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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 15:28 The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/15-28.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/20_Pro_15_28.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 15:28 - A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil." /><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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the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/15.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/15.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/15.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/15.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, But the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/15.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, But the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/15.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, But the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/15.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, But the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/15.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, But the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/15.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The heart of the righteous thinks carefully about how to answer [in a wise and appropriate and timely way], But the [babbling] mouth of the wicked pours out malevolent things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/15.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The mind of the righteous person thinks before answering, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/15.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The mind of the righteous person thinks before answering, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil things. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/15.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />The heart of the righteous studieth to answer; But the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/15.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Good people think before they answer, but the wicked speak evil without ever thinking. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/15.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/15.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The heart of a righteous person carefully considers how to answer, but the mouths of wicked people pour out a flood of evil things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/15.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Good people think before they answer. Evil people have a quick reply, but it causes trouble. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/15.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The mind of the righteous thinks before speaking, but the wicked person spews out evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/15.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/15.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The heart of the righteous considers how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/15.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The heart of the righteous weighs answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes out evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/15.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/15.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The heart of the righteous weighs answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes out evil. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/15.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />The heart of the righteous meditates to answer, "" And the mouth of the wicked utters evil things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/15.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> The heart of the righteous meditateth to answer, And the mouth of the wicked uttereth evil things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/15.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The heart of the just one shall meditate to answer: and the mouth of the unjust shall gush out evil.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/15.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />The mind of the just studieth obedience: the mouth of the wicked over floweth with evils. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/15.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />The mind of the just meditates on obedience. The mouth of the impious overflows with evils.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/15.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The heart of the just ponders a response, but the mouth of the wicked spews evil. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/15.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The mind of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/15.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />The heart of the righteous meditates in truth; but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/15.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />The heart of the righteous meditates upon the faith, and the mouth of the evils speaks evil things.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/15.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />The heart of the righteous studieth to answer; But the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/15.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />The hearts of the righteous meditate faithfulness; but the mouth of the ungodly answers evil things. The ways of righteous men are acceptable with the Lord; and through them even enemies become friends.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/15-28.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=3002" 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">27</span>He who is greedy for unjust gain brings trouble on his household, but he who hates bribes will live. <span class="reftext">28</span><span class="highl"><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.">The heart</a> <a href="/hebrew/6662.htm" title="6662: ṣad·dîq (Adj-ms) -- Just, righteous. From tsadaq; just.">of the righteous</a> <a href="/hebrew/1897.htm" title="1897: yeh·geh (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To moan, growl, utter, speak, muse. A primitive root; to murmur; by implication, to ponder.">ponders</a> <a href="/hebrew/6030.htm" title="6030: la·‘ă·nō·wṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To answer, respond.">how to answer,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6310.htm" title="6310: ū·p̄î (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- Mouth. From pa'ah; the mouth, whether literal or figurative; specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially according to.">but the mouth</a> <a href="/hebrew/7563.htm" title="7563: rə·šā·‘îm (Adj-mp) -- Wicked, criminal. From rasha'; morally wrong; concretely, an bad person.">of the wicked</a> <a href="/hebrew/5042.htm" title="5042: yab·bî·a‘ (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms) -- To flow, spring, bubble up. A primitive root; to gush forth; figuratively, to utter; specifically, to emit.">blurts out</a> <a href="/hebrew/7451.htm" title="7451: rā·‘ō·wṯ (N-fp) -- Bad, evil. From ra'a'; bad or evil.">evil.</a> </span><span class="reftext">29</span>The LORD is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous.