Proverbs 15:28 kjv

The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.

Proverbs 15:28 nkjv

The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, But the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil.

Proverbs 15:28 niv

The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.

Proverbs 15:28 esv

The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.

Proverbs 15:28 nlt

The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking;
the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words.

Proverbs 15 verses

Proverbs 15 28 Meaning

Proverbs 15:28 profoundly contrasts the nature of communication between the righteous and the wicked, revealing the state of their hearts through their words. The righteous diligently consider their responses, taking time to meditate on their words, ensuring they are wise, beneficial, and appropriate. This careful deliberation springs from an upright heart committed to God's ways. Conversely, the wicked impulsively speak harmful and malicious words. Their speech is an uncontrolled outflow, instantly revealing the evil, corruption, or foolishness residing within them, often leading to detrimental outcomes.

Proverbs 15 28 Context

Proverbs 15 forms part of the Solomonic wisdom literature, focusing on the sharp distinctions between the wise and the foolish, the righteous and the wicked, primarily expressed through their speech, conduct, and attitudes. This chapter repeatedly emphasizes that the internal disposition of a person's "heart"—the core of their being, encompassing intellect, will, and emotion—is invariably manifested in their external expressions, especially their words. Verse 28, therefore, highlights speech as a critical indicator of one's spiritual and moral state.

Historically and culturally, in ancient Near Eastern societies, spoken words held immense power and significance. Oral agreements were binding, blessings and curses were considered potent, and testimony could determine life or death. The concept of the "heart" (לֵב, lev) in Hebrew thought represented the entirety of one's inner person—the seat of moral purpose, intellect, and will—rather than just emotions. Consequently, speech was seen as a direct outpouring of this inner essence. Proverbs consistently contrasts prudent, thoughtful speech with hasty, foolish words, reflecting a core societal value placed on wise and controlled communication. There is no direct polemic against specific contemporary beliefs in this verse, but rather a universal moral contrast implicitly challenging any worldview that does not attribute deep significance or moral consequence to spoken words.

Proverbs 15 28 Word analysis

• Heart (לֵב, lev): In Hebrew, lev refers to the innermost being of a person, encompassing intellect, emotion, will, and conscience. It is the seat of moral decisions and true character, not merely physical emotions.

  • Significance: Our speech originates from our core identity and inner moral compass.

• Righteous (צַדִּיק, tzaddiq): One who is just, upright, vindicated, and stands in a right relationship with God, characterized by moral integrity and adherence to divine standards.

  • Significance: Their right standing with God guides their intentions and thus their words.

• Pondereth (הָגָה, hagah): To meditate, consider, mutter, deliberate, or even to growl or roar (like a lion). It implies a deep, internal thought process, a 'chewing over' of words before articulation, sometimes even an audible, internal rehearsal.

  • Significance: Denotes careful deliberation and reflection, rather than impulsive utterance; preparation of speech.

• How to answer (לַעֲנוֹת, la'anot): Specifically refers to the act of responding, replying, or testifying. The focus is not just on what to say, but also on the manner and appropriateness of the reply.

  • Significance: The righteous aim for their words to be a measured, fitting response to a situation.

• Mouth (פֶּה, peh): The physical organ through which words are spoken. Used here to represent external verbal expression.

  • Significance: Serves as a direct contrast to the "heart," highlighting the immediate, unfiltered outward expression.

• Wicked (רָשָׁע, rasha): One who is guilty, godless, impious, actively disobedient to God's laws, and estranged from Him.

  • Significance: Their spiritual rebellion and corrupted nature dictate their destructive words.

• Poureth out (יַבִּיעַ, yabbia): To bubble up, gush forth, or declare impulsively and without restraint. It conveys an uncontrolled, abundant, and immediate emission, like water gushing from a spring.

  • Significance: Illustrates the lack of filter and control in the speech of the wicked; their words spill out without thought.

• Evil things (רָעוֹת, ra'ot): Referring to things that are bad, harmful, malicious, or morally corrupt.

  • Significance: The content of the wicked's speech is intrinsically detrimental, destructive, or misleading.

• "The heart of the righteous pondereth how to answer": This phrase emphasizes the internal spiritual and intellectual process that precedes speech in the righteous. The deep inner being of an upright person meditates or deliberates carefully, considering not only the content but also the impact, timing, and manner of their response. This suggests a thoughtful, Spirit-led control over their words.

• "but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things": This antithetical parallel describes an immediate, unbridled, and negative verbal outflow. The mouth acts as a direct, uncontrolled conduit for the evil and corruption present in the wicked person's heart. This indicates a lack of self-control, spiritual discipline, and concern for the harm their words might cause.

Proverbs 15 28 Bonus section

• The quality of a person's words serves as a reliable indicator of the true state of their inner being or "heart" (as confirmed in passages like Matt 12:34).
• The use of hagah ("pondereth") in Hebrew can also imply a low, muttering sound, suggesting that the righteous might silently or inwardly articulate their thoughts before speaking them aloud, emphasizing deep consideration.
• This proverb underlines the principle of accountability for one's speech; words are not accidental but flow directly from one's moral character and choice.
• The wisdom articulated here applies not only to direct verbal communication but also extends to contemporary forms of expression such as written communication, social media interactions, and digital discourse.
• The proverb offers a profound challenge for self-examination, encouraging believers to cultivate a heart that is so attuned to God's righteousness that all words which flow from it are beneficial and wise.

Proverbs 15 28 Commentary

Proverbs 15:28 succinctly captures the essence of righteous and wicked character as demonstrated through their verbal habits. The core distinction lies in the intentionality and origin of their words. The righteous do not speak on impulse; instead, their speech is a product of careful, internal deliberation, rooted in a heart that seeks God's wisdom and righteousness. This "pondering" is more than just thinking; it is a spiritual discipline of weighing, preparing, and filtering words, seeking to speak truth in love and with purpose. Their goal is not merely to speak, but to answer well—to offer responses that are wise, appropriate, edifying, and often, redemptive.

In stark contrast, the wicked operate without this inner discipline or divine guidance. Their speech is depicted as a spontaneous eruption, a gushing forth from a corrupt heart. This uncontrolled outpouring ("poureth out") indicates a lack of reflection, self-control, and moral integrity. Consequently, their words are invariably "evil things"—malicious, deceptive, foolish, or destructive. This proverb serves as a powerful reminder that our words are not mere sounds; they are potent manifestations of our deepest spiritual and moral state, offering a clear glimpse into the condition of our hearts.

• Examples:
  • A child of God, when asked a sensitive question, might pause to pray for wisdom before speaking, ensuring their answer is gracious and true.
  • A worldly individual, feeling angry, might immediately lash out with insults, without considering the impact of their words on others.
  • Before participating in a discussion, a wise person silently considers what information they should share and how to express it clearly and constructively.
  • A wicked person might spread rumors or baseless accusations spontaneously, without concern for verification or consequences.