Proverbs 15 2

Proverbs 15:2 kjv

The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.

Proverbs 15:2 nkjv

The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.

Proverbs 15:2 niv

The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.

Proverbs 15:2 esv

The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.

Proverbs 15:2 nlt

The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing,
but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness.

Proverbs 15 verses

Proverbs 15 2 Meaning

Proverbs 15:2 presents a striking contrast between the communication styles of the wise and the foolish. The verse declares that the speech of those who possess wisdom serves to effectively convey, promote, and clarify understanding. Conversely, the communication from those lacking wisdom freely and unthinkingly broadcasts ignorance, moral emptiness, and unsound judgment. It underscores that one's words are a direct outflow and profound revelation of their inner character and intellectual disposition.

Proverbs 15 2 Context

Proverbs 15 forms part of a larger collection of Solomon's proverbs (Proverbs 10:1-22:16) which frequently juxtapose wisdom and folly, righteousness and wickedness, focusing on their practical manifestations in daily life. This chapter, in particular, heavily emphasizes the power of words, contrasting destructive speech with that which builds up and brings peace. Verse 2 stands in direct continuity with verse 1, which highlights the pacifying effect of a gentle answer compared to the strife caused by harsh words.

Historically and culturally, Proverbs arises from an ancient Near Eastern context where oral communication was paramount. The spoken word held immense weight, carrying the power to bless or curse, build or destroy. Wisdom in this culture was not merely academic knowledge but practical discernment for righteous living, rooted in the "fear of the Lord." The contrast between the "wise" (hakham) and the "fool" (kesil) is central to the book's purpose. The wise person actively seeks and applies God's truth, while the fool obstinately rejects it, often with harmful consequences. Thus, speech serves as a critical barometer of one's alignment with or defiance of divine wisdom.

Proverbs 15 2 Word analysis

• "The tongue" (לְשׁוֹן - lěšôn): This term serves as a metonym for communication and verbal expression. In Proverbs, the tongue is consistently portrayed as a potent instrument, capable of producing profound good or destructive harm, reflecting the character and inner disposition of the speaker. It points to the intentional use of words.
• "of the wise" (חֲכָמִים - ḥăḵāmîm): This is the plural form of hakham, denoting those who possess wisdom. In biblical wisdom literature, a "wise" person is not simply intelligent but one whose life, actions, and speech are characterized by a deep reverence for the Lord and adherence to His revealed truths and principles. Their wisdom is practical, ethical, and spiritual.
• "commends" / "makes good" / "deals well" (תֵּיטִיב - têṭîḇ): Derived from the root yatab, meaning "to be good, to do well, to make good." Here, it implies presenting something in an excellent, advantageous, or beneficial manner. It suggests that the wise person's speech improves, enhances, or clearly elucidates knowledge, making it palatable, persuasive, and useful. It speaks to skillful and constructive communication.
• "knowledge" (דָּעַת - daʿaṯ): This term refers to more than mere information; it signifies experiential understanding, insight, discernment, and often possesses a strong moral and ethical dimension. It implies a true grasp of reality, including God's ways and human nature, which leads to wise action and living. The wise speaker's goal is to share this beneficial insight.
• "but" (וּפִי - wûfî): The Hebrew conjunction waw (and), here serves as an adversative, marking a strong contrast between the two clauses, highlighting the antithetical nature of wise versus foolish speech.
• "the mouth" (פִי - pî): Another metonym for verbal expression, often used interchangeably with "tongue" in wisdom literature. While distinct words, both signify the organ and act of speaking, often emphasizing the source and outpouring of internal thoughts and character.
• "of fools" (כְסִילִים - kĕsîlîm): This is the plural form of kesil, a distinct type of "fool" in Proverbs. A kesil is not necessarily unintelligent, but is morally and spiritually obtuse, stubborn, and resistant to instruction and truth. Their foolishness is a character flaw rooted in spiritual perversity or willful ignorance, often accompanied by self-indulgence and imprudence.
• "pours out" (יַבִּיעַ - yabbîʿ): From the root nabaʿ, meaning "to bubble up," "to gush forth," or "to spout." This verb vividly portrays speech as an uncontrolled, spontaneous, and often excessive outpouring, akin to a spring releasing water. In this negative context, it conveys a lack of restraint, thoughtfulness, or discipline in speech, as words erupt impulsively.
• "folly" (אִוֶּלֶת - ʾiwweleṯ): This abstract noun signifies foolishness, perversity, absurdity, or moral obtuseness. It encompasses speech that is ill-considered, destructive, empty, baseless, or indicative of spiritual ignorance. It is the antithesis of wisdom and leads to detrimental outcomes for both the speaker and listeners.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "The tongue of the wise commends knowledge": This phrase describes speech characterized by intentionality, skill, and positive impact. The "wise tongue" does not merely state facts but processes, shapes, and presents truth (da'at) in a manner that renders it valuable, appealing, and readily accepted. This suggests thoughtful communication that is aimed at instruction, clarity, and building up.
• "but the mouth of fools pours out folly": This portrays foolish speech as unrestrained, spontaneous, and profuse. The imagery of "pouring out" implies that their words gush forth without deliberation or care, revealing the deep-seated lack of understanding, moral perversity, or simple absurdity within the speaker. It highlights a type of speech that is destructive, empty, or simply ineffective, reflecting the inner disorder of the fool. The contrast is profound: one cultivates and presents valuable truth; the other thoughtlessly ejects worthless or harmful content.

