Proverbs 15, The Discipline of Temper and...

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The Discipline

Of

Temper and Tongue

Proverbs 15:1-33

Landmark Publications, Inc., 1045 Maynor Street, Nashville, TN 37215, John C. Sewell, Ph.D., Editor


The Discipline of Temper and Tongue

Text: Proverbs 15:1-33, 1. A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. 2. The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. 3. The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good. 4. The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. 5. A fool spurns his father's discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence. 6. The house of the righteous contains great treasure, but the income of the wicked brings them trouble. 7. The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools. 8. The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him. 9. The LORD detests the way of the wicked but he loves those who pursue righteousness. 10. Stern discipline awaits him who leaves the path; he who hates correction will die. 11. Death and Destruction lie open before the LORD—how much more the hearts of men! 12. A mocker resents correction; he will not consult the wise. 13. A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit. 14. The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly. 15. All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.



16. Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great wealth with turmoil. 17. Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred. 18. A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel. 19. The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway. 20. A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother. 21. Folly delights a man who lacks judgment, but a man of un-derstanding keeps a straight course. 22. Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. 23. A man finds joy in giving an apt reply—and how good is a timely word! 24. The path of life leads upward for the wise to keep him from going down to the grave. 25. The LORD tears down the proud man's house but he keeps the widow's boundaries intact. 26. The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked, but those of the pure are pleasing to him. 27. A greedy man brings trouble to his family, but he who hates bribes will live. 28. The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil. 29. The LORD is far from the wicked but he hears the prayer of the righteous. 30. A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones. 31. He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise. 32. He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding.



33. The fear of the LORD teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor. (NIV) Introduction: I. “Approximately twenty (20) of the thirty (30) proverbs in this chapter are antithetic.” (Dave L. Bland) II. “ ‘Yahweh proverbs’ begin to appear more frequently.” (Dave L. Bland) III. “Many of the proverbs in this chapter concern themselves with instruction and acquiring knowledge.” (Dave L. Bland)

A. See verses 2, 5, 7, 10, 12, 14, 22, 31, 32, 33. (Dave L. Bland)

1. Proverbs 15:2, 5, 7, 10, 12, 14, 22, 31-33, The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. A fool spurns his father's discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence. The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools. Stern discipline awaits him who leaves the path; he who hates correction will die. A mocker resents correction; he will not consult the wise. The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly. Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise. He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains under-standing. The fear of the LORD teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor. (NIV)

B. “The subject of speech is a frequent topic of these sayings.” (Dave L. Bland)



C. Example: Rehoboam. I Kings 12:13-16, The king answered the people harshly. Rejecting the advice given him by the elders, he followed the advice of the young men and said, "My father made your yoke heavy; I will make it even heavier. My father scourged you with whips; I will scourge you with scorpions." So the king did not listen to the people, for this turn of events was from the LORD, to fulfill the word the LORD had spoken to Jeroboam son of Nebat through Ahijah the Shilonite. When all Israel saw that the king refused to listen to them, they answered the king: "What share do we have in David, what part in Jesse's son? To your tents, O Israel! Look after your own house, O David!" So the Israelites went home. (NIV)

Proverbs 15:2, The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. (NIV) I. Wise people speak the verified truth.

A. They get their facts right. B. They do not put a “spin” on information, but relate facts accurately.

II. The fool speaks, gushes foolishness, folly. Proverbs 15:3, The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good. (NIV) I. God sees, knows everything that is done on earth by everybody, both the good and the evil, wicked. Proverbs 15:4, The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. (NIV)



I. The gentle tongue that brings healing is a source, tree of life. II. A deceitful perverse tongue crushes, breaks the spirit, depresses, demoralizes. Proverbs 15:5, A fool spurns his father's discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence. (NIV) I. A fool despises, spurns, rejects his father’s correction, discipline.

