EGW WritingsProverbs 15

Christ Triumphant

The Fruits of a Soft Answer, May 18

CTr 145.1

A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. Proverbs 15:1.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 229, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 229, 1903, par. 5

The Word of God can always be relied upon. “My covenant will I not break,” He says, “nor alter the thing that is gone out of My lips.” [Psalm 89:34.] “A soft answer turneth away wrath.” [Proverbs 15:1.]

Education

Chapter 12—Other Object Lessons

Ed 114.1

Love’s agencies have wonderful power, for they are divine. The soft answer that “turneth away wrath,” the love that “suffereth long, and is kind,” the charity that “covereth a multitude of sins” (Proverbs 15:1; 1 Corinthians 13:4, R.V.; 1 Peter 4:8, R.V.)—would we learn the lesson, with what power for healing would our lives be gifted! How life would be transformed, and the earth become a very likeness and foretaste of heaven!

Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)

Forbearance Under Wrong

GW 475.4

If impatient words are spoken to you, never reply in the same spirit. Remember that “a soft answer turneth away wrath.” [Proverbs 15:1.] And there is wonderful power in silence. Words spoken in reply to one who is angry sometimes serve only to exasperate; but anger met with silence, in a tender, forbearing spirit, quickly dies away.

Help In Daily Living

Forbearance Under Wrong

HDL 26.3

If impatient words are spoken to you, never reply in the same spirit. Remember that “a soft answer turneth away wrath.” Proverbs 15:1. And there is wonderful power in silence. Words spoken in reply to one who is angry sometimes serve only to exasperate. But anger met with silence, in a tender, forbearing spirit, quickly dies away.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 19 [Nos. 1360-1419]

MR No. 1411—The Ladder to Heaven

19MR 344.1

Patience implies that we have difficulties to encounter, annoyances to meet. The Word of God says, “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger” (Proverbs 15:1). “Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools” (Ecclesiastes 7:9). The injunction of the inspired apostle is to “be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:19). Anger provokes anger.

The Ministry of Healing

Forbearance Under Wrong

MH 486.1

If impatient words are spoken to you, never reply in the same spirit. Remember that “a soft answer turneth away wrath.” Proverbs 15:1. And there is wonderful power in silence. Words spoken in reply to one who is angry sometimes serve only to exasperate. But anger met with silence, in a tender, forbearing spirit, quickly dies away.

This Day With God

Provoke to Love, March 2

TDG 70.5

Reverence God and His purchased possession. Be careful of your manners, because you are Christ’s representative. Guard your words carefully, and labor earnestly for the conviction and conversion of sinners. Keep the heart uplifted to God in prayer. When unkind, untrue words are spoken to you, do not lose control of yourself. Remember that “a soft answer turneth away wrath” (Proverbs 15:1), and that he that rules his spirit is greater than he that taketh a city.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 13, 1884

4LtMs, Ms 13, 1884, par. 21

Patience implies that we have difficulties to encounter, annoyances to meet. The Word of God says, “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” Proverbs 15:1. “Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.” Ecclesiastes 7:9. The injunction of the inspired apostle is to “be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” James 1:19. Anger provokes anger.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 38, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 38, 1903, par. 11

Reverence God and His purchased possession. Be careful of your manners, because you are Christ’s representative. Guard your words carefully, and labor earnestly for the conviction and conversion of sinners. Keep the heart uplifted to God in prayer. When unkind, untrue words are spoken to you, do not lose control of yourself. Remember that “a soft answer turneth away wrath,” and that “he that rules his spirit” is greater “than he that taketh a city.” [Proverbs 15:1; 16:32.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 21, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 21, 1894, par. 9

