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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 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/15-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/20_Pro_15_01.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 15:1 - A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." /><script type="application/javascript" 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cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/proverbs/14-35.htm" title="Proverbs 14:35">◄</a> Proverbs 15:1 <a href="/proverbs/15-2.htm" title="Proverbs 15:2">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/15.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/15.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/15.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/15.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/15.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/15.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/15.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/15.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/15.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/15.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/15.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/15.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />A soft <i>and</i> gentle <i>and</i> thoughtful answer turns away wrath, But harsh <i>and</i> painful <i>and</i> careless words stir up anger.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/15.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/15.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/15.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />A soft answer turneth away wrath; But a grievous word stirreth up anger.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/15.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />A kind answer soothes angry feelings, but harsh words stir them up. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/15.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />A SOFT answer turneth away wrath: but a grievous word stirreth up anger.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/15.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />A gentle answer turns away rage, but a harsh word stirs up anger.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/15.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />A gentle answer quiets anger, but a harsh one stirs it up. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/15.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />A gentle response diverts anger, but a harsh statement incites fury.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/15.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />A gentle response turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/15.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/15.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/15.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/15.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/15.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />A soft answer turns back fury, "" And a grievous word raises up anger.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/15.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> A soft answer turneth back fury, And a grievous word raiseth up anger.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/15.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />A soft answer will turn away wrath, and a word of pain will bring up anger.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/15.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />A mild answer breaketh wrath: but a harsh word stirreth up fury. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/15.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />A mild response shatters anger. But a harsh word stirs up fury.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/15.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />A mild answer turns back wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/15.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/15.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />A SOFT word turns away wrath; but a harsh word stirs up anger.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/15.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />A soft word turns away anger and a hard word arouses wrath.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/15.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />A soft answer turneth away wrath; But a grievous word stirreth up anger.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/15.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Anger slays even wise men; yet a submissive answer turns away wrath: but a grievous word stirs up anger.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/15-1.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=2802" 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">1</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7390.htm" title="7390: raḵ (Adj-ms) -- Tender, delicate, soft. From rakak; tender; by implication, weak.">A gentle</a> <a href="/hebrew/4617.htm" title="4617: ma·‘ă·neh- (N-msc) -- An answer, response. From anah; a reply.">answer</a> <a href="/hebrew/7725.htm" title="7725: yā·šîḇ (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to turn back transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively; generally to retreat; often adverbial, again.">turns away</a> <a href="/hebrew/2534.htm" title="2534: ḥê·māh (N-fs) -- Heat, rage. Or chemac; from yacham; heat; figuratively, anger, poison.">wrath,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6089.htm" title="6089: ‘e·ṣeḇ (N-ms) -- An earthen vessel, toil, a pang. From atsab; an earthen vessel; usually toil; also a pang: grievous, idol, labor, sorrow.">but a harsh</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: ū·ḏə·ḇar- (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">word</a> <a href="/hebrew/5927.htm" title="5927: ya·‘ă·leh- (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to ascend, intransitively or actively; used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative.">stirs up</a> <a href="/hebrew/639.htm" title="639: ’āp̄ (N-ms) -- A nostril, nose, face, anger. From 'anaph; properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also ire.">anger.</a> </span><span class="reftext">2</span>The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly.