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“Let us look at what the Word of God says.”
> “A gentle answer turns away wrath,
> but a harsh word stirs up anger.
> The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge,
> but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.
> The eyes of the Lord are everywhere,
> keeping watch on the wicked and the good.
> The soothing tongue is a tree of life,
> but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.”
> — Proverbs 15:1–4 (NIV)
The theme running through this passage—and through the lyrics you have—is this: your tongue is not neutral. Your words are either instruments of life or instruments of death, instruments of righteousness or instruments of wickedness. There is no middle ground.
Proverbs 18:21 states:
> “Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
> and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
In Proverbs 15, the Holy Spirit opens up, line by line, the spiritual laws that govern speech, attitudes, relationships, and destiny. This is not optional wisdom. These are spiritual laws that work for you or against you, whether you understand them or not.
This chapter shows:
If you want deliverance, maturity, and spiritual authority in your life, you must come to grips with this: God measures you, and Satan attacks you, significantly through your words.
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The book of Proverbs is part of the wisdom literature of the Old Testament. Much of it is attributed to King Solomon, to whom God gave exceptional wisdom (1 Kings 4:29–34). Solomon wrote to instruct God’s covenant people in practical righteousness—not abstract theory, but how to fear the Lord in everyday conduct.
Proverbs 15 stands in the middle section of the book where we find many short, two-line sayings. These sayings are not random; they reveal spiritual cause and effect. Each verse often contrasts:
The context is covenant: Israel is the people of Yahweh. These proverbs instruct them how to live under God’s rule so that blessing, peace, and order can flow through their lives. At the same time, they expose behaviors that bring judgment, chaos, and ultimately, death.
In Proverbs 15:1–4, the focus narrows to the tongue—the organ of speech. But quickly, the chapter widens to show that speech:
God is not interested in religious talk that is disconnected from daily life. He weighs our entire way of living, and our words are central in that evaluation.
---
Let us look closely at two key words in the opening verses.
### 3.1 “Gentle Answer” – *rakh* and *‘anah* (Proverbs 15:1)
“A gentle answer turns away wrath…”
This is not weakness. It is controlled strength expressed in a soft manner. It is the opposite of sharp, abrasive, cutting speech.
So the phrase “gentle answer” implies: *a measured, controlled, soft reply, given under restraint.* This is a deliberate act of the will, not an emotional reflex.
Notice: wrath is turned away not by matching its intensity, but by introducing a different spirit through speech. A soft answer is spiritual warfare against the spirit of anger.
### 3.2 “Soothing Tongue / Tree of Life” – *marpe’* and *‘ets chayyim* (Proverbs 15:4)
“The soothing tongue is a tree of life…”
So this is actually a healing tongue—words that restore, mend, and strengthen.
The “tree of life” first appears in Genesis 2:9, representing God’s provision of ongoing life. In Proverbs, “tree of life” is used of wisdom (Prov 3:18), fulfilled desire (Prov 13:12), and a wholesome tongue (Prov 15:4).
So God is saying: your tongue can become an instrument that transmits His life. Your words can function like the tree of life—bringing ongoing nourishment, restoration, and vitality to others.
The opposite is “a perverse tongue”—twisted, corrupt, crooked—“crushes the spirit.” The Hebrew implies shattering, breaking down, destroying inner strength.
This sharp contrast is present throughout Proverbs 15: words either:
This is not just about being polite. This is about choosing, with your tongue, between the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness.
---
We will move through the lyrics section by section and connect them to the broader testimony of Scripture.
### 4.1 Words That Govern Atmospheres (vv. 1–4)
> A gentle answer quiets anger, but harsh words stir it up.
> The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth of a fool gushes out foolishness.
> The Lord sees everything, watching both the wicked and the good.
> Kind words bring life, but cruel words crush the spirit.
1. Words can disarm wrath or feed it.
James 1:19–20 echoes this:
> “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,
> because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
Anger is often a spiritual force. A gentle answer introduces the opposite spirit: humility, self-control, peace. This breaks the momentum of strife.
2. The wise “adorn” knowledge.
The tongue of the wise “makes knowledge appealing.” Wisdom doesn’t just possess truth; it presents truth in a way that can be received. A fool may have access to facts but “gushes out foolishness”—unfiltered, self-centered, impulsive speaking.
3. God is an eyewitness of all words and attitudes.
“The Lord sees everything…” He “keeps watch”—a term used for a guard or sentinel. Jacob said, “God was in this place, and I did not know it” (Gen 28:16). Many speak as if God is absent. He is not. Every word is spoken in His hearing (Matt 12:36–37).
4. Words impart life or death to the inner man.
“Kind words bring life, but cruel words crush the spirit.” This is not psychological theory; this is spiritual law. Parents, leaders, and spouses must realize: your tongue either plants life or inflicts inner damage.
### 4.2 Words, Discipline, and Destiny (vv. 5–11)
> A fool despises a parent’s discipline, but whoever learns from correction is wise.