…<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="/james/1-19.htm">James 1:19</a></span><br />My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/12-34.htm">Matthew 12:34-37</a></span><br />You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. / The good man brings good things out of his good store of treasure, and the evil man brings evil things out of his evil store of treasure. / But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/10-19.htm">Proverbs 10:19</a></span><br />When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/29-11.htm">Proverbs 29:11</a></span><br />A fool vents all his anger, but a wise man holds it back.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-2.htm">James 3:2-12</a></span><br />We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to control his whole body. / When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can guide the whole animal. / Consider ships as well. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot is inclined. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:2</a></span><br />Do not be quick to speak, and do not be hasty in your heart to utter a word before God. For God is in heaven and you are on earth. So let your words be few.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/13-3.htm">Proverbs 13:3</a></span><br />He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-29.htm">Ephesians 4:29</a></span><br />Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/21-23.htm">Proverbs 21:23</a></span><br />He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/4-6.htm">Colossians 4:6</a></span><br />Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/37-30.htm">Psalm 37:30</a></span><br />The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/18-13.htm">Proverbs 18:13</a></span><br />He who answers a matter before he hears it—this is folly and disgrace to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-15.htm">1 Peter 3:15</a></span><br />But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/12-18.htm">Proverbs 12:18</a></span><br />Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-45.htm">Luke 6:45</a></span><br />The good man brings good things out of the good treasure of his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil treasure of his heart. For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">The heart of the righteous studies to answer: but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.</p><p class="hdg">heart</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/15-2.htm">Proverbs 15:2</a></b></br> The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/16-23.htm">Proverbs 16:23</a></b></br> The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/3-23.htm">1 Kings 3:23-28</a></b></br> Then said the king, The one saith, This <i>is</i> my son that liveth, and thy son <i>is</i> the dead: and the other saith, Nay; but thy son <i>is</i> the dead, and my son <i>is</i> the living… </p><p class="hdg">the mouth</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/10-19.htm">Proverbs 10:19</a></b></br> In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips <i>is</i> wise.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/13-16.htm">Proverbs 13:16</a></b></br> Every prudent <i>man</i> dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open <i>his</i> folly.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/29-11.htm">Proverbs 29:11,20</a></b></br> A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise <i>man</i> keepeth it in till afterwards… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/120-1.htm">Answers</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-26.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-9.htm">Evil-Doer</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-31.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-2.htm">Gushes</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-21.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-14.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-23.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/psalms/77-6.htm">Ponders</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-2.htm">Poureth</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-5.htm">Pours</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-19.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-2.htm">Stream</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-2.htm">Studieth</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-16.htm">Thought</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-19.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-2.htm">Uttereth</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-25.htm">Weighs</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-26.htm">Wicked</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/18-13.htm">Answers</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-4.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-4.htm">Evil-Doer</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-30.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-2.htm">Gushes</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-30.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-1.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-10.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/isaiah/57-1.htm">Ponders</a> <a href="/isaiah/42-25.htm">Poureth</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-5.htm">Pours</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-29.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-4.htm">Stream</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-2.htm">Studieth</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-28.htm">Thought</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-29.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-5.htm">Uttereth</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-2.htm">Weighs</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-29.htm">Wicked</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>The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the thoughtful and deliberate nature of the righteous. In biblical context, the "heart" often represents the center of one's being, including mind, will, and emotions. The righteous, those who live in accordance with God's will, are characterized by wisdom and discernment. This aligns with <a href="/james/1-19.htm">James 1:19</a>, which advises believers to be "quick to listen, slow to speak." The act of pondering suggests a deep consideration and reliance on God's guidance, reflecting the wisdom literature's emphasis on prudence and understanding. Historically, the culture of ancient Israel valued wisdom and thoughtful speech, as seen in the teachings of Solomon, who is traditionally credited with writing Proverbs.<p><b>but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil</b><br>In contrast, this phrase highlights the impulsive and harmful nature of the wicked. The "mouth" here symbolizes speech and communication, which in biblical terms can be a powerful tool for both good and evil. The wicked, those who reject God's ways, are depicted as speaking without thought, leading to destructive outcomes. This is echoed in <a href="/matthew/12-34.htm">Matthew 12:34</a>, where Jesus states, "For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of." The cultural context of the time placed a high value on speech as a reflection of one's character. The wicked's speech is not only impulsive but also inherently evil, indicating a heart that is not aligned with God's righteousness. This serves as a warning to guard one's heart and speech, as they reveal one's true nature.