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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 />The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/15.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/15.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/15.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/15.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/15.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/15.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />The tongue of the wise makes knowledge pleasant, But the mouth of fools spouts foolishness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/15.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable, But the mouth of fools spouts folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/15.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable, But the mouth of fools spouts folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/15.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />The tongue of the wise makes knowledge <i>look</i> good, But the mouth of fools pours forth folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/15.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The tongue of the wise speaks knowledge that is pleasing <i>and</i> acceptable, But the [babbling] mouth of fools spouts folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/15.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The tongue of the wise makes knowledge attractive, but the mouth of fools blurts out foolishness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/15.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The tongue of the wise makes knowledge attractive, but the mouth of fools blurts out foolishness. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/15.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />The tongue of the wise uttereth knowledge aright; But the mouth of fools poureth out folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/15.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Words of wisdom come from the wise, but fools speak foolishness. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/15.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />The tongue of the wise uttereth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/15.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The tongues of wise people give good expression to knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out a flood of stupidity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/15.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />When wise people speak, they make knowledge attractive, but stupid people spout nonsense. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/15.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The wise speak, presenting knowledge appropriately, but fools spout foolishness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/15.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/15.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The tongue of the wise treats knowledge correctly, but the mouth of the fool spouts out folly. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/15.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of fools gush out folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/15.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/15.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools gush out folly. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/15.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />The tongue of the wise makes knowledge good, "" And the mouth of fools utters folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/15.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> The tongue of the wise maketh knowledge good, And the mouth of fools uttereth folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/15.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The tongue of the wise will make knowledge good: and the mouth of the foolish will gush forth folly.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/15.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />The tongue of the wise adorneth knowledge: but the mouth of fools bubbleth out folly. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/15.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge. But the mouth of the senseless gushes with foolishness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/15.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The tongue of the wise pours out knowledge, but the mouth of fools spews folly. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/15.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The tongue of the wise dispenses knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/15.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />The tongue of the wise uses knowledge aright; but the mouth of fools pours out curses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/15.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />The tongue of wisdom adorns knowledge, and the mouth of fools vomits a curse.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/15.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright; But the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/15.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />The tongue of the wise knows what is good: but the mouth of the foolish tells out evil things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/15-2.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=2809" 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>A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. <span class="reftext">2</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3956.htm" title="3956: lə·šō·wn (N-csc) -- Tongue. Or lashon; also feminine lshonah; from lashan; the tongue, used literally, and figuratively.">The tongue</a> <a href="/hebrew/2450.htm" title="2450: ḥă·ḵā·mîm (Adj-mp) -- Wise. From chakam; wise.">of the wise</a> <a href="/hebrew/3190.htm" title="3190: tê·ṭîḇ (V-Hifil-Imperf-3fs) -- To be good, well, glad, or pleasing. A primitive root; to be make well, literally or figuratively.">commends</a> <a href="/hebrew/1847.htm" title="1847: dā·‘aṯ (N-fs) -- Knowledge. From yada'; knowledge.">knowledge,</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/3684.htm" title="3684: ḵə·sî·lîm (N-mp) -- Stupid fellow, dullard, fool. From kacal; properly, fat, i.e. stupid or silly.">of the fool</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.">spouts</a> <a href="/hebrew/200.htm" title="200: ’iw·we·leṯ (N-fs) -- Folly. From the same as 'eviyl; silliness.">folly.</a> </span><span class="reftext">3</span>The eyes of the LORD are in every place, observing the evil and the good.…<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/3-13.htm">James 3:13-18</a></span><br />Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. / But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth. / Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. ...