A. A father’s correction stems from love. B. Children who despise their fathers’ correction break their fathers’ hearts.

II. The wise person accepts correction and is made better by the reproof. Proverbs 15:6, The house of the righteous contains great treasure, but the income of the wicked brings them trouble. (NIV) I. The houses of the righteous contain ample, great treasures, things of unlimited value, physical and spiritual. II. What the houses of the wicked have is much trouble! Proverbs 15:7, The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools. (NIV) I. The lips of the wise disperse, spread knowledge. II. The hearts of the foolish have no interest in teaching others what is beneficial.

A. Foolish people are intellectually dull! … righteously dull!



B. Luke 12:16-21, And he spake a parable unto them, saying, the ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou has provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. C. Matthew 25:113, Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, The bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you; but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. (KJV)

Proverbs 15:8, The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him. (NIV)



I. The Lord, Jehovah despises, detests the sacrifice of the wicked.

A. To have our sacrifices accepted, our prayers heard, we must “get right with God.” B. God cannot be bribed, bought off with offerings by unrepentant sinners.

II. Jehovah attends with delight to the prayers of the upright.

A. The prayers of the righteous please the Lord. B. “… an humble and a contrite heart,” as Kipling wrote, “still stands (as) thine ancient sacrifice.”

Proverbs 15:9, The LORD detests the way of the wicked but he loves those who pursue righteousness. (NIV) I. The Lord detests the way of the wicked.

A. The way of the wicked is an abomination to Jehovah.

II. The Lord Jehovah loves those who pursue, follow the way of righteousness. Note: Proverbs 15:8 speaks of ceremonial righteousness/wickedness while verse 9 speaks of moral, ethical righteousness and wickedness. Proverbs 15:10, Stern discipline awaits him who leaves the path; he who hates correction will die. (NIV) I. Stern discipline, grievous correction, even death, await those who forsake the way of righteousness, despise correction.



A. Those on death row, thieves shot during robberies, those incarcerated know this very well. B. Those who abandon the right path will be sternly corrected. C. Those who begin to live sinfully will be punished and those who refuse correction will be destroyed.

Proverbs 15:11, Death and Destruction lie open before the LORD—how much more the hearts of men! (NIV) 1. Abaddon (death) occurs six (6) times in the Old Testament and, like Sheol (destruction), is a name for the realm of the dead. II. The realm of the dead is in Jehovah’s clear view. III. The hearts of all humans are even more clearly seen by the Lord at all times! Proverbs 15:12, A mocker resents correction; he will not consult the wise. (NIV) I. A fool, mocker, scoffer, corrupt man resents correction, reproof. II. The scoffer, fool, mocker, corrupt man does not seek out counsel, advice from the wise.

A. The wise would reprove the fool. The fool does not want reproof. Therefore, the fool does not seek the counsel of the wise.

Proverbs 15:13, A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit. (NIV) 1. A glad, happy heart makes a cheerful countenance, face.



II. Heartache, sorrow of heart crushes, breaks the spirit. III. A person’s happiness or sorrow will show in his face.

A. Nehemiah 2:2, so the king asked me, "Why does your face look so sad when you are not ill? This can be nothing but sadness of heart." I was very much afraid, (NIV)

Proverbs 15:14, The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly. (NIV) I. The understanding heart seeks knowledge.

A. The wise man is always diligent in the acquisition of more knowledge.

II. The mouth of fools, wicked people feeds on folly.

A. Fools delight in hearing all kinds of nonsense.

Proverbs 15:15, All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast. (NIV) I. The entire lives, all the days of the oppressed are wretched, evil.

A. What about the prisoner serving ninety-nine (99) years with no probation? B. What about those with long term painful, serious illnesses? C. Time passes slowly for the suffering and distressed.

II. The cheerful heart has a continual feast.

A. Life is largely what we make it.



B. Time passes swiftly for the joyful.

Proverbs 15:16, Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great wealth with turmoil. (NIV) I. It is better to have the fear of God and little of the world’s goods than to have wealth with turmoil, trouble, anxieties, and worries associated with getting wealth and keeping wealth.

