New International Version
Proverbs 15:2
2The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes 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.
- 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.
- 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 gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. 3The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good. 4The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes 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 finds joy in giving an apt reply— and how good is a timely word!
- Proverbs 12:23The prudent keep their knowledge to themselves, but a fool’s heart blurts out folly.
- Proverbs 13:16All who are prudent act with knowledge, but fools expose their folly.
- Proverbs 16:23The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent, and their lips promote instruction.
- Proverbs 25:11Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a ruling rightly given.
- Psalms 45:1My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer.
- Ecclesiastes 10:12Words from the mouth of the wise are gracious, but fools are consumed by their own lips.
- Psalms 59:7See what they spew from their mouths— the words from their lips are sharp as swords, and they think, “Who can 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
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