> There is treasure in the house of the godly, but the earnings of the wicked bring trouble.
> The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but the hearts of fools are not upright.
> The Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but He delights in the prayers of the upright.
> The Lord hates the way of the wicked, but He loves those who pursue righteousness.
> Whoever abandons the right path will be severely disciplined; whoever hates correction will die.
> Even the grave and the place of destruction lie open before the Lord—how much more the hearts of people!
Here we see the connection between words, correction, righteousness, and eternal issues.
1. Attitude toward correction reveals wisdom or folly.
A fool “despises” discipline. The wise *learn* from it. Hebrews 12:5–6 reminds us:
> “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline,
> and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
> because the Lord disciplines the one he loves…”
Your response to rebuke—spoken words of correction—is a major indicator of your spiritual state.
2. Godly households carry treasure—wicked income carries trouble.
The “treasure” of the godly may be material, but it is especially spiritual: peace, order, favor, protection. The “earnings of the wicked” are under a curse (cf. Prov 10:22; Haggai 1:6–9).
3. The Lord weighs not just actions, but hearts and ways.
He “detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but… delights in the prayers of the upright.” Religious words and rituals are abomination if the heart is crooked (Isa 1:11–15). Prayer from an upright heart is precious.
4. To hate correction is to choose death.
“Whoever hates correction will die.” This is not exaggeration. Persistent rejection of God’s Word and God’s messengers leads to spiritual death and often physical consequence.
5. Nothing is hidden before God—not even Sheol.
“Even the grave and the place of destruction lie open before the Lord—how much more the hearts of people!” God sees both realms: the seen and the unseen. This makes hypocrisy with our words utterly foolish.
### 4.3 The Heart–Mouth Connection (vv. 12–15)
> Mockers hate to be corrected, so they stay away from the wise.
> A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.
> The heart of the one who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.
> For the poor, every day brings trouble, but for those with a cheerful heart, life is a continual feast.
1. Mockers avoid wise speech.
Scoffers do not want their thinking challenged, so they avoid those who speak truth. This is why many avoid Scripture-based fellowship—they do not want their conduct tested.
2. Facial expression follows heart condition.
“A happy heart makes the face cheerful.” Joy is not superficial; it begins in the inner man. The Holy Spirit produces joy that reshapes countenance (Gal 5:22).
3. The wise are hungry for truth; fools are hungry for foolishness.
What you “feed on” will shape your speech. If your diet is foolish talk, ungodly entertainment, gossip, and cynicism, your mouth will reproduce it.
4. Perspective shifts experience.
“For the poor, every day brings trouble, but for those with a cheerful heart, life is a continual feast.” Those who walk in faith and gratitude transform even hardship into an ongoing banquet of God’s goodness (Phil 4:11–13).
### 4.4 Contentment, Relationships, and Strife (vv. 16–19)
> Better to have little with respect for the Lord than to have great treasure with turmoil.
> A bowl of vegetables with someone you love is better than steak with someone you hate.
> A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but one who is patient calms a quarrel.
> The way of the lazy is blocked with thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway.
1. Fear of the Lord is more valuable than wealth.
Better a modest life “with respect for the Lord” than great riches accompanied by turmoil. Words play into this: greed speaks one way, contentment speaks another (1 Tim 6:6–10).
2. Love is better than luxury.
“A bowl of vegetables… better than steak with someone you hate.” Quality of relationship is more important than quality of menu. Many households have material abundance but are starved of kind words and genuine love.
3. Temper releases spiritual forces.
“A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict.” Anger-driven speech is like gasoline on a fire. The patient person, by calm words, “calms a quarrel.” Again, the tongue either escalates or pacifies.
4. Laziness creates imaginary obstacles; righteousness clears the path.
The lazy see “thorns”; the upright see “a highway.” This relates to speech: lazy people speak defeat, excuse, and delay. The upright speak faith, responsibility, and action.
### 4.5 Wisdom, Counsel, and Timing in Speech (vv. 20–24)
> A wise child brings joy to a father, but a foolish one despises their mother.
> Foolishness brings joy to those with no sense; the sensible stay on the right path.
> Plans fail for lack of advice, but with many counselors they succeed.
> Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!
> The path of life leads upward for the wise; they leave the grave behind.
1. Parental honor and speech.
A foolish child “despises” mother and, by extension, father. Despising often manifests in insolent words. Ephesians 6:2–3 connects honoring parents with well-being and long life.
2. What delights you reveals who you are.
“Foolishness brings joy to those with no sense.” If you find pleasure in mockery, impurity, or vicious talk, you reveal your heart condition.
3. Speech in counsel saves plans.
“Plans fail for lack of advice.” Wise speech from “many counselors” secures success. Isolation is often pride masquerading as independence. God leads through the counsel of the godly (Prov 11:14).