A. Matthew 19:23, Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, … a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. (KJV) B. I Timothy 6:9, But 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. (KJV)

Proverbs 15:17, Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred. (NIV) I. It is better to have little (a dinner of herbs, vegetables) where there is love than to have a fatted calf, stalled ox, the world’s finest cuisine with hatred. II. “It is better to have a hamburger at an inexpensive fast food restaurant with someone who loves you than to be entertained lavishly at the Waldorf by someone who hates you.” Proverbs 15:18, A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel. (NIV) I. A hot tempered wrathful man stirs up contention, dissension, strife while a patient, slow to anger person calms a quarrel, appeases strife, quiets contentions.



A. Matthew 5:9, Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. (KJV)

Proverbs 15:19, The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway. (NIV) I. The sluggard, lazy person can always find some reason he can’t work including:

A. there are thorns in the road. B. there are lions in the road.

1. Proverbs 26:13, The sluggard says, "There is a lion in the road, a fierce lion roaming the streets!" (NIV)

II. The upright, diligent person sees opportunity where the sluggard could only see problems. Proverbs 15:20, A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother. (NIV) I. A wise son brings joy to his father, makes his father happy. II. A foolish man despises, brings shame to his mother.

A. How? In many ways! B. Shame is in short supply these days.

Proverbs 15:21, Folly delights a man who lacks judgment, but a man of understanding keeps a straight course. (NIV)



I. To act foolishly, like an idiot is fun to the empty-headed, to the person without wisdom, to the person who lacks judgment. II. The man of intelligence, understanding forges straight ahead, sets a straight course for his life. Proverbs 15:22, Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. (NIV) I. Plans fail (purposes are disappointed) for lack of counsel, good advice. II. A multitude of counselors, advisors helps carefully laid plans to come to fruition, successful completion.

A. Two heads are better than one.

Proverbs 15:23, A man finds joy in giving an apt reply—and how good is a timely word! (NIV) I. A man finds joy in an apt reply, a right answer and in a choice word spoken at the opportune moment.

A. It is important that the right thing be said at the right time. B. Speaking the right words, saying the right thing is difficult in times of serious illness, bereavement, etc.

Proverbs 15:24, The path of life leads upward for the wise to keep him from going down to the grave. (NIV) I. The wise follow a path that goes upward.

A. In this choice of the upward way the wise avoid Sheol, the grave, the road to failure and destruction.



Proverbs 15:25, The LORD tears down the proud man's house but he keeps the widow's boundaries intact. (NIV) I. Jehovah destroys the house of the arrogant, the proud.

A. Nebuchadnezzar boasted in, “Great Babylon which I have built,” but its exact location cannot today be determined with any accuracy.

II. God establishes, keeps intact the border, boundary, landmark of the widow. Proverbs 15:26, The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked, but those of the pure are pleasing to him. (NIV) I. Evil devices, the thoughts of the wicked, trickery, subterfuge, “dealing off the bottom of the deck” are detested by the Lord, are an abomination to Jehovah. II. The thoughts of the pure are pleasant, pleasing to the Lord. Proverbs 15:27, A greedy man brings trouble to his family, but he who hates bribes will live. (NIV) I. A dishonest greedy man brings trouble to his own house, family.

A. “Such a man is a torment to himself and to his family because of his avariciousness and penury. He is a curse to all who deal with him.”

II. The honest person who hates bribes will live, prosper.

A. Bribery is a besetting sin of all mankind.



B. Acts 24:26, He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him. (KJV)

Proverbs 15:28, The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil. (NIV) I. Righteous people carefully consider what they say beforehand.

A. Wise people give well studied, carefully formulated responses. B. Colossians 4:6, Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. (KJV)

II. Wicked people don’t think about what they are going to say, but let evil gush from their mouths (and don’t regret what they say.)

A. Foolish people hastily and thoughtlessly babble.

Proverbs 15:29, The LORD is far from the wicked but he hears the prayer of the righteous. (NIV) I. Jehovah is far from the wicked, can’t be approached by people in their wickedness.

A. God does not hear the prayers of unrepentant sinners.

II. Jehovah hears the prayers of the righteous.

A. God is near the righteous. B. The righteous (Luke 1:6) walk in all the ordinances and commandments of the Lord blameless.



1. Luke 1:6, And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. (KJV)

Proverbs 15:30, A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones. (NIV) I. Moffatt translated this verse: “Good fortune is the joy of life, and good news is health and vigor.”

