The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's not just about what the wise say, but how they "use knowledge aright"—meaning they present it with skill, timing, and grace, making wisdom attractive. Fools, however, just "pour out" their folly, without regard for impact or appropriateness, like an uncontrolled flood.
The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This proverb immediately follows a chapter contrasting the ways of the wise and the foolish, setting up a theme of proper speech. It directly precedes verses emphasizing the importance of a gentle response and a wholesome tongue, which further highlights how speech, whether wise or foolish, has significant consequences. Therefore, the verse is situated within a broader discussion on the character and impact of words, underscoring the contrast between thoughtful, beneficial communication and thoughtless, harmful talk.
We all have knowledge, but how do we share it? This verse reveals a profound difference between sharing wisdom and just talking.
Proverbs 15:2 contrasts how the wise and fools use their words. The wise person doesn't just have knowledge; they 'commend' it. This means they present it in a way that is fitting, opportune, and beautiful – making wisdom itself attractive and understandable.
The Wise Speaker:
Think of a skilled gardener who knows exactly where and when to plant seeds for the best harvest. The wise communicator cultivates understanding through thoughtful speech.
Have you ever encountered someone whose words just seem to spew out without thought? There's a stark picture here of what happens when foolishness takes over.
The 'mouths of fools pour out folly' is a vivid image. It's not a gentle sharing, but an uncontrolled gushing, like a burst pipe or an overflowing pot.
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The Foolish Speaker:
This isn't just about saying silly things; it’s about a fundamental lack of control and discernment in speech that actively spreads confusion and harm.
Understand the original words
lashon · Hebrew Noun
The organ of speech, frequently used in Proverbs to symbolize the source of wisdom or folly and the moral state of the heart.
chakam · Hebrew Noun
One who possesses godly insight, moral discernment, and the ability to apply divine truth to life.
da'at · Hebrew Noun
Facts, understanding, and discernment; in wisdom literature, it specifically refers to the knowledge of God and His ways.
evil · Hebrew Noun
One who lacks moral and spiritual discernment, rejecting God's wisdom and choosing to follow his own way.
iwwelet · Hebrew Noun
Stupidity, moral thoughtlessness, or lack of wisdom; the state of rejecting godly instruction.
This passage echoes Proverbs 15:2 by emphasizing the importance of careful listening and thoughtful speech, highlighting how wisdom is found in being 'quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.'
Colossians 4:6This verse offers a direct parallel to the wise use of speech mentioned in Proverbs, urging believers to let their 'speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.'
Matthew 12:36-37Jesus directly addresses the consequence of our words, stating that 'people will give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned,' underscoring the profound impact of both wise and foolish speech.
Proverbs 10:19This verse from Proverbs itself reinforces the core idea of Proverbs 15:2, contrasting the benefit of restraint in speech ('When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent') with the dangers of excess.
Ecclesiastes 5:3This passage speaks to the folly of excessive talk, warning that 'a dream comes with much business, and a fool’s voice with many words,' aligning with the idea that fools 'pour out folly.'
pulpitProverbs 15:2: "The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness."
Verse 2. - The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright. This means either, brings it forth opportunely, it the right time and place, or illustrates it, makes it beautiful and pleasant, as ver. 13. The wise man not only has knowledge, but can give it appropriate expression (comp. Proverbs 16:23). Vulgate, "The tongue of the wise adorneth wisdom." The wise man, by producing his senti…
cambridgeProverbs 15:2: "The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness."
2 . useth knowledge aright ] Or, uttereth , &c. R.V. Lit. maketh good knowledge , i.e. turns it to good account, makes the best of it. Comp. “they make goodly (lit. as here, make good) images or pillars,” Hosea 10:1 . The contrast is between the good use of knowledge which adds to its usefulness, and the reckless pouring forth of folly which increases its hurtfulness; between the pure…
It's not just about what the wise say, but how they "use knowledge aright"—meaning they present it with skill, timing, and grace, making wisdom attractive. Fools, however, just "pour out" their folly, without regard for impact or appropriateness, like an uncontrolled flood.
This proverb immediately follows a chapter contrasting the ways of the wise and the foolish, setting up a theme of proper speech. It directly precedes verses emphasizing the importance of a gentle response and a wholesome tongue, which further highlights how speech, whether wise or foolish, has significant consequences. Therefore, the verse is situated within a broader discussion on the character and impact of words, underscoring the contrast between thoughtful, beneficial communication and thoughtless, harmful talk.
This proverb immediately follows a chapter contrasting the ways of the wise and the foolish, setting up a theme of proper speech. It directly precedes verses emphasizing the importance of a gentle response and a wholesome tongue, which further highlights how speech, whether wise or foolish, has significant consequences. Therefore, the verse is situated within a broader discussion on the character and impact of words, underscoring the contrast between thoughtful, beneficial communication and thoughtless, harmful talk.
"The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly." — It's not just about what the wise say, but how they "use knowledge aright"—meaning they present it with skill, timing, and grace, making wisdom attractive. Fools, however, just "pour out" their fol…
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Last reviewed October 2026