Proverbs 15:2

Proverbs 15:2 in other versions

• King James Version (KJV)The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.
• New International Version (NIV)The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.
• English Standard Version (ESV)The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.
• New King James Version (NKJV)The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.

Context of Proverbs 15:2

1A soft and gentle and thoughtful answer turns away wrath, But harsh and painful and careless words stir up anger. The tongue of the wise speaks knowledge that is pleasing and acceptable, But the [babbling] mouth of fools spouts folly. 3The eyes of the Lord are in every place, Watching the evil and the good [in all their endeavors]. 4A soothing tongue [speaking words that build up and encourage] is a tree of life, But a perversive tongue [speaking words that overwhelm and depress] crushes the spirit.

Proverbs 15:2 word by word

לְשׁ֣וֹן חֲ֭כָמִים תֵּיטִ֣יב דָּ֑עַת וּפִ֥י כְ֝סִילִ֗ים יַבִּ֥יעַ אִוֶּֽלֶת׃Read the interlinear

Words taken from the KJV.

• The tongueלָשׁוֹןlâshôn lâshôn leshônâh · tongueH3956
• of the wiseחָכָםchâkâm · wiseH2450
• useth knowledgeדַּ֫עַתda‛ath · knowledgeH1847
• arightיָטַבyâţab · be goodH3190
• but the mouthפֶּהpeh · lipH6310
• of foolsכְּסִילkesîyl · foolH3684
• poureth outנָבַעnâba‛ · to bubbleH5042
• foolishnessאִוֶּ֫לֶת'ivveleth · follyH200

Cross-references for Proverbs 15:2

• Proverbs 15:23A man has joy in giving an appropriate answer, And how good and delightful is a word spoken at the right moment—how good it is!
• Proverbs 12:23A shrewd man is reluctant to display his knowledge [until the proper time], But the heart of [over-confident] fools proclaims foolishness.
• Proverbs 13:16Every prudent and self-disciplined man acts with knowledge, But a [closed-minded] fool [who refuses to learn] displays his foolishness [for all to see].
• Proverbs 16:23The heart of the wise instructs his mouth [in wisdom] And adds persuasiveness to his lips.
• Proverbs 25:11Like apples of gold in settings of silver Is a word spoken at the right time.
• Psalms 45:1My heart overflows with a good theme; I address my psalm to the King. My tongue is like the pen of a skillful writer.
• Ecclesiastes 10:12The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious and win him favor, but the lips of a fool consume him;
• Psalms 59:7Look how they belch out [insults] with their mouths; Swords [of sarcasm, ridicule, slander, and lies] are in their lips, For they say, “Who hears us?”

Commentaries on Proverbs 15:2

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 2Useth knowledge aright - This is very difficult to know: - when to speak, and when to be silent; what to speak, and what to leave unspoken; the manner that is best and most suitable to the occasion, the subject, the circumstances, and the persons. All these are difficulties, often even to the wisest men. Even wise counsel may be foolishly given.Read the comment
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 2Useth knowledge aright - Rather, makes knowledge goodly. The power of well-considered speech to commend true wisdom, is contrasted with the pouring (literally as in the margin) forth of folly.Read the comment
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 2Verse 2 He that has knowledge, is to use it aright, for the good of others.Read the comment
• Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 2A wise teacher presents lessons in an engaging way. Rude behavior describes the poor teaching of a fool.Read the comment
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 22. useth ... aright--commends knowledge by its proper use. poureth out--utters abundantly (Pr 12:23), and so disgusts others.Read the comment

Topics related to Proverbs 15:2

• Speaking
• Wisdom

In the dictionaries

• Abomination
• Cheerful
• Continual
• Countenance
• Disappoint
• Disperse
• Feast
• Grievous
• Humility
• Poetry

Commentaries on Proverbs 15

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
• Tyndale Open Study Notes
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
• Rashi on Tanakh
• Keil & Delitzsch Commentary
• John Wesley’s Notes
• Darby Translation Notes
• Geneva Bible Translation Notes
• Kingcomments
• Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
• Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
• Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
• Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
• EGW Writings