<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/12-36.htm">Matthew 12:36-37</a></span><br />But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. / For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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="/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/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/18-21.htm">Proverbs 18:21</a></span><br />Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.<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="/ecclesiastes/10-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:12-14</a></span><br />The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him. / The beginning of his talk is folly, and the end of his speech is evil madness. / Yet the fool multiplies words. No one knows what is coming, and who can tell him what will come after him?<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="/psalms/49-3.htm">Psalm 49:3</a></span><br />My mouth will impart wisdom, and the meditation of my heart will bring understanding.<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="/proverbs/14-7.htm">Proverbs 14:7</a></span><br />Stay away from a foolish man; you will gain no knowledge from his speech.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/16-23.htm">Proverbs 16:23</a></span><br />The heart of the wise man instructs his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">The tongue of the wise uses knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools pours out foolishness.</p><p class="hdg">tongue</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/15-23.htm">Proverbs 15:23,28</a></b></br> A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word <i>spoken</i> in due season, how good <i>is it</i>! … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/12-23.htm">Proverbs 12:23</a></b></br> A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.</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="hdg">poureth</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/59-7.htm">Psalm 59:7</a></b></br> Behold, they belch out with their mouth: swords <i>are</i> in their lips: for who, <i>say they</i>, doth hear?</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/10-32.htm">Acceptable</a> <a href="/psalms/90-12.htm">Aright</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-18.htm">Commends</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-3.htm">Dropping</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-29.htm">Folly</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-16.htm">Fool</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-33.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-24.htm">Foolishness</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-33.htm">Fools</a> <a href="/psalms/104-10.htm">Gush</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-28.htm">Gushes</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-30.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-33.htm">Maketh</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-3.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-32.htm">Mouths</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-23.htm">Pour</a> <a href="/psalms/107-40.htm">Poureth</a> <a href="/zechariah/4-12.htm">Spouts</a> <a href="/psalms/124-4.htm">Stream</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-19.htm">Tongue</a> <a href="/esther/6-8.htm">Useth</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-25.htm">Uttereth</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-35.htm">Wise</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-1.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/21-3.htm">Acceptable</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-21.htm">Aright</a> <a href="/romans/3-5.htm">Commends</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-13.htm">Dropping</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-14.htm">Folly</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-5.htm">Fool</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-5.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-14.htm">Foolishness</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-7.htm">Fools</a> <a href="/jeremiah/9-18.htm">Gush</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-28.htm">Gushes</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-13.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-13.htm">Maketh</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-14.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-14.htm">Mouths</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/11-3.htm">Pour</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-28.htm">Poureth</a> <a href="/zechariah/4-2.htm">Spouts</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-28.htm">Stream</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-4.htm">Tongue</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-23.htm">Useth</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-28.htm">Uttereth</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-7.htm">Wise</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-26.htm">Words</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 tongue of the wise commends knowledge</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the value of wisdom in communication. In biblical context, wisdom is often associated with the fear of the Lord (<a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a>) and is considered a divine gift. The wise person uses their speech to promote understanding and truth, reflecting the biblical principle that words have the power to build up or tear down (<a href="/proverbs/18-21.htm">Proverbs 18:21</a>). The Hebrew culture placed a high value on oral tradition and the spoken word, which was a primary means of teaching and preserving knowledge. This aligns with the New Testament teaching in <a href="/james/3-13.htm">James 3:13</a>, where wisdom is demonstrated through good conduct and humility. The wise tongue is a type of Christ, who is described as the Word made flesh (<a href="/john/1-14.htm">John 1:14</a>), embodying perfect wisdom and truth.<p><b>but the mouth of the fool spouts folly</b><br>In contrast, this phrase highlights the destructive nature of foolish speech. In the biblical context, a fool is not merely someone lacking intelligence but is often characterized by moral and spiritual deficiency, rejecting God's wisdom (<a href="/psalms/14.htm">Psalm 14:1</a>). The fool's speech is reckless and devoid of understanding, leading to chaos and harm. This is consistent with the cultural understanding of folly in ancient Israel, where speech was a reflection of one's character and relationship with God. The imagery of "spouting" suggests an uncontrolled and excessive outpouring, akin to a fountain that cannot be stopped, which is echoed in <a href="/james/3-5.htm">James 3:5-6</a>, where the tongue is described as a small part of the body that can cause great destruction. This serves as a warning against careless words and aligns with the broader biblical narrative that emphasizes the importance of self-control and discernment in speech.