English Standard Version
Proverbs 15:2
2The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.
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.
- New King James Version (NKJV)The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.
- New Living Translation (NLT)The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness.
Context of Proverbs 15:2
1A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly. 3The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good. 4A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.
Read all of Proverbs 15Proverbs 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 15:23To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is!
- Proverbs 12:23A prudent man conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims folly.
- Proverbs 13:16Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool flaunts his folly.
- Proverbs 16:23The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious and adds persuasiveness to his lips.
- Proverbs 25:11A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.
- Psalms 45:1My heart overflows with a pleasing theme; I address my verses to the king; my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe.
- Ecclesiastes 10:12The words of a wise man's mouth win him favor, but the lips of a fool consume him.
- Psalms 59:7There they are, bellowing with their mouths with swords in their lips— for "Who," they think, "will hear 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
In the dictionaries
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
English Standard Version — © 2001 Crossway Bibles
Commentaries