What is the meaning of Proverbs 15:2? The tongue of the wise “The tongue of the wise” (Proverbs 15:2a) points to men and women whose hearts have been shaped by God’s Word. • Wisdom in Scripture is never merely intellectual; it is a Spirit-formed character that shows up first in conversation (James 3:13; Colossians 4:6). • When the heart is aligned with God, the tongue follows, much like Proverbs 10:32 says, “The lips of the righteous know what is fitting.” • Wise speech is intentional. It slows down long enough to listen (James 1:19) and refuses to weaponize words. Commends knowledge “…commends knowledge” (15:2b) shows the purpose of wise speech: to put useful, godly truth on display. • The verb carries the picture of making knowledge attractive—like arranging apples of gold in settings of silver (Proverbs 25:11). • Wise words: – Clarify truth without condescension (1 Peter 3:15). – Build faith, not fear (Proverbs 16:23). – Redirect conversations toward Christ, the embodiment of all wisdom (Colossians 2:3). • A believer’s tongue becomes a living classroom where God’s knowledge is showcased. But the mouth of the fool In stark contrast, “the mouth of the fool” (15:2c) describes a life untouched by reverence for the Lord (Proverbs 1:7). • A fool may possess information, but he lacks submission; therefore, his words are reckless (Proverbs 18:6-7). • His mouth exposes his heart, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 12:35: “The good man brings good things out of his good treasure, and the evil man brings evil things out of his evil treasure.” • The fool’s speech often escalates conflict, blinds himself to correction (Proverbs 12:15), and isolates him from wise counsel (Ecclesiastes 10:12). Spouts folly “…spouts folly” (15:2d) pictures a gushing spring—continual, uncontrolled, and destructive. • The imagery parallels Proverbs 29:11: “A fool vents all his anger, but a wise man holds it back.” • Folly pours out: – Rash promises (Proverbs 20:25). – Gossip that wounds reputations (Proverbs 16:28). – Arguments that scatter relationships (Proverbs 15:18). • What fills the heart determines what flows from the mouth; unchecked, folly spreads like wildfire (James 3:6). summary Proverbs 15:2 draws a sharp line: wisdom and folly are most visible in everyday conversation. A wise tongue, rooted in fear of the Lord, turns speech into a platform for truth, clarity, and grace. A foolish mouth, untethered from God, becomes a fountain of harm. Believers are called to cultivate hearts saturated with Scripture so that, in every setting, their words consistently “commend knowledge.” |
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