4. There is beauty in the right word at the right time.
“Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!” This is Spirit-led speech. Isaiah 50:4 describes Messiah:
> “The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue,
> to know the word that sustains the weary…”
The Holy Spirit can train your tongue to speak timely words of grace.
5. Wise living is an upward path.
“The path of life leads upward for the wise; they leave the grave behind.” Wisdom is not static; it is a journey that moves you away from spiritual death toward the life of God, ultimately fulfilled in eternal life with Christ.
### 4.6 God’s Evaluation of Words and Motives (vv. 25–33)
Your lyrics stop at verse 33 conceptually (“Reverence for the Lord teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor.”). Verses 25–33 complete the picture.
> The Lord tears down the house of the proud, but He protects the property of widows.
> The Lord detests evil plans, but He delights in pure words.
> Greed brings trouble to the whole family, but those who hate bribes will live.
> The hearts of the righteous think carefully before answering; the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil.
> The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayers of the righteous.
> A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news makes for good health.
> If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise.
> If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding.
> Reverence for the Lord teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor.
1. Pride vs. dependence.
The Lord “tears down the house of the proud.” This is very serious. Pride often expresses itself in proud talk—boasting, self-will, contempt for others.
2. God delights in “pure words.”
He “detests evil plans, but… delights in pure words.” Purity in speech means:
Jesus said, “Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’” (Matt 5:37).
3. Greed speaks and acts destructively.
Greed brings “trouble to the whole family.” Greedy people talk in a certain way: always calculating, justifying compromise, minimizing sin (Eph 5:3–5).
4. The righteous think before they answer.
“The hearts of the righteous think carefully before answering; the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil.” Careless speech is a mark of wickedness. Self-controlled, considered speech marks the righteous.
5. Prayer and proximity.
“The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayers of the righteous.” Your relationship with God is reflected in your speech and is also shaped by it. Righteous speech and righteous living bring nearness; wickedness creates distance.
6. Words affect emotional and physical health.
“Good news makes for good health.” The gospel itself is “good news.” Hope, encouragement, and faith-filled words have tangible impact on well-being.
7. Listening to correction determines your company.
If you “listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise.” You will find your place in a community of wisdom. Rejecting discipline isolates you and ultimately destroys you.
8. The fear of the Lord and humility are foundational.
“Reverence for the Lord teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor.” The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Prov 9:10). Humility is the pathway to honor (1 Pet 5:5–6). Both are expressed and developed through our words.
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Let us move from theology to practice. How can you align your tongue with the wisdom of Proverbs 15?
### 5.1 First: Submit Your Tongue to the Lord
Romans 6:13 says:
> “…offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness.”
That includes your tongue.
This is a decisive act of surrender.
### 5.2 Second: Build the Fear of the Lord into Your Speech
Remember: “The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good” (Prov 15:3).
The fear of the Lord will put a guard on your lips (Ps 141:3).
### 5.3 Third: Practice the “Gentle Answer” Principle
This must be practiced deliberately.
Over time, this will become a habit, and you will see atmospheres change in your home, workplace, and relationships.
### 5.4 Fourth: Embrace Correction and Constructive Criticism
Proverbs 15 emphasizes this repeatedly.
This is a major doorway into wisdom and spiritual maturity.
### 5.5 Fifth: Fill Your Heart with God’s Word
Since the mouth speaks from the abundance of the heart (Luke 6:45), you must change your inner content.
The more the Word dwells in you, the more your tongue will align with it.
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### Proclamation
Say this aloud, thoughtfully and in faith:
“I proclaim that death and life are in the power of my tongue.
I choose life.
In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ,
I submit my tongue as an instrument of righteousness.
By the fear of the Lord, I turn away from harsh, cruel, and perverse speech.
I receive from God a gentle answer that turns away wrath,
a healing tongue that is like a tree of life.
My heart seeks knowledge, and my lips spread wisdom.
The Lord delights in pure words, and by His grace, my words are being purified.
I listen to correction and grow in understanding.
The path of life for me leads upward; I leave the ways of death behind.
Reverence for the Lord teaches me wisdom,
and humility will bring me into the honor that God appoints.
Amen.”
### Prayer
“Father, in the name of Jesus, I come to You as one who has often sinned with my tongue. I ask You to forgive every harsh word, every foolish word, every word that has crushed the spirit of another or grieved Your Holy Spirit.
Lord Jesus, cleanse my lips with Your precious blood. Holy Spirit, set a guard over my mouth and keep watch over the door of my lips. Produce in me a gentle answer that turns away wrath. Make my tongue a tree of life—bringing healing, encouragement, and truth.
Give me a heart that loves correction, that listens to constructive criticism, that seeks knowledge and wisdom. Teach me to fear You in how I speak. Let my words be pure, honest, and pleasing in Your sight.
I ask that in my home, in my relationships, and in my daily environment, the spirit of strife and anger be driven out, and that the peace of Christ rule through the words I speak.
I yield my tongue to You now. Use it for Your glory and for the building up of others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
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