Proverbs 15

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

Proverbs 15:2 "The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness."

Proverbs 15:3 "The eyes of the LORD [are] in every place, beholding the evil and the good."

Proverbs 15:4 "A wholesome tongue [is] a tree of life: but perverseness therein [is] a breach in the spirit."

Proverbs 15:5 "A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent."

Proverbs 15:6 "In the house of the righteous [is] much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble."

Proverbs 15:7 "The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish [doeth] not so."

It takes two people to have an argument. We see that we must answer softly. The worst thing we can do is pout and not talk. Perhaps, we should silently pray a few minutes and then answer quietly. Screaming never accomplishes anything. It just causes a fight.   The tongue is a mighty weapon. The wise are very careful about what they say. They choose their words carefully. A fool blurts out whatever comes to mind.  Words can destroy or words can heal.    A fool will not accept instruction, especially from his father.      A person who takes instructions well will be saved much pain and suffering. He learns from others' mistakes and doesn't have to pay for each mistake himself.

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

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

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

Proverbs 15:16 "Better [is] little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith."

Proverbs 15:17 "Better [is] a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith."

 If your heart is merry, your eyes will sparkle and there will be a big smile on your face. When the heart is sorrowful, the eyes are dull, and a big frown is on the face.   Real happiness is always determined by the state of the heart.   Happiness is what we are all looking for, not some special food.

Proverbs 15:26 "The thoughts of the wicked [are] an abomination to the LORD: but [the words] of the pure [are] pleasant words."

Proverbs 15:32 "He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding."

Proverbs 15:33 "The fear of the LORD [is] the instruction of wisdom; and before honour [is] humility."

Jesus taught that sin occurs first in the heart and thought.      Sin separates us from God. Some have taken this Scripture to mean that God will not hear the prayer of the sinful man. Judge for yourselves from the following scriptures.    John 9:31 "Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth."     If we have Jesus in our heart, we have His Light shining within us.   A person who refuses to be taught is hurting himself more than anyone else.   If we fear (respect) Him, our desire will be to please him. This fear actually means we will love Him and respect Him and do everything we can do to obey His commandments and the things He has told us to do (through Jesus) in the New Testament.