…<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="/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="/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="/matthew/5-9.htm">Matthew 5:9</a></span><br />Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-18.htm">Romans 12:18</a></span><br />If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-9.htm">1 Peter 3:9</a></span><br />Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Galatians 5:22-23</a></span><br />But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, / gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/2-24.htm">2 Timothy 2:24</a></span><br />And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/titus/3-2.htm">Titus 3:2</a></span><br />to malign no one, and to be peaceable and gentle, showing full consideration to everyone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-17.htm">James 3:17</a></span><br />But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:4</a></span><br />If the ruler’s temper flares against you, do not abandon your post, for calmness lays great offenses to rest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/25-15.htm">Proverbs 25:15</a></span><br />Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.<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="/proverbs/16-24.htm">Proverbs 16:24</a></span><br />Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.<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.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">A soft answer turns away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.</p><p class="hdg">grievous</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/15-18.htm">Proverbs 15:18</a></b></br> A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but <i>he that is</i> slow to anger appeaseth strife.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/10-12.htm">Proverbs 10:12</a></b></br> Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/28-25.htm">Proverbs 28:25</a></b></br> He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/14-35.htm">Anger</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-29.htm">Angry</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-11.htm">Bitter</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-34.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/psalms/135-14.htm">Feelings</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-34.htm">Fury</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-19.htm">Gentle</a> <a href="/psalms/139-24.htm">Grievous</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-15.htm">Harsh</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-20.htm">Raiseth</a> <a href="/psalms/69-2.htm">Soft</a> <a href="/psalms/140-2.htm">Stir</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-12.htm">Stirreth</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-12.htm">Stirs</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-27.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-22.htm">Turneth</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-16.htm">Turns</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-15.htm">Word</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-7.htm">Words</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-35.htm">Wrath</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/15-18.htm">Anger</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-18.htm">Angry</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-10.htm">Bitter</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-27.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-14.htm">Feelings</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-18.htm">Fury</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-4.htm">Gentle</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-10.htm">Grievous</a> <a href="/isaiah/14-3.htm">Harsh</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-19.htm">Raiseth</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-15.htm">Soft</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-8.htm">Stir</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-18.htm">Stirreth</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-18.htm">Stirs</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-10.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-8.htm">Turneth</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-17.htm">Turns</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-23.htm">Word</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-2.htm">Words</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-14.htm">Wrath</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>A gentle answer turns away wrath</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the power of soft and kind speech in defusing anger and conflict. In the ancient Near Eastern culture, where honor and shame were significant, a gentle response could prevent escalation and maintain peace. The Hebrew word for "gentle" can also mean "soft" or "tender," suggesting a deliberate choice to respond with calmness. This principle is echoed in other scriptures, such as <a href="/james/1-19.htm">James 1:19</a>, which advises believers to be "quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry." Jesus exemplified this in His interactions, often responding with wisdom and gentleness, as seen in His dealings with the Pharisees and others who opposed Him.<p><b>but a harsh word stirs up anger</b><br>In contrast, this phrase warns of the consequences of using harsh or hurtful language. The term "harsh" implies a severe, cutting, or sharp tone that can provoke and intensify anger. In biblical times, words held significant power, and a harsh word could lead to feuds or even violence. This is consistent with the wisdom literature's broader theme, which often contrasts the outcomes of wise versus foolish behavior. <a href="/proverbs/29-11.htm">Proverbs 29:11</a> also reflects this idea, stating that a fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back. The teachings of Jesus further reinforce this, as He instructed His followers to love their enemies and bless those who curse them, promoting peace and reconciliation over conflict.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>- Traditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. Proverbs is a collection of his wise sayings.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/ancient_israel.htm">Ancient Israel</a></b><br>- The cultural and historical context in which Proverbs was written, where wisdom literature was highly valued.