God’s Word Translation
Proverbs 15:2
2The tongues of wise people give good expression to knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out a flood of stupidity.
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 gentle answer turns away rage, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongues of wise people give good expression to knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out a flood of stupidity. 3The eyes of the Lord are everywhere. They watch evil people and good people. 4A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue 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 15:23A person is delighted to hear an answer from his own mouth, and a timely word—oh, how good!
- Proverbs 12:23A sensible person ⌞discreetly⌟ hides knowledge, but foolish minds preach stupidity.
- Proverbs 13:16Any sensible person acts with knowledge, but a fool displays stupidity.
- Proverbs 16:23A wise person’s heart controls his speech, and what he says helps others learn.
- Proverbs 25:11⌞Like⌟ golden apples in silver settings, ⌞so⌟ is a word spoken at the right time.
- Psalms 45:1My heart is overflowing with good news. I will direct my song to the king. My tongue is a pen for a skillful writer.
- Ecclesiastes 10:12A wise person’s words win favors, but a fool’s lips are self-destructive.
- Psalms 59:7See what pours out of their mouths— swords from their lips! ⌞They think,⌟ “Who 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
God’s Word Translation — © 1995 God’s Word to the Nations Bible Society
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