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 gentle response turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath. The tongue of the wise treats knowledge correctly, but the mouth of the fool spouts out folly. 3The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on those who are evil and those who are good. 4Speech that heals is like a life-giving tree, but a perverse tongue breaks 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 person has joy in giving an appropriate answer, and a word at the right time – how good it is!
• Proverbs 12:23The shrewd person conceals knowledge, but foolish people publicize folly.
• Proverbs 13:16Every shrewd person acts with knowledge, but a fool displays his folly.
• Proverbs 16:23A wise person’s heart makes his speech wise and it adds persuasiveness to his words.
• Proverbs 25:11Like apples of gold in settings of silver, so is a word skillfully spoken.
• Psalms 45:1My heart is stirred by a beautiful song. I say, “I have composed this special song for the king; my tongue is as skilled as the stylus of an experienced scribe.”
• Ecclesiastes 10:12The words of a wise person win him favor, but the words of a fool are self-destructive.
• Psalms 59:7Look, they hurl insults at me and openly threaten to kill me, for they say, “Who hears?”

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