O, how can God bear with the misdeeds of those who have had great light and advantages, and yet follow the course of their own choosing, to their eternal harm? Solomon, who had solemnly charged the people at the dedication of the temple, “Let your heart be perfect with the Lord your God” [1 Kings 8:61], chose his own way, and in his own heart separated from God. The mind that was once given to God and inspired of God to write the most precious words of wisdom (the book of Proverbs)—truths which are immortalized—that noble mind, through evil associations and yielding to temptations, became inefficient, weak in moral power, and Solomon dishonored himself, dishonored Israel, and dishonored his God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 40, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 40, 1898, par. 15

Solomon wrote the book of Proverbs, but after a time his wisdom became mingled with chaff. When came the chaff? After a manhood of such glorious promise, a change came in Solomon’s history. He did not continue true to his purity and allegiance to God. He broke through the barriers which God had erected to preserve His people from idolatry. The Lord had singled out Israel as a nation, making them the depositaries of sacred truth, to be given to the world. But Solomon cherished pride of political powers. He encouraged alliances with pagan kingdoms. He procured the silver of Tarshish and the gold of Ophir, but it was at the expense of destroying sacred trusts. Evil communications corrupted good manners. One false movement led to an acquaintance with idolaters. He formed marriage alliances with the daughters of pagan worshipers, and his wives led him away from God. His separation from God through communication with idolaters ruined him.

Education

Chapter 25—Education and Character

Ed 225.2

“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom.” “The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright.” Proverbs 4:7; 15:2. True education imparts this wisdom. It teaches the best use not only of one but of all our powers and acquirements. Thus it covers the whole circle of obligation—to ourselves, to the world, and to God.

Reflecting Christ

The World Needs People of Noble Character, October 2

RC 289.3

“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom” (Proverbs 4:7). “The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright” (chap. 15:2). True education imparts this wisdom. It teaches the best use not only of one but of all our powers and acquirements. Thus it covers the whole circle of obligation—to ourselves, to the world, and to God.

Homeward Bound

Character Building, July 15

HB 220.3

“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom.” “The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright.” (Proverbs 4:7; 15:2.) True education imparts this wisdom. It teaches the best use not only of one but of all our powers and acquirements. Thus it covers the whole circle of obligation—to ourselves, to the world, and to God.

Lift Him Up

Our Infallible Judge, November 5

LHU 323.2

The Lord is exact and infallible in His comprehension. He understands the working of the human mind, the active principles of the human agents He has formed, just how they will be moved upon by the objects that come before them, and in what manner they will act under every temptation that can try them and in every circumstance in which they are placed. “The ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and He pondereth all his goings” (Proverbs 5:21). “The eyes of the Lord are in every place” (Proverbs 15:3). “He looketh to the ends of the earth, and seeth under the whole heaven” (Job 28:24). “The Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts” (1 Chronicles 28:9). He knows the things that come into our minds, every one of them.... God pities the poor, self-deceived souls who are trampling upon His truth. Let the wheat and the tares grow together until the harvest. Pity and deplore the blindness of the minds that are under the dominion of Satan, but restrain your own wrath and passion, and do not pass your judgment upon them. Leave in God’s hands the despisers of His truth. The right and liberty of passing judgment upon others is not given to you. It was not given to Moses to pronounce judgment against rebellious Israel. The glaring weakness of His agents, as displayed by Moses, will bring its reward....

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Watcher, December 13

JNN 365.1

The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.—Proverbs 15:3

Manuscript Releases, vol. 13 [Nos. 1000-1080]

MR No. 1056—Reveal Christ’s Spirit while Defending Truth and Pointing Out Error

13MR 311.2

The Lord God is exact and infallible in His comprehension. He understands the working of the human mind, the active principles of the human agents He has formed, just how they will be moved upon by the objects that come before them, and in what manner they will act under every temptation that can try them and in every circumstance in which they are placed. “The ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and He pondereth all his goings” [Proverbs 5:21]. “The eyes of the Lord are in every place” [Proverbs 15:3]. “He looketh to the ends of the earth, and seeth under the whole heavens” [Job 28:24]. “The Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts” [1 Chronicles 28:9]. He knows the things that come into our minds, every one of them. “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight; but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do” [Hebrews 4:13].

Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 2

Chapter 87—Psychology and Theology

2MCP 782.1

“For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and He pondereth all his goings” (Proverbs 5:21). “The eyes of the Lord are in every place” (Proverbs 15:3). “He looketh to the ends of the earth, and seeth under the whole heaven” (Job 28:24). “The Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts” (1 Chronicles 28:9). He knows the things that come into our minds, every one of them. “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do” (Hebrews 4:13).—Letter 18, 1895.

The Upward Look

The Third Angel’s Message Is Sure, August 28

UL 254.3

Let us ever bear in mind that our work is to be one of advancement. We are to follow on to know the Lord. God understands the actuating principles of every mind. He has witnessed the persistent, rebellious course of some whom He has warned and counseled repeatedly. His all-seeing eye has noted the determined following of human devisings. The way of man is before the Lord. He knoweth the thoughts. “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good” (Proverbs 15:3). He looketh to the ends of the earth, and He seeth under the whole heavens. The Lord searcheth the hearts.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 108, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 108, 1893, par. 5

The Lord can, in a moment, blot out of existence the whole scene of nature. The houses built and supposed by the skill of man to be indestructible—fire-proof—He touches with His fire and they consume away. Nothing can stay the progress of His fire. He “removeth the mountains, and they know it not”: He “overturneth them in His anger.” He “commandeth the sun, and it riseth not; and sealeth up the stars.” He “shaketh the earth out of her place, and the pillars thereof tremble.” “The pillars of heaven tremble and are astonished at His reproof.” “The mountains quake at Him, and the hills melt, and the earth is burned at His presence.” “The ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and He pondereth all their goings.” “The eyes of the Lord are in every place.” “He looketh to the ends of the earth, and seeth unto the whole heaven.” “The Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts.” Job 9:5-7; 26:11; Nahum 1:5; Proverbs 5:21; 15:3; Job 28:24; 1 Chronicles 28:9. He knoweth the things that come into our minds every one of them. There is not “any creature that is not manifest in His sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do” (Hebrews 4:13).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 18, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 18, 1895, par. 6

The Lord God is exact and infallible in His comprehension. He understands the working of the human mind, the active principles of the human agents He has formed, just how they will be moved upon by the objects that come before them, and in what manner they will act under every temptation that can try them and in every circumstance in which they are placed. “The ways of man are before the [eyes of the] Lord, and he pondereth all his goings.” [Proverbs 5:21.] “The eyes of the Lord are in every place.” [Proverbs 15:3.] “He looketh to the ends of the earth, and seeth under the whole heavens.” [Job 28:24.] “The Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts.” [1 Chronicles 28:9.] He knows the things that come into our minds, every one of them. “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight; but all things are naked and open unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.” [Hebrews 4:13.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 119, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 119, 1897, par. 10

Wherever you are, remember that you are near to God. He would have you surrender yourself to Him with all that you possess. It is all the Lord’s. Let us sense the fact that the Lord sees us, that He hears every word we utter. “The eyes of the Lord are in every place beholding the evil and the good.” [Proverbs 15:3.] “For there is not a word in my tongue, but lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether.” [Psalm 139:4.] Satan may put into our hearts the inquiry, “How does God know? Is there knowledge in the Most High?” [Psalm 73:11.] Satan would have men forget that God is watching over them.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 180, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 180, 1897, par. 3

“The ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and he pondereth all his goings.” Proverbs 5:21. “The eyes of the Lord are in every place.” Proverbs 15:3. “He looketh to the ends of the earth, and seeth under the whole heaven.” Job 28:24. “The Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts.” 1 Chronicles 28:9. He knoweth the things that come into our minds, every one of them. There is no creature “that is not manifest in his sight; but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.” Hebrews 4:13.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Lt 66, 1911

25LtMs, Lt 66, 1911, par. 5

Let us ever bear in mind that our work is to be one of advancement. We are to follow on to know the Lord. God understands the actuating principles of every mind. He has witnessed the persistent, rebellious course of some whom He has warned and counselled <repeatedly>. His all-seeing eye has noted the determined following of human devisings. “The way of man is before the Lord. He knoweth the thoughts.” [Proverbs 5:21; Psalm 94:11.] “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.” [Proverbs 15:3.] He looketh to the ends of the earth, and He seeth under the whole heavens. The Lord searcheth the hearts.

