 6041: </a> </span><span class="str2">Poor, afflicted, humble</span><br /><br /><span class="word">are bad,</span><br /><span class="heb">רָעִ֑ים</span> <span class="translit">(rā·‘îm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7451.htm">Strong's 7451: </a> </span><span class="str2">Bad, evil</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but a cheerful</span><br /><span class="heb">וְטֽוֹב־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ṭō·wḇ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2896.htm">Strong's 2896: </a> </span><span class="str2">Pleasant, agreeable, good</span><br /><br /><span class="word">heart</span><br /><span class="heb">לֵ֝֗ב</span> <span class="translit">(lêḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3820.htm">Strong's 3820: </a> </span><span class="str2">The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre</span><br /><br /><span class="word">has a continual</span><br /><span class="heb">תָמִֽיד׃</span> <span class="translit">(ṯā·mîḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8548.htm">Strong's 8548: </a> </span><span class="str2">Continuance, constant, ellipt, the regular, sacrifice</span><br /><br /><span class="word">feast.</span><br /><span class="heb">מִשְׁתֶּ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(miš·teh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4960.htm">Strong's 4960: </a> </span><span class="str2">Drink, drinking, a banquet, feast</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/15-15.htm">Proverbs 15:15 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/15-15.htm">Proverbs 15:15 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/15-15.htm">Proverbs 15:15 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/15-15.htm">Proverbs 15:15 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/15-15.htm">Proverbs 15:15 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/15-15.htm">Proverbs 15:15 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/15-15.htm">Proverbs 15:15 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/15-15.htm">Proverbs 15:15 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/15-15.htm">Proverbs 15:15 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/15-15.htm">Proverbs 15:15 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/15-15.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 15:15 All the days of the afflicted (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/15-14.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 15:14"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 15:14" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/15-16.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 15:16"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 15:16" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>