<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. His proverbs are a collection of wise sayings meant to instruct and guide.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wise.htm">The Wise</a></b><br>In the context of Proverbs, the wise are those who fear the Lord and live according to His commandments. They are characterized by their understanding and prudent speech.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_fool.htm">The Fool</a></b><br>Biblically, a fool is someone who rejects wisdom and instruction, often characterized by reckless and thoughtless behavior.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_tongue.htm">The Tongue</a></b><br>Represents speech and communication. In Proverbs, the tongue is often highlighted as a powerful tool that can be used for good or evil.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/k/knowledge_and_folly.htm">Knowledge and Folly</a></b><br>Knowledge in Proverbs is often associated with the fear of the Lord and understanding, while folly is linked to ignorance and moral deficiency.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_speech.htm">The Power of Speech</a></b><br>Our words have the power to build up or tear down. As believers, we are called to use our speech to commend knowledge and truth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_in_communication.htm">Wisdom in Communication</a></b><br>Wise communication involves not just what we say, but how and when we say it. It requires discernment and a heart aligned with God's wisdom.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/guarding_against_folly.htm">Guarding Against Folly</a></b><br>We must be vigilant to avoid foolish talk, which can lead to misunderstanding and conflict. This requires self-control and a commitment to truth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_source_of_wisdom.htm">The Source of Wisdom</a></b><br>True wisdom comes from a relationship with God. As we grow in our knowledge of Him, our speech should reflect His character and truth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reflecting_christ_in_our_words.htm">Reflecting Christ in Our Words</a></b><br>As followers of Christ, our words should reflect His love and truth, serving as a testimony to those around us.<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_life_advice_does_proverbs_give.htm">What wisdom and guidance does Proverbs offer for life?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_can_i_conquer_my_pride.htm">How can you demonstrate your knowledge effectively?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_proverbs_view_wise_vs._foolish_women.htm">How do Proverbs contrast wise and foolish women?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_show_your_knowledge_well.htm">How can you demonstrate your knowledge effectively?</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><span class= "bld">XV.</span><p>(2) <span class= "bld">Useth knowledge aright.--</span>Brings it forth at the proper time and place.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/15.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 2.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright.</span> This means either, brings it forth opportunely, it the right time and place, or illustrates it, makes it beautiful and pleasant, as ver. 13. The wise man not only has knowledge, but can give it appropriate expression (comp. <a href="/proverbs/16-23.htm">Proverbs 16:23</a>). Vulgate, "The tongue of the wise adorneth wisdom." The wise man, by producing his sentiments and opinions in appropriate language and on proper occasions, commends wisdom, and renders it acceptable to his hearers. Septuagint, "The tongue of the wise knoweth what is fair (<span class="greek">καλά</span>)." <span class="cmt_word">But the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness</span> (ver. 28). A fool cannot open his mouth without exposing his folly; he speaks without due consideration or discretion; as the Vulgate terms it, <span class="accented">ebullit</span>, "he bubbles over," like a boiling pot, which emits its contents inopportunely and uselessly. Septuagint, "The mouth of fools proclaimeth evil." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/15-2.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 tongue</span><br /><span class="heb">לְשׁ֣וֹן</span> <span class="translit">(lə·šō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> </span><span class="str2">The tongue</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the wise</span><br /><span class="heb">חֲ֭כָמִים</span> <span class="translit">(ḥă·ḵā·mîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2450.htm">Strong's 2450: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wise</span><br /><br /><span class="word">commends</span><br /><span class="heb">תֵּיטִ֣יב</span> <span class="translit">(tê·ṭîḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3190.htm">Strong's 3190: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be good, well, glad, or pleasing</span><br /><br /><span class="word">knowledge,</span><br /><span class="heb">דָּ֑עַת</span> <span class="translit">(dā·‘aṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1847.htm">Strong's 1847: </a> </span><span class="str2">Knowledge</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 fool</span><br /><span class="heb">כְ֝סִילִ֗ים</span> <span class="translit">(ḵə·sî·lîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3684.htm">Strong's 3684: </a> </span><span class="str2">Stupid fellow, dullard, fool</span><br /><br /><span class="word">spouts</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">folly.</span><br /><span class="heb">אִוֶּֽלֶת׃</span> <span class="translit">(’iw·we·leṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_200.htm">Strong's 200: </a> </span><span class="str2">Silliness</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/15-2.htm">Proverbs 15:2 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/15-2.htm">Proverbs 15:2 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/15-2.htm">Proverbs 15:2 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/15-2.htm">Proverbs 15:2 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/15-2.htm">Proverbs 15:2 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/15-2.htm">Proverbs 15:2 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/15-2.htm">Proverbs 15:2 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/15-2.htm">Proverbs 15:2 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/15-2.htm">Proverbs 15:2 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/15-2.htm">Proverbs 15:2 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/15-2.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 15:2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/15-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 15:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 15:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/15-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 15:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 15:3" /></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>