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wise_and_the_foolish.htm">The Wise and the Foolish</a></b><br>- Throughout Proverbs, these two archetypes are used to illustrate the outcomes of different behaviors and attitudes.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_words.htm">The Power of Words</a></b><br>Words have the power to either escalate or de-escalate a situation. A gentle response can diffuse tension and promote peace.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/cultivating_gentleness.htm">Cultivating Gentleness</a></b><br>Gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit (<a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Galatians 5:22-23</a>). As believers, we should seek to cultivate this quality in our interactions with others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_in_communication.htm">Wisdom in Communication</a></b><br>Proverbs consistently highlights the importance of wise communication. A gentle answer is a hallmark of wisdom and understanding.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/avoiding_conflict.htm">Avoiding Conflict</a></b><br>By choosing our words carefully, we can avoid unnecessary conflict and maintain harmony in our relationships.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reflecting_christ.htm">Reflecting Christ</a></b><br>Jesus exemplified gentleness in His interactions. As His followers, we are called to reflect His character in our speech and actions.<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/bible_advice_on_handling_annoyances.htm">What does the Bible advise about handling annoying people?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/meaning_of_'soft_answer_turns_away_wrath'.htm">What does "A soft answer turns away wrath" mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_meaning_of_'all_is_vanity'.htm">What does 'A soft answer turns away wrath' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_a_biblical_proverb.htm">What defines a biblical proverb?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/15.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 1.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">A soft answer turneth away wrath</span>. Two things are here to be observed: an answer should be given - the injured person should not wrap himself in sullen silence; and that answer should be gentle and conciliatory. This is tersely put in a mediaeval rhyme - <p><span class="foreign">"Frangitur ira gravis<br />Quando est respensio suavis."</span> <p><span class="accented">"Anger, however great,<br />Is checked by answer sweet."</span> Septuagint, "A submissive (<span class="greek">ὑποπίπτουσα</span>) answer averteth wrath." Thus Abigail quelled the excessive anger of David by her judicious submission (<a href="/1_samuel/25-24.htm">1 Samuel 25:24</a>, etc.). <span class="cmt_word">But grievous words stir up anger.</span> A word that causes vexation makes anger rise the higher. <p><span class="greek">Ὁργῆς ματαίας εἰσὶν αἰτιοι λόγοι</span>. . . . <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/15-1.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">A gentle</span><br /><span class="heb">רַּ֭ךְ</span> <span class="translit">(raḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7390.htm">Strong's 7390: </a> </span><span class="str2">Tender, delicate, soft</span><br /><br /><span class="word">answer</span><br /><span class="heb">מַֽעֲנֶה־</span> <span class="translit">(ma·‘ă·neh-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4617.htm">Strong's 4617: </a> </span><span class="str2">An answer, response</span><br /><br /><span class="word">turns away</span><br /><span class="heb">יָשִׁ֣יב</span> <span class="translit">(yā·šîḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7725.htm">Strong's 7725: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn back, in, to retreat, again</span><br /><br /><span class="word">wrath,</span><br /><span class="heb">חֵמָ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(ḥê·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2534.htm">Strong's 2534: </a> </span><span class="str2">Heat, anger, poison</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but a harsh</span><br /><span class="heb">עֶ֝֗צֶב</span> <span class="translit">(‘e·ṣeḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6089.htm">Strong's 6089: </a> </span><span class="str2">An earthen vessel, toil, a pang</span><br /><br /><span class="word">word</span><br /><span class="heb">וּדְבַר־</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḏə·ḇar-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> </span><span class="str2">A word, a matter, thing, a cause</span><br /><br /><span class="word">stirs up</span><br /><span class="heb">יַעֲלֶה־</span> <span class="translit">(ya·‘ă·leh-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5927.htm">Strong's 5927: </a> </span><span class="str2">To ascend, in, actively</span><br /><br /><span class="word">anger.</span><br /><span class="heb">אָֽף׃</span> <span class="translit">(’āp̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_639.htm">Strong's 639: </a> </span><span class="str2">The nose, nostril, the face, a person, ire</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/15-1.htm">Proverbs 15:1 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/15-1.htm">Proverbs 15:1 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/15-1.htm">Proverbs 15:1 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/15-1.htm">Proverbs 15:1 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/15-1.htm">Proverbs 15:1 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/15-1.htm">Proverbs 15:1 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/15-1.htm">Proverbs 15:1 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/15-1.htm">Proverbs 15:1 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/15-1.htm">Proverbs 15:1 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/15-1.htm">Proverbs 15:1 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/15-1.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/14-35.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 14:35"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 14:35" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/15-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 15:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 15:2" /></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>