Proverbs 15 – if you haven’t read my thoughts on the book of Proverbs yet, you’ll want to do so here. This isn’t a comprehensive look at each verse, but it is how God spoke to me through particular chapter of His Word at this particular chapter in my life. I encourage you to read the full chapter in your own Bible first so you can see how God wants to speak to you through this chapter, and so you don’t miss out on the verses I didn’t cover. I hope it can speak to you as well, and I hope you are encouraged to seek Him in His Word. And if you missed Proverbs 14, you should also check that out here. Otherwise, on to Proverbs 15!
15:2 – The tongue of the wise presents knowledge well, but the mouth of the fool spews out folly. 15:7 – The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools. 15:14 – The mind of a person with discernment seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a food feeds on folly (CJB). The wise speak clearly and are generous with their knowledge, and they pursue it relentlessly. And not only does the fool not speak knowledge, he doesn’t even think about wisdom or knowledge in his heart. Prayer – God, help me to choose my words wisely so that I present my ideas and knowledge clearly, so that others can understand me. Don’t let me keep my knowledge to myself, but remind me share it freely with others. Keep me from saying the right thing in the wrong way.
15:4 – A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but when it twists things it breaks the spirit (CJB). Prayer – God, help me speak words that bring life and healing and encouragement. Keep me from twisting the truth and keep me from saying unkind words that break the spirit of those around me.
15:6a – The home of the righteous is a storehouse of treasure (CJB). Our homes are storehouses of treasure. There is treasure in the people who live under our roof. There is treasure in the kind words and good advice and good teaching we give. And, let us not despise what things we do have when they seem meager and not much like treasure at all. God will reward us for being good stewards with what He has given us. Prayer – God, remind me the treasure I have in the people around me in my home. Help me value everyone who passes my doorstep. Let me not be ungrateful for the things you have gifted me with. Show me how to see and care for the vast treasure you have given me in family, friends, wisdom, knowledge, and provisions.
15:8 – The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is His delight (CSB). God doesn’t want empty actions from us, even if they are a sacrifice for us to do them. God is after, and has always been after, our heart.
15:11 – Even Death and Destruction hold no secrets from the Lord. How much more does he know the human heart! (NLT) Friend, you are known by God. He has seen your darkest days and your darkest thoughts, and He loves you despite all your shortcomings. And not only does He love you, He understands you, and wants to be with you in your dark places. God is not intimidated by our weaknesses.
15:23 – A person takes joy in giving an answer, and a timely word – how good that is! (CSB) The Hebrew word here for answer means the most appropriate and effective thing to say in the given circumstance. Prayer – God, I want that! Teach me the right thing to say at the right time. Show me how to encourage and exhort others. Use my mouth to say the words You want to say to Your beloved. Let me be Your hands and feet. Teach me how to see and speak to people’s hearts.
Friend, I have prayed these same prayers over you today. May God’s Word and Spirit show you the people around you more clearly, so you can value them even more than you have before. May God’s Spirit give you the words to speak, the right words at the right time, so that you can being encouragement and life to those around you.
Until next time,
– Just a girl pursuing her reflection in the mirror of God’s Word.
Scripture quotations marked (CJB) are taken from the Complete Jewish Bible, Copyright © 1998 and 2016 by David H. Stern. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked (CSB) are taken from the Christian Standard Bible® Copyright© 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission.
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.