Proverbs 15 2 Bonus section

• The profound contrast in Proverbs 15:2 between lĕšôn ḥăḵāmîm (tongue of the wise) and pî kĕsîlîm (mouth of fools) is a central theme in Proverbs. This isn't just about intelligence, but about one's moral character and spiritual orientation towards God's truth. The hakham lives in practical righteousness, while the kesil is willfully unresponsive to instruction and often exhibits a morally reckless attitude.
• The selection of different words for speech organ – lāšôn (tongue) and peh (mouth) – while often used interchangeably, can subtly emphasize different aspects. Lāšôn often carries a nuance of what the tongue does, its function in articulation, sometimes even pointing to gossip or deceit. Peh can simply be the opening through which sounds come forth, emphasizing the source or outpouring of what is inside. In this verse, both terms underscore that all verbal output is telling.
• The implications of this proverb extend beyond mere communication skills to discipleship. Those who genuinely pursue wisdom will manifest it in their measured, beneficial speech, actively contributing to a deeper understanding for others. Conversely, those steeped in folly cannot help but produce words that expose their spiritual emptiness or opposition to truth. Therefore, the verse challenges individuals to examine the content and nature of their words as a diagnostic tool for the state of their heart.

Proverbs 15 2 Commentary

Proverbs 15:2 draws a fundamental distinction between those who embrace wisdom and those who reject it, highlighting how this inner orientation is inevitably manifested through speech. The "tongue of the wise" does not just possess knowledge but actively "commends" it. This suggests a skillful, intentional presentation that elevates and clarifies truth, making it desirable and beneficial. Such speech reflects a heart that values discernment, understanding, and edification. It is disciplined, timely, and serves to enlighten listeners. For example, a wise leader articulates a vision clearly and persuasively, fostering unity and purpose, rather than simply issuing commands.

In sharp contrast, the "mouth of fools pours out folly." The powerful imagery of "pours out" signifies an uncontrolled, gushing torrent of words that are inherently empty, misleading, or harmful. This impulsive speech is a direct manifestation of a heart untethered by wisdom and discipline. A fool's words, born of ignorance or moral stubbornness, can sow discord, spread misinformation, or reveal profound character flaws. For instance, while one person might thoughtfully explain the virtues of humility, another might boastfully recount their exploits, revealing their arrogance. The verse serves as a crucial reminder that words are not trivial; they are profound indicators of our inner being and carry immense power to build up or tear down, revealing the essence of who we are before God and humanity.