Conflict and Courage

Wisest Among Men, July 4

CC 191.5

O that in later years Solomon had heeded these wonderful words of wisdom! O that he who had declared, “The lips of the wise disperse knowledge” (Proverbs 15:7), and who had himself taught the kings of the earth to render to the King of kings the praise they desired to give to an earthly ruler, had never with a “froward mouth,” in “pride and arrogancy,” taken to himself the glory due to God alone! 11Prophets and Kings, 33, 34.

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 1—Solomon

PK 34.3

O that in later years Solomon had heeded these wonderful words of wisdom! O that he who had declared, “The lips of the wise disperse knowledge” (Proverbs 15:7), and who had himself taught the kings of the earth to render to the King of kings the praise they desired to give to an earthly ruler, had never with a “froward mouth,” in “pride and arrogancy,” taken to himself the glory due to God alone!

Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)

Secret Prayer

GW 257.1

Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend. The eye of faith will discern God very near, and the suppliant may obtain precious evidence of the divine love and care for him. The prayer that Nathanael offered came from a sincere heart, and it was heard and answered by the Master. The Lord reads the hearts of all, and “the prayer of the upright is His delight.” [Proverbs 15:8.] He will not be slow to hear those who open their hearts to Him, not exalting self, but sincerely feeling their weakness and unworthiness.

Radiant Religion

God Delights in the Prayer of the Upright, February 9

RRe 42.1

The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord: but the prayer of the upright is His delight. Proverbs 15:8.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 34, 1890

6LtMs, Lt 34, 1890, par. 31

Will you, my sister, look well to your worthless life and not think it sufficient, when you do get a glance at it, to mourn over it and then forget all about it and go on doing worse than ever? Will you see the false gods at whose shrine you worship? “The prayer of the upright is his delight,” but the unstable shall not receive anything from the Lord. [Proverbs 15:8; James 1:6-8.] Will you, dear child, separate yourself from the world and cease to love its society? Bring Christ into all your associations; then the dark, sinful soul will have chapters of the love of Jesus open to its contemplation. When you partake of Christ, His goodness, His way, become yours; His will subdues your will. The words that come from your lips now you think to be smart; but, Oh, how painful they are to the heart that loves Jesus! If they were written out as you speak them you would see a medley of nonsense, of foolishness, of bitterness, wrath, envy, malice. Festivals, lectures, concerts, are the food you relish, with a little so-called religion mixed in as flavor.

In Heavenly Places

Clouds Will Pass, September 24

HP 274.1

A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken. Proverbs 15:13.

My Life Today

A Merry Heart Makes a Cheerful Countenance, June 22

ML 177.1

A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. Proverbs 15:13.

Radiant Religion

Cheerfulness Is Expressed in My Face, May 25

RRe 147.1

A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken. Proverbs 15:13.

Our High Calling

Consecrated Eyes, September 26

OHC 275.1

The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness. Proverbs 15:14.

To Be Like Jesus

To Understand God’s Word Better, Be Obedient, April 27

BLJ 127.1

The mind of one who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly. Proverbs 15:14, NRSV.

Radiant Religion

A Merry Heart Has a Feast From God Each Day, May 18

RRe 140.1

All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast. Proverbs 15:15.

Gospel Workers (1892/1893 ed.)