A. “Makes the bones fat” can be rendered “refreshes the bones, bring health to the bones.” B. People like it when good news and prosperity come to them. C. “The light of the eyes” is equal to “a cheerful look.”

Proverbs 15:31, He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise. (NIV) I. The ear that heeds wholesome admonitions will live among the wise. II. The person who listens to life-giving rebukes will be at home among the wise. III. The wise listen to what life teaches. Proverbs 15:32, He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding. (NIV) I. He who refuses correction, discipline despiseth his own soul, himself.

A. We live in an undisciplined society.



B. “Nobody ain’t gonna tell me what to do.” So said an incarcerated teenager to this author.

II. He who heeds reproof, correction gets understanding. III. All of us need instruction, guidance, correction.

A. We can heed correction and prosper or reject correction and be destroyed.

Proverbs 15:33, The fear of the LORD teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor. (NIV) I. The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom. II. Humility is a condition for achieving honor.

A. I Peter 5:6, Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: (KJV) B. Luke 1:52, He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. (KJV) C. Our Lord washed his disciples’ feet.



Questions

Proverbs 15:1-33

1. What does a gentle answer do? What does a harsh word do? ______ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. Contrast the tongue of the wise and the mouth of the fool. _________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3. The eyes of the LORD sees everything. What effect should this fact have on our lives? ___________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. How does the tongue bring healing? How can a deceitful tongue crush the spirit? _____________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________



5. Who spurns his father’s discipline? Who heeds correction? _______ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 6. What treasures do the houses of the righteous contain? What are the effects of the income of the wicked? Why is this the case? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 7. What do the lips of the wise do? What about the hearts of fools? What do they do? ___________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 8. Why does the LORD detest the sacrifice of the wicked? What pleases God? _______________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________



9. What does the LORD detest? Whom does the LORD love? _______ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 10. What awaits people who hate correction and/or who leave the path of righteousness? ______________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 11. What lies more open before the Lord, death, destruction or the hearts of men? ______________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 12. Define Abaddon and Sheol. ________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 13. Define mocker. What does verse 12 say about a mocker’s conduct? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________



____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 14. What does a happy heart do? What does a heartache do? _________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 15. What does a discerning heart seek? Define discerning. On what does the mouth of a fool feed? _________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 16. Are the statements in chapter 15 absolutes to which there are no exceptions or are they generalities to which there may be exception? Give evidence to support your answer. ___________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 17. Who are the oppressed whose days are wretched? Give examples to show that the person with a cheerful heart has a continual feast. _______ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________



18. Had you rather have a little with the fear of the LORD or great wealth with trouble along the way? What answer does your life give? __ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 19. What can make a meal of vegetables better than a feast with a fattened calf entrée? _________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 20. What does a hot-tempered man do? What does a patient man do? How carefully do you choose the people with whom you associate? ____ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 21. In what ways can it be said that the way of the sluggard is “blocked with thorns”? What does this mean? By contrast how is the path of the upright described? Does this mean the righteous have no difficulties as they go through life? Why or why not? __________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________



22. Who brings joy to his father? Who despises his mother? _________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 23. Whom does folly delight? Define folly. Who keeps a straight course? Define straight course. ________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 24. Why do plans fail? Why do plans succeed? ____________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 25. What gives joy? Give examples to show that this is indeed true. ___ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 26. Wisdom prolongs life. Show why this is true. __________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________



27. Give examples of the LORD’s tearing down the houses of the proud and of his keeping the widow’s boundaries intact. __________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 28. What kinds of thoughts please and displease God? To what extent do your thoughts please God? __________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 29. How does a greedy man bring trouble to his family? How are bribes related to the subject of verse 27? _______________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 30. Contrast the heart of the righteous with the mouth of the wicked. ___ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________



31. From whom does God stay far away? Whose prayers does God hear? _____________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

32. What brings “health to the bones”? What is the meaning of this expression? What brings joy to the heart? How does it have this effect? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 33. What is a wise thing to do? See verse 31. _____________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 34. Who despises himself? How can a person gain understanding. ____ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 35. What teaches a person wisdom? Define fear as used in verse 33. What comes before honor? ____________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________



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