Proverbs 15:1-3 (ESV)
1 A soft answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.
2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge,
but the mouths of fools pour out folly.
3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place,
keeping watch on the evil and the good.”
Solomon begins with a practical observation. “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” When confronted by an angry person, the wise woman exercises self control. Rather than responding with sharp words or matching hostility with hostility, she answers gently. Her words soothe rather than inflame. In this way, she turns away wrath and helps restore peace.
Scripture provides a beautiful example of this principle in Abigail. When David learned that Nabal had insulted him and refused to reward the men who had protected his shepherds and flocks, he set out in anger, intending to destroy Nabal’s household. Abigail wisely intervened with humility and carefully chosen words. Her soft answer turned away David’s wrath and prevented bloodshed (1 Samuel 25:32-34). David later acknowledged her wisdom and thanked God for sending her. The wise understand that gentleness is not weakness. Often it is one of the most powerful tools God uses to preserve peace and restore relationships.
Rather than exercising self control, the fool speaks harshly and impulsively. Painful words often produce more pain. Angry words generate more anger. Instead of calming conflict, they intensify it. Relationships are damaged, trust is weakened, and wounds are deepened. A single careless response can erode years of trust. The tone of our words often determines whether a disagreement moves toward resolution or further division.
Verse 2 continues the contrast. “The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.” The wise person speaks in a way that makes truth attractive. Her words are thoughtful, helpful, and beneficial to those who hear. She uses her speech to encourage understanding and promote wisdom. The fool, however, “pours out folly.” The image is that of an overflowing fountain. Foolishness flows freely from her mouth with little restraint, revealing the condition of her heart.
Solomon then reminds us that our words never escape God’s notice. God sees every conversation, hears every word, and knows every motive behind what we say. Nothing is hidden from him. He not only observes what we do but also evaluates why we do it. The Proverbs teach that every person has the ability to exercise self control when it comes to what she says and the way she says it. Are your words known for gentleness and wisdom or for harshness and folly? Choose today to speak in a way that promotes peace, imparts wisdom, and brings healing rather than strife.