Consecration to the Work

GW92 35.2

The prayer which Nathanael offered while he was under the fig-tree, came from a sincere heart, and it was heard and answered by the Master. Christ said of him, “Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!” [John 1:47.] The Lord reads the hearts of all, and understands their motives and purposes. “The prayer of the upright is his delight.” [Proverbs 15:18.] He will not be slow to hear those who open their hearts to him, not exalting self, but sincerely feeling their great weakness and unworthiness.

Our High Calling

The Peril of “Nothing to Do,” August 4

OHC 222.1

The way of the slothful man is an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain. Proverbs 15:19.

Radiant Religion

Obedient Children Bring Joy, June 24

RRe 177.1

A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother. Proverbs 15:20.

Radiant Religion

Folly, Foolishness, Nonsense, August 22

RRe 236.1

Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly. Proverbs 15:21.

Reflecting Christ

The Joy of Well-chosen Words, September 27

RC 284.1

To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is! Proverbs 15:23, R.S.V.

Radiant Religion

Bring Help and Encouragement, September 30

RRe 275.1

A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it! Proverbs 15:23.

RRe 275.3

“A wise man is esteemed for being pleasant; his friendly words add to his influence.” “Apt answers are a joy to men; a word in season, what a help it is!” Proverbs 16:21; 15:23, Moffatt.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 134, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 134, 1899, par. 23

“A word spoken in season, how good is it!” [Proverbs 15:23.] If this be true of the words coming from uninspired lips, with what interest should the words of infinite truth be regarded. What more could the congregation of Israel ask than this. If they would keep the commandments of God, and instruct their children diligently, God would give them the finest of the wheat. He would bring them honey out of the rock, and feed them from the tree of life. How wonderful are the words spoken to them by a gracious Saviour. They might rest in His love, and place their dependence in Him.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 151, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 151, 1903, par. 18

Talk to the people and urge upon them the importance of doing all they can for Him. There are many ways in which we may work for the Master. We may speak words of encouragement to those whom we meet. “A word spoken in season, how good is it!” [Proverbs 15:23.] Souls are perishing for the lack of personal labor.

Radiant Religion

Pleasant Words Belong to the Pure, September 28

RRe 273.1

The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord: but the words of the pure are pleasant words. Proverbs 15:26.

Patriarchs and Prophets

Chapter 14—Destruction of Sodom

PP 168.2

Says the wise man, “Labor not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.” “He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.” Proverbs 23:4; 15:27. And the apostle Paul declares, “They that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.” 1 Timothy 6:9.

From Eternity Past

Another Sodom

EP 106.3

“Labor not to be rich; cease from thine own wisdom.” “He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house.” “They that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.” Proverbs 23:4; 15:27; 1 Timothy 6:9.

Reflecting Christ

The Ground of Forgiveness, September 18

RC 275.1

The Lord is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous. Proverbs 15:29.

Patriarchs and Prophets

Chapter 53—The Earlier Judges

PP 553.2

The leader whom God chose to overthrow the Midianites occupied no prominent position in Israel. He was not a ruler, a priest, or a Levite. He thought himself the least in his father’s house. But God saw in him a man of courage and integrity. He was distrustful of himself and willing to follow the guidance of the Lord. God does not always choose for His work men of the greatest talents, but He selects those whom He can best use. “Before honor is humility.” Proverbs 15:33. The Lord can work most effectually through those who are most sensible of their own insufficiency, and who will rely upon Him as their leader and source of strength. He will make them strong by uniting their weakness to His might, and wise by connecting their ignorance with His wisdom.

From Eternity Past

God’s Simple Battle Plan

EP 398.4

The leader whom God chose to overthrow the Midianites was not a ruler, a priest, or a Levite. He thought himself the least in his father’s house. But he was distrustful of himself and willing to follow the guidance of the Lord. God selects those whom He can best use. “Before honor is humility.” Proverbs 15:33. He will make them strong by uniting their weakness to His might, and wise by connecting their ignorance with His wisdom.