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_righteous.htm">The Righteous</a></b><br>In the context of Proverbs, the righteous are those who live in accordance with God's laws and wisdom. They are characterized by their thoughtful and deliberate actions.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wicked.htm">The Wicked</a></b><br>This term refers to those who reject God's wisdom and live in opposition to His ways. Their actions and words are often impulsive and harmful.<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 proverbs offer practical guidance for living a life pleasing to God.<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 and ethical living through the fear of the Lord.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_thoughtful_speech.htm">The Importance of Thoughtful Speech</a></b><br>The righteous are characterized by their careful consideration before speaking. This reflects a heart aligned with God's wisdom and a desire to edify others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_dangers_of_impulsive_words.htm">The Dangers of Impulsive Words</a></b><br>The wicked are described as blurting out evil, highlighting the destructive nature of thoughtless speech. This serves as a warning to guard our tongues.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/cultivating_a_righteous_heart.htm">Cultivating a Righteous Heart</a></b><br>To ponder how to answer, one must cultivate a heart that seeks God's wisdom through prayer, study, and reflection.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reflecting_christ_in_our_speech.htm">Reflecting Christ in Our Speech</a></b><br>As followers of Christ, our words should reflect His love and truth. Thoughtful speech is a testimony to our faith and character.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/practical_steps_for_guarding_our_words.htm">Practical Steps for Guarding Our Words</a></b><br>Implementing practices such as pausing before speaking, seeking counsel, and praying for wisdom can help us align our speech with righteousness.<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/what_temptation_has_overtaken_you.htm">Why are the wicked's prayers considered an abomination?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_communication.htm">What does the Bible teach about Christian communication?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_impulse_control.htm">What does the Bible say about impulse control?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_god_reject_some_sacrifices.htm">Proverbs 15:8: Why does a just and loving God reject certain sacrifices yet accept others if He's truly impartial?</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>(28) <span class= "bld">The heart of the righteous studieth to answer</span>--<span class= "ital">i.e.</span>, aright, knowing how much good and evil is caused by words. (Comp. <a href="/james/3-5.htm" title="Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasts great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindles!">James 3:5</a>, <span class= "ital">sqq.</span>)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/15.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 28.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The heart of the righteous studieth to answer.</span> The good man deliberates before he speaks, takes time to consider his answer, lest he should say anything false, or inexpedient, or injurious to his neighbour. A Latin adage runs - <p><span class="accented">"Qui bene vult fari debet bene praemeditari."</span> Says Theognis - <p><span class="greek">Βουλεύου δὶς καὶ τρίς ὅτοί κ ἐπὶ τὸν νόον</span><br /><span class="greek">Ἀτηρὸς γὰρ ἀεὶ λάβρος ἀνὴρ τελέθει</span> <p><span class="accented">"Whate'er comes in your mind, deliberate;<br />A hasty man but rushes on his fate."</span> Septuagint, "The heart of the prudent will meditate <span class="greek">πίστεις</span>," which may mean "truth," "fidelity," or "proofs." The Vulgate has "obedience," implying attention to the inward warnings of conscience and grace, before the mouth speaks. Poureth out (ver. 2). The wicked man never considers; evil is always on his lips and running over from his mouth. Septuagint, "The mouth of the ungodly answereth evil things." The LXX. here inserts ch. 16:7. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/15-28.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">The heart</span><br /><span class="heb">לֵ֣ב</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">of the righteous</span><br /><span class="heb">צַ֭דִּיק</span> <span class="translit">(ṣad·dîq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6662.htm">Strong's 6662: </a> </span><span class="str2">Just, righteous</span><br /><br /><span class="word">ponders</span><br /><span class="heb">יֶהְגֶּ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(yeh·geh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1897.htm">Strong's 1897: </a> </span><span class="str2">To moan, growl, utter, speak, muse</span><br /><br /><span class="word">how to answer,</span><br /><span class="heb">לַעֲנ֑וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(la·‘ă·nō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6030.htm">Strong's 6030: </a> </span><span class="str2">To answer, respond</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but the mouth</span><br /><span class="heb">וּפִ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(ū·p̄î)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6310.htm">Strong's 6310: </a> </span><span class="str2">The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the wicked</span><br /><span class="heb">רְ֝שָׁעִ֗ים</span> <span class="translit">(rə·šā·‘îm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7563.htm">Strong's 7563: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wrong, an, bad person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">blurts out</span><br /><span class="heb">יַבִּ֥יעַ</span> <span class="translit">(yab·bî·a‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5042.htm">Strong's 5042: </a> </span><span class="str2">To gush forth, to utter, to emit</span><br /><br /><span class="word">evil.</span><br /><span class="heb">רָעֽוֹת׃</span> <span class="translit">(rā·‘ō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7451.htm">Strong's 7451: </a> </span><span class="str2">Bad, evil</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/15-28.htm">Proverbs 15:28 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/15-28.htm">Proverbs 15:28 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/15-28.htm">Proverbs 15:28 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/15-28.htm">Proverbs 15:28 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/15-28.htm">Proverbs 15:28 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/15-28.htm">Proverbs 15:28 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/15-28.htm">Proverbs 15:28 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/15-28.htm">Proverbs 15:28 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/15-28.htm">Proverbs 15:28 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/15-28.htm">Proverbs 15:28 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/15-28.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 15:28 The heart of the righteous